THE UTILITY OF CASE-CONTROL METHODS FOR HEALTH-POLICY AND PLANNING ANALYSIS - AN ILLUSTRATION FROM KINSHASA, ZAIRE

Recent evaluation literature has highlighted the utility of the case-c ontrol study design for program evaluation research. To date, the emph asis has been on application of the methodology for impact evaluation purposes. Ho wever, the power, relative simplicity and cost-effectiven ess of the method make it an equally useful research tool for policy d evelopment and program planning analyses. This article illustrates the use of the case-control methodology as an applied policy/planning res earch tool in assessing the potential effectiveness of behavioral inte rventions in connection with diarrheal disease control programs in Kin shasa, Zaire.