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Evaluation of public health interventions from a complex systems perspective: A research methods review

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  • McGill, Elizabeth
  • Er, Vanessa
  • Penney, Tarra
  • Egan, Matt
  • White, Martin
  • Meier, Petra
  • Whitehead, Margaret
  • Lock, Karen
  • Anderson de Cuevas, Rachel
  • Smith, Richard
  • Savona, Natalie
  • Rutter, Harry
  • Marks, Dalya
  • de Vocht, Frank
  • Cummins, Steven
  • Popay, Jennie
  • Petticrew, Mark

Abstract

Applying a complex systems perspective to public health evaluation may increase the relevance and strength of evidence to improve health and reduce health inequalities. In this review of methods, we aimed to: (i) classify and describe different complex systems methods in evaluation applied to public health; and (ii) examine the kinds of evaluative evidence generated by these different methods.

Suggested Citation

  • McGill, Elizabeth & Er, Vanessa & Penney, Tarra & Egan, Matt & White, Martin & Meier, Petra & Whitehead, Margaret & Lock, Karen & Anderson de Cuevas, Rachel & Smith, Richard & Savona, Natalie & Rutter, 2021. "Evaluation of public health interventions from a complex systems perspective: A research methods review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 272(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:272:y:2021:i:c:s0277953621000290
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113697
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    3. Hosseinichimeh, Niyousha & MacDonald, Rod & Li, Kaigang & Fell, James C. & Haynie, Denise L. & Simons-Morton, Bruce & Banz, Barbara C. & Camenga, Deepa R. & Iannotti, Ronald J. & Curry, Leslie A. & Dz, 2022. "Mapping the complex causal mechanisms of drinking and driving behaviors among adolescents and young adults," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 296(C).

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