What are the components of a logic model?

• A. Inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes.
• B. Activities, outputs, outcomes, and financial cost.
• C. Resources, actions, outputs, and health impact.
• D. Inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact.

Answer: (D)

A logic model maps how a program uses resources to carry out activities, what those activities produce, and the changes that result for individuals or communities, ending with the long-term impact on health or well-being.

Inputs are the resources you invest—funding, staff, equipment, and materials. Activities are what you actually do with those resources—training sessions, services delivered, or programs implemented. Outputs are the direct products of those activities—number of sessions held, materials distributed, or participants served. Outcomes are the short- to intermediate changes that occur as a result—new knowledge, changes in behavior, improved health indicators. Impact is the long-term, population-level effect you aim for, such as reduced disease incidence or enhanced quality of life.

Including all five components reflects the full pathway from what you invest to the ultimate goal, which is why this option is the best. The other choices omit one or more elements or substitute nonstandard terms (for example, focusing on cost instead of inputs, or using a different label for long-term change), which leaves out essential pieces of how a program is planned and evaluated. For a concrete example, in a diabetes prevention program: inputs are funds and staff; activities are cooking classes; outputs are the number of classes held; outcomes are improved diet and increased physical activity; and impact is a lower rate of new diabetes cases in the community.