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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Karl E. Peace, PhD, FASA¹, James A. Hotz, MD², Diane M. Fletcher, MA, RN², Denise Ballard, MEd², and Charles J. Hardy, PhD¹. (1) Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, P.O. Box 8148-01, Statesboro, GA 30460, 912-486-7905, kpeace@georgiasouthern.edu, (2) Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition, P.O. Box 1962, Albany, GA 31702

A study to assess the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention versus a no intervention control in Southwest Georgia was designed jointly by the Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition and the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health. Control and Intervention Groups included residents in five of the 27 counties in SW GA. The 5 counties in each group were chosen to minimize differences between the two groups in terms of percent African American, Median Household Income, the number of persons per square mile, and total population, while ensuring that the counties chosen had the largest percentage African American, lowest median household income and were the most rural. Details of this ‘min-max' allocation scheme will be presented. The 'min-max' allocation scheme developed in this research selects as candidates those counties that are most underserved -- largest African American(AA) populations, lowest income (I) and most rural (R). Candidate counties are then assigned to two groups in such a way as to minimize differences between the groups in terms of these characteristics and also total population. The scheme is based on ranks and does not require sophisticated statistical methods.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Articulate the conceptual foundations of the min-max allocation scheme for selection of populations of study in public health behavioral research.
• Inasmuch as the allocation scheme is based on ranks and does not involve sophisticated statistical methods, the participant will be able to apply the fundamental strategies and techniques of the min-max allocation scheme in public health research.

Keywords: Behavioral Research, Methodology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered