Evidence based Medicine and Practice
Open Access

Evidence-based public health is the implementation and evaluation of effective policies and programs in public health through applying scientific principles, including systematic uses and appropriate use of behavioural science theory and planning models. Despite the many accomplishments of public health, a greater attention to evidence-based approaches is warranted. This article reviews the concepts of evidence-based public health (EBPH), on which formal discourse originated about a decade ago. Key components of EBPH include making decisions on the basis of the best available scientific evidence, using data and information systems systematically, applying program-planning frameworks, engaging the community in decision making, conducting sound evaluation, and disseminating what is learned.

Evidence-Based Public Health