A research strategy case study of alcohol and drug prevention by non-governmental organizations

• BackgroundAlcohol and drug prevention is high on the public health agenda in many countries. In Sweden in 2002 an innovative project portfolio including an integrated research and competence-building strategy for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) was designed by the National Board of Health and Welfare (NBHW).MethodsThe embedded case study includes 135 projects in 69 organizations and 14 in-depth process or effect studies. The data in the case study has been compiled using multiple methods - administrative data; interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions and seminars; and documentation of implementation; consultations with the NBHW and the NGOs; and a literature review. Annual reports have been submitted each year and three bi-national conferences Reflections on preventions have been held.ResultsA broad range of organizations have been included in the NBHW project portfolio. A minority of the project were run by Alcohol or drug organizations, while a majority has children or adolescents as target groups. In order to develop a trustful partnership between practitioners, national agencies and researchers a series of measures were developed and implemented: meeting with project leaders, project dialogues and consultations, competence strengthening, support to documentation, in-depth studies and national conferences. A common element was that the projects were program-driven and not research-driven interventions. The role of researchers as technical advisors was suitable for the fostering of a trustful partnership for research and development. The independence of the NGOs was regarded as important for the momentum in the project implementation. The research strategy also includes elements of participatory research.ConclusionsThis research strategy case study shows that it is possible to integrate research into alcohol and drug prevention programs run by NGOs, and thereby contribute to a more evidencebased practice. A core element is developing a trustful partnership between the researchers and the organizations. Moreover, the funding agency must acknowledge the importance of knowledge development and allocating resources to a research group that is capable of cooperating with practitioners and NGOs.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Folkhälsovetenskap, global hälsa, socialmedicin och epidemiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Public health

Folkhälsovetenskap

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

art (subject category)