Learning Objectives: Recognize barriers and solutions to developing process evaluations of tobacco programs in frontier environments.
Abstract:
Problem/Objective: A research team from the University of New Mexico Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention is conducting a process evaluation of youth driven tobacco control and prevention programs throughout the state of New Mexico (funded by a grant from the American Legacy Foundation). The objective of this presentation is to explain the process of organizing a Statewide process evaluation in New Mexico, a frontier state characterized by a unique history, low population density, scarce financial resources and a tri-ethnic population. These factors and others present unique challenges to programs forming to combat the influence of tobacco, and to public health researchers conducting evaluations of these programs. Therefore, a process evaluation must be adapted to extant conditions.
Methods: A conceptual framework designed to guide the investigation of Youth Development & Empowerment based programs was developed collaboratively with stakeholders, both youth and adults, through a nominal group process. Empowerment concepts such as those developed by Zimmerman (1995), Wallerstein (1992), Chinman and Linney (1998) Kim et. al (1998) also informed the conceptual framework.
Results: The framework remains flexible enough to incorporate evolving ideas about empowerment and cultural and regional differences. It is serving as a road map to plan, implement, and analyze the process evaluation. Preliminary results will be discussed.
Discussion: Barriers to program implementation and evaluation in a frontier state will be discussed. Together, previous research and local views of youth empowerment can be integrated to make an effective process evaluation. Youth involvement in study development is critical.
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