Contextual Assessment in Evaluation: Applying the Contextual Factors Framework to Inform the Findings of a Rural Health Promotion Program Evaluation

Capturing context in public health evaluation remains challenging despite its recognized importance. The contextual factors framework (CFF) offers potential support for this process, but real-world applications are limited. This study applied the CFF to conduct contextual assessment of a rural Australian health promotion grant program and explore its utility in this setting. An exploratory qualitative approach involved an in-depth contextual assessment guided by the CFF, drawing on stakeholder interviews and program documents, followed by a focus group with program staff to refine findings and discuss framework utility. The assessment identified contextual barriers (e.g., infrastructure limitations), facilitators (e.g., community volunteering culture), and improvement opportunities (e.g., enhanced program documentation). Staff reported that the CFF supported communication and planning but did not fully capture dynamic contextual interrelationships. These findings position the CFF as a structured and practical entry point for contextual assessment, while suggesting that complementary approaches may be useful for capturing evolving interconnections and power dynamics in rural health promotion settings.