Strengthening a Culture of Prevention in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Balancing Scientific Expectations and Contextual Realities
Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: 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.
Source: Prevention Science
Institutions: The University of Texas at Austin, University of Amsterdam, University of Oxford, MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Washington University in St. Louis, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, University of Cape Town, Bangor University, University of Manchester, Utah State University
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,790
Funders: Leverhulme Trust, National Institutes of Health, Medical Research Council, European Research Council, John Fell Fund, University of Oxford, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Awards: G226619634, G4312444426, G5070924609, G708721562, G7178481276, Washington University Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Strengthening Hispanic Families via NIDA Prevention Science, Testing Relevance and Efficacy in a Culturally Adapted Parenting Program, Population Research Center, Implementation Research Institute for Mental Health Services IRI-MHS, Washington University Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences
OpenAlex ID: W2886487342