Problems of evaluation: lessons from a Smokebusters campaign

This article addresses methodological and practical issues that arose during the evaluation of the Grampian Smokebusters Campaign. This longitudinal study started early in 1988, with a first follow-up in late-1989/early-1990, and a second follow-up in the Autumn of 1991. A number of problems became apparent and there are general lessons to be learnt from the attempts to deal with them. Before expanding on the evaluation problems, however, the principles and workings of this health promotion activity are briefly outlined.