Please delete my name from your list.

    Matthew F.S. Yip
>
> Some thoughts in response to Jiri's concerns about evidence-based health
> promotion...
>         I think that it is of prime importance that the goals and objectives o
f
> the program be clearly identified and that the evaluation strategies be
> carefully designed to assess the achievement of these.  Too often
> investigators just go on a fishing expedition and focus their report
> around any signficant findings they can come up with, even though these
> may have any relationship to the goals and objectives.
>         Working in the area of weight concerns, my pet peeves include
> reports that fail to consider long term effects and those that ignor
> their dropouts.
>         If we are going to offer programs to meet diverse needs, we are
> probably stuck with reliance on small convenience samples and cas
> studies.  These can be useful if one is stringent in generalizing,
> limiting this to groups/individuals with similar characteristics.  It is
> also essential that observations be carefully and consistently made.
> Once again, we must insist that the outcomes for all who started the
> program be reported.  Often it is only this kind of study that can
> provide the long term data that is needed.
>         I'll be interested in seeing other comments on evidence-based
> promotions. Ellen
>
> Ellen S. Parham, PhD, Rd
> Coordinator, Dietetics, Nutrition, and Food Systems
> Department of Human and Family Resources
> Northern Illinois University
> DeKalb, Illinois 60115-2854
> 815-753-6333   FAX 815-753-1321   [log in to unmask]
>