The Application of Logical Framework Matrix for Health Education and Health Promotion Program Formulation

Abstract

Logical Framework (Log frame) or Project Planning Matrix (PPM) is a useful planning tool for
program planner. It is a presentation of the whole plan in a single “four by four” matrix, provides a
summary of what the plan is expected to achieve, how they will be achieved, what are objectively
verifiable indicators to assess the achievement, where to get data to do the assessment, and which
factors are essential for the success of the plan. Since the origin of logical framework was not
developed for health program, the following aspects should be considered.
First, the hierarchy of objectives in the Narrative Summary column that consist of Input,
Output, Purpose, and Goal should be adapted as Strategies, Specific Objectives, General Objectives,
and Goal that should be more comprehend for health program planner.
Second, the concept of the four levels of health program products can be used to define the
objectives as follows: the morbidity and mortality rate (public health impact) and health risk factors
such as BMI, blood sugar level, stress (individual health impact) will be set as “Goal”; health risk
factors commonly are health risk behaviors (causes of health) can be specified as “General
Objectives”; and factors influencing health behavior (underlying factors) namely predisposing,
enabling and reinforcing factors can be specified as “Specific Objective”.
Third, the concept of one “Goal” one “Purpose” could not be applied to health program
planning, since a health problem is influenced by more than one causes either by environmental or
behavioral factors or both and they are interrelated, therefore one goal of health program can has
more than one general objectives.
Fourth, goal of health program must be related to the target group that usually is
categorized as “risk group” or “sick group” and what health problem they are facing either infectious
disease or non-infectious disease or chronic disease.
Fifth, health education strategies must be corresponded to underlying factors of the
behavioral or environmental causes (specific objectives).
Sixth, the logical relation of hierarchy of objectives and health education strategies in the
Narrative Summary column must be reviewed using “How” question. For example, how the prediabetes risk group can control their blood sugar level? (program goal). The answer will be program
general objectives such as consume less sweet food, doing exercise regularly, etc.