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 of 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]