Use of program evaluation in community youth tobacco cessation programs

Objective: To examine the inclusion of program evaluation components in a national sample of youth tobacco cessation programs. Methods: Program administrators were interviewed to ascertain program characteristics associated with the inclusion of program evaluation components. Results: Two thirds of all surveyed programs (n=591) had an evaluation component; most included attendance, user satisfaction, and quitting measures. Programs with an evaluation component were significantly more likely to report annual funding greater than the median and to conduct a follow-up with participants. Conclusion: Program characteristics and associated evaluation components are summarized, and recommendations are given for a minimal level of program evaluation planning.