Prevention and health promotion in school and community settings: a commentary on the international perspective

Abstract

Although somehow different in scale and scope the main public health problems adolescents currently face around the world are quite similar in nature. Therefore international comparisons in the field of health and preventive interventions are quite important. This article outlines some basic concepts used in the international field of adolescent health prevention and promotion with emphases on youth participation process evaluation and analyses of trends of behavior as means to assess both the impact of preventive activities and the influence of the norms and values of the surrounding society. Using examples in the areas of school health substance use and adolescent sexuality this article highlights the usefulness of research and intervention approaches that go beyond the traditional quantitative measures of efficiency and effectiveness. (excerpt)