Which focus is primarily concerned with long-term changes in the target population?

Which focus is primarily concerned with long-term changes in the target population?

• A. Process evaluation
• B. Outcome evaluation
• C. Economic evaluation
• D. Formative evaluation

Answer: (B)

Focusing on long-term changes in the target population means measuring the actual effects the program has on people after some time has passed. This is about outcomes—changes in health status, behaviors, or social conditions that persist beyond the initial implementation period. Outcome evaluation asks whether the program produced these lasting benefits for the population it aims to help, which is why it’s the best fit for this item. In contrast, process evaluation looks at how the program was delivered—fidelity, reach, and quality of implementation. Formative evaluation concentrates on planning and refining the program during development. Economic evaluation examines costs and value, such as cost-effectiveness.

Focusing on long-term changes in the target population means measuring the actual effects the program has on people after some time has passed. This is about outcomes—changes in health status, behaviors, or social conditions that persist beyond the initial implementation period. Outcome evaluation asks whether the program produced these lasting benefits for the population it aims to help, which is why it’s the best fit for this item.

In contrast, process evaluation looks at how the program was delivered—fidelity, reach, and quality of implementation. Formative evaluation concentrates on planning and refining the program during development. Economic evaluation examines costs and value, such as cost-effectiveness.