Strengthening a Culture of Prevention in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Balancing Scientific Expectations and Contextual Realities.

Journal: Prevention science : the official journal of the Society for Prevention Research

Volume: 22

Issue: 1

Year of Publication: 2021

Affiliated Institutions:  Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, San Jacinto Blvd., Stop, D, Austin, TX, , USA. rparra@austin.utexas.edu. Research Institute of Child Development and Education & Research Priority Area YIELD, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Panama City, Panama. George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA. Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico. Centre for Evidence Based Early Intervention, Department of Psychology, Bangor University, Bangor, UK. Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. Division of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. Regional Instituto for the Family (IREFFAM), Chihuahua, Mexico. Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, USA.

Abstract summary 

Relevant initiatives are being implemented in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) aimed at strengthening a culture of prevention. However, cumulative contextual factors constitute significant barriers for implementing rigorous prevention science in these contexts, as defined by guidelines from high-income countries (HICs). Specifically, disseminating a culture of prevention in LMICs can be impacted by political instability, limited health coverage, insecurity, limited rule of law, and scarcity of specialized professionals. This manuscript offers a contribution focused on strengthening a culture of prevention in LMICs. Specifically, four case studies are presented illustrating the gradual development of contrasting prevention initiatives in northern and central Mexico, Panamá, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiatives share the common goal of strengthening a culture of prevention in LMICs through the dissemination of efficacious parenting programs, aimed at reducing child maltreatment and improving parental and child mental health. Together, these initiatives illustrate the following: (a) the relevance of adopting a definition of culture of prevention characterized by national commitments with expected shared contributions by governments and civil society, (b) the need to carefully consider the impact of context when promoting prevention initiatives in LMICs, (c) the iterative, non-linear, and multi-faceted nature of promoting a culture of prevention in LMICs, and (d) the importance of committing to cultural competence and shared leadership with local communities for the advancement of prevention science in LMICs. Implications for expanding a culture of prevention in LMICs are discussed.

Authors & Co-authors:  Parra-Cardona Rubén R Leijten Patty P Lachman Jamie M JM Mejía Anilena A Baumann Ana A AA Amador Buenabad Nancy G NG Cluver Lucie L Doubt Jenny J Gardner Frances F Hutchings Judy J Ward Catherine L CL Wessels Inge M IM Calam Rachel R Chavira Victoria V Domenech Rodríguez Melanie M MM

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Achenbach TM, & Rescorla LA (2001). Manual for the ASEBA school-age forms & profiles. Burlington, VT: University of Vermont, Research Center for Children, Youth, & Families.
Authors :  15
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1007/s11121-018-0935-0
SSN : 1573-6695
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Africa South of the Sahara
Other Terms
Culture of prevention;International prevention science;Low- and middle-income countries
Study Design
Case Study,Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
United States