Examining the implementation of the Icelandic model for primary prevention of substance use in a rural Canadian community: a study protocol

Abstract

Background: The Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) is a collaborative upstream model that was designed to influence risk and protective factors related to substance use within the community, school, peer and family contexts. By engaging whole communities, the IPM has been found to be effective in reducing youth substance use behaviours across Iceland. As an extension to the IPM's participatory approach, this research will examine how youth involvement can enhance outcomes. In addition, this research will evaluate whether the IPM approach is beneficial for mental health promotion and general youth wellbeing. Methods: The present research protocol applies the bioecological model within a participatory mixed-method case study design to examine the implementation of the IPM in a rural community in Canada. This study was designed to identify whether the Icelandic substance use prevention model is effective in reducing substance use and promoting mental health and development for Canadian youth. It will also explore how to engage youth within the approach and how this adaptation influences implementation and outcomes. Discussion: The findings from this study will contribute to our understanding of upstream prevention of youth substance use and will be used to support scaling of the IPM across Canada.

Building engagement to support adoption of community-based substance use prevention initiatives

“…This research is part of a larger evaluation that applies mixed methods to examine the adaptation, implementation and impact of the IPM within a rural community in Canada (see [ 47 ]. The study is guided by a pragmatic research paradigm (see [ 48 ].…”

“…We apply a case study approach, including participant observation and qualitative interviews, to explore strategies to support uptake in the early stages of community engagement. This paper describes findings derived from semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders [ 47 ].…”

Implications of time and space factors related with youth substance use prevention: a conceptual review and case study of the Icelandic Prevention Model being implemented in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

“…This study is a component of a larger mixed methods case study that was guided by a pragmatic research paradigm and designed to examine the implementation and impact of the IPM within Lanark County (see Halsall et al, 2020 ; Halsall, et al, forthcoming ). Data were collected through semi-structured qualitative interviews with PYLC Steering Committee members.…”

“…First, it presents a review of research related to the bioecological model (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006 ) that highlights the concepts of time and space to examine risk and protective factors that influence substance use in young people. Second, it presents findings from a larger case study examining the implementation of the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM; Halsall et al, 2020 ) within a rural community in Canada that explores issues related with time and space use and how they influence youth development and substance use behaviours. These findings also offer a glimpse into the realities of the community experience of the pandemic and perceptions of the related impacts that may influence youth and community wellbeing in the future.…”

Mental health and well-being for the prevention of substance use disorders

“…The model has been successfully implemented among rural communities[ 79 , 80 ] and across diverse geographical settings,[ 81 ] including in lower- and middle-income countries, such as Chile. [ 82 ]…”