groupshelped

Groupshelped is a term used in program evaluation and social research to designate the set of groups that have received assistance or benefited from a particular intervention. The term is often used in datasets and reports to distinguish those who were targeted or reached from those who were not. Depending on context, "groupshelped" can refer to demographic clusters (for example, by age, gender, ethnicity), geographic units (neighborhoods, districts), institutional groups (schools, clinics), or combinations thereof. In reporting, it is usually paired with a corresponding variable such as "groupsnothelped" or "treatment" and "control" to support comparisons of outcomes.

Data collection for the variable typically relies on program records, service delivery logs, beneficiary surveys, and administrative datasets. Key metrics include reach (what share of the target population is designated as helped), intensity (level or duration of aid), and outcomes (changes in health, education, income, or other indicators). Analysts may stratify results by subgroups to assess equity of access and differential impact.

Applications include evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of interventions, informing policy design, and ensuring accountability to funders and communities. Limitations include potential misclassification of beneficiaries, changing definitions over time, and privacy concerns related to labeling groups. Ethical practice emphasizes anonymization and careful communication to avoid stigmatization.

See also: beneficiaries, program evaluation, impact assessment, equity in access.