What defines an outcome objective?

• A. The level to which a health problem is to be reduced as a result of an intervention.
• B. The long-term budgets for health programs.
• C. A list of program outputs.
• D. The number of personnel assigned to a project.

Answer: (A)

An outcome objective describes the expected change in health status or behavior that the program aims to achieve as a result of its activities. It specifies a target improvement or reduction in a health problem, often expressed as a percent change, a rate, or a measurable indicator, and usually with a timeframe. For example, aiming to reduce new cases of a disease by 20% in three years or to raise vaccination coverage to 95% within two years are outcome objectives because they describe the health impact you want to realize after the intervention.

This differs from budgets, which focus on money and resources allocated; a list of outputs, which are the concrete products or services produced (like clinics opened or trainings delivered); and the number of personnel assigned, which concerns staffing levels. Those elements concern what the program does or what it costs, not the health outcome you intend to change.