Capacity building for health promotion and drug prevention in Croatia

Abstract

Aim Drug abuse, addictions, and drug-related crime represent one of the major and still rising problems in Croatia. Following the epidemic breakthrough in the 1990s, a system of prevention and treatment has developed. The aim of this paper is to analyze substance abuse in Croatia and its prevention capacities and practice for dealing with the problem. It analyzes possibilities for capacity building for health promotion and drug prevention in Croatia. Subject and methods This problem analysis and need assessment is based on a planned change model widely used for health promotion planning and development of preventive or health promotion interventions. It includes four subanalyses: problem description, analysis of determinants, network and context analysis, and capacities analysis. Results Croatian prevention practice lacks a comprehensive and science-based approach in planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of prevention programs. Although our institutional infrastructure is growing, professionals working with young people still lack specific and up-to-date knowledge and skills in mental health promotion and drug prevention to tackle the problem effectively. Conclusion To improve prevention practice, a capacity building action is necessary. A postgraduate course on health promotion and drug prevention can boost our professional capacities and stimulate development of the academic field at the University of Rijeka.