BACKGORUND: Infrastructural support has become a critical factor in the implementation of prevention at the regional and national level. The complexity of risk behaviour prevention requires a diverse and systematic approach.

AIM: This case study aims to describe an example of a structured national digital infrastructural support system for school- and community-based prevention.

METHODS: The case study is based on a qualitative analysis of published documents, studies, and grey literature, together with a descriptive analysis of the iPREV Alpha version, tested and operated in 2021–2025...

The school-based drug prevention training program under study is about the combined use of an online learning format and a traditional face-to-face session. This study aims to identify the factors that facilitated or impeded the successful implementation of a hybrid learning approach. Twelve faculty and staff members at a university completed the e-course, which was designed to last 10 weeks and was delivered via the HeK platform. The in-person class, on the other hand, was designed and implemented by the master trainers. Results show a significant, moderate increase in participants’ scores...

Protecting young people from substance use and crime: building safer communities and pathways to support

Young people's involvement in substance use and crime cannot be understood without considering the environments in which they grow up. Family circumstances, social connections, exposure to violence and access to opportunities can influence vulnerability, while supportive relationships, education and community engagement can help protect young people and create pathways towards healthier futures.

These issues were explored during Addressing Youth Substance Use and Crime: Risk Factors and...

INTRODUCTION: This study explores the perspectives of Czech practitioners on sexuality education (SE) for upper primary school students (ISCED level 2). It focuses on the topics they consider relevant, including those currently underrepresented in school curricula as well as the approaches and methods they apply in practice. The framework of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is used as a lens for interpreting their experiences and practices.

METHODS: Fourteen practitioners participated in two semi-structured focus groups (n = 4 per group, 8 in total) and six individual interviews...

Overview

As part of the QualityRights Initiative, WHO has developed a comprehensive package of training and guidance materials. The materials can be used to build capacity among mental health practitioners, people with psychosocial, intellectual and cognitive disabilities, people using mental health services, families, care partners and other supporters, nongovernmental organizations, organizations of persons with disabilities and others on how to implement a human rights and recovery approach in the area of mental health in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with...

INTRODUCTION: The addiction workforce encompasses a diverse group of professionals across various sectors, such as prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Training for this workforce is highly variable both at local and international levels, influenced by differences in drug policies, regulatory frameworks, and educational systems across regions. The need for a more holistic and inclusive competency framework has become increasingly apparent to address these disparities.

METHODS: This article draws on insights from a transdisciplinary team involved in the WAVE (Workforce...

INTRODUCTION:

Addiction studies programmes are very diverse around the world. To respond to the public health perspective needs to decrease problems related to drug use, empowering the addiction workforce in a sustainable way is a relevant pathway. The main aim of the study was to describe and compare successfully running academic master’s programmes in addictions with proven sustainability and to find key supporting factors of these programmes.

METHODS:

The study was conducted in 2022-2023 with selected master’s-level study programmes in addictions actively participating in...

The Introduction to Evidence Based Prevention (INEP) provides learners with the essential principles of substance use prevention. Developed by Charles University (CUNI) in Prague, the course content is based on the European adaptation of the Universal Prevention Curriculum.

With the support of Charles University, INEP Plus was developed by ISSUP to add value to the INEP content by providing training of facilitators from its National Chapters who could then offer INEP Plus courses in country for beginners in prevention. This course offers participants the flexibility to engage in online...

BACKGROUND: Drug dependence is a public health problem that requires trained professionals to effectively address this issue. The aim of this study was to analyse postgraduate university training programs specialising in addictions in Spain.

METHODS: An exhaustive review of the scientific literature was conducted, and information was collected on university training programs specialising in addictions in Spain. A descriptive documentary analysis of the curricula of Master’s and other postgraduate degrees at Spanish universities was performed. Postgraduate and continuing education programs...