Volume 29, Issue 5: October, 2002

Abstract

Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Methods to Assess the Impact of Child Survival Programs in Developing Countries: The Case of a Program Evaluation in Ceara, Northeast Brazil

Ana Cristina Lindsay, DDS, MPH, DrPH

In evaluating public health programs, the tradition has been to design quantitative approaches, relying on epidemiological and statistical techniques to determine if and to what extent a program has an effect on a predetermined targeted population. More recently, however, qualitative methods such as rapid ethnographic assessments and focus groups have been implemented more frequently. This article describes an outcome evaluation of a community health workers program that integrated quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the impact of child survival interventions in reducing infant mortality and inadequate weight gain in children among municipalities in the state of Ceara, Northeast Brazil. By using multiple methods that combine quantitative and qualitative components, researchers can broaden their understanding of complex public health issues and direct use of data for decision making.