Prioritization methods for HIV community planning.

Since 1994, community planning groups (CPGs) have played an important role in shaping local HIV prevention efforts. The community planning process requires CPGs to prioritize HIV prevention interventions and unmet needs among at-risk populations. This article describes and compares four prioritization methods: (1) the ranking method, (2) Holtgrave's method, (3) Kaplan's method, and (4) a novel utility-based prioritization method. These methods are compared in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and political feasibility. The methods described here are meant to assist CPGs in the difficult prioritization task by helping CPG members organize their thoughts in the prioritization process.