Bridges in Prevention: a community-based multi-component intervention model

Preventive intervention in the area of addictive behaviours is based on evidence based, guaranteeing the principles of continuity, intensity, interactivity, comprehensive and evaluation. In this communication, we are going to present a community-based multi-component intervention model in which, based on the initiative of a local entity, it was possible to continue and extend the intervention to various entities, which intersect in their functions in the community. In this way, it was possible to intervene with different target groups with structured and evaluated interventions

In a vulnerable community context, targeted with harm reduction interventions, a training action on prevention was organized, open to the various entities of this community. In the context of training, an assessment of preventive intervention needs was carried out. A multi-component intervention (information and development of personal and social skills) was initiated, covering several entities.

In the following years, the intervention was continued and allowed to involve new entities, expand the multicomponent perspective (informative, regulatory, personal and social skills, intervention with families) and carry out multilevel interventions - environmental, universal, selective and indicated - achieving a much greater coverage of the territory and the target population.

There are some obstacles that affect the multicomponent community-based intervention, among them: changes in technicians, covid pandemic, unrealistic expectations. Even so, a community-based multi-component intervention easily meets the conditions to increase the impact of the intervention when: • The first experience is positive for the participants, and the stakeholders recognize positive changes in the target groups • there are recognized professional resources in the area of prevention; • there are available and validated intervention methodologies; • ongoing monitoring of projects is guaranteed and .