Abstract

CRUZ, Marly Marques da; SANTOS, Elizabeth Moreira dos  and  MONTEIRO, Simone. Evaluation of STD/AIDS prevention programs: a review of approaches and methodologies. Cad. Saúde Pública [online]. 2007, vol.23, n.5, pp. 995-1003. ISSN 0102-311X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2007000500002.

The article presents a review of approaches and methodologies in the evaluation of STD/AIDS prevention programs, searching for theoretical and methodological support for the institutionalization of evaluation and decision-making. The review included the MEDLINE, SciELO, and ISI Web of Science databases and other sources like textbooks and congress abstracts from 1990 to 2005, with the key words: "evaluation", "programs", "prevention", "STD/AIDS", and similar terms. The papers showed a predominance of quantitative outcome or impact evaluative studies with an experimental or quasi-experimental design. The main use of evaluation is accountability, although knowledge output and program improvement were also identified in the studies. Only a few evaluative studies contemplate process evaluation and its relationship to the contexts. The review aimed to contribute to the debate on STD/AIDS, which requires more effective, consistent, and sustainable decisions in the field of prevention.

Keywords : Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Program Evaluation; Disease Prevention.