Fidelity of implementation of Reptes, an alcohol and cannabis selective prevention program for youngsters.

OBJECTIVE: Implementation fidelity is a key dimension in process evaluation but has been scarcely studied. Reptes is a selective alcohol and cannabis use prevention program performed in vulnerable young people (16-21 years) from different educational and leisure settings. The study aimed to describe the components of this program, its implementation fidelity, and satisfaction among participants and facilitators. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Implementation fidelity was assessed in terms of adherence, dose, participant responsiveness, and quality of the intervention through self-reports completed by 15 facilitators and self-administered questionnaires by 99 youth from the 15 groups completing the program. RESULTS: 70.7% of the groups performed 30 of the 43 planned activities with high use of various teaching methods, except for Information and Communication Technology resources. Fidelity implementation was above 70%. 2/3 groups completed an acceptable intervention and 1/3 completed a qualified intervention. Satisfaction was higher than 7. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show high implementation fidelity and satisfaction compared with those from similar studies.

[Strategy for the promotion of equitable and healthy relationships in educational centers in Barcelona]. / Estrategia de promoción de relaciones equitativas y saludables en centros educativos de Barcelona.

The educational system is one of the most powerful agents of socialization; it can contribute to perpetuate the gender system and tolerance towards violence or on the contrary, to reduce violence by promoting more equitable and healthy relationship models. The Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona set out to design a strategy to prevent violence by promoting equitable and healthy relationships at different educational levels in schools in the city of Barcelona. The objective of this article is to present the process of developing this strategy. They characteristics are: (1) use of a participatory approach to ensure the quality and coherence of the process; (2) creation of a theoretical framework for the strategy; (3) use of the intervention mapping methodology as a strategy for the diagnosis, planning, design, development and evaluation of interventions to promote equitable and healthy relationships; and (4) adaptation or design and evaluation of different programs to incorporate different educational stages. It is argued that the strategy designed is considered adequate because it plans interventions to promote equitable and healthy relationships framed within a global educational strategy that starts in the early stages of early childhood education and is continued in all compulsory educational stages. This strategy is based on a conceptual framework that takes into account the determinants and social inequalities in health and promotes an approach based on the promotion of health assets and the use of participatory methodologies.

Estrategia de promoción de relaciones equitativas y saludables en centros educativos de Barcelona / Strategy for the promotion of equitable and healthy relationships in educational centers in Barcelona

El sistema educativo es uno de los agentes de socialización más potentes. Puede contribuir a perpetuar el sistema de género o por el contrario reducir la violencia mediante la promoción de modelos de relación más equitativos y saludables. La Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona se propuso diseñar una estrategia de prevención de la violencia mediante la promoción de las relaciones equitativas y saludables en los diferentes niveles educativos de los centros educativos de la ciudad de Barcelona. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar el proceso de desarrollo de esta estrategia. Sus características son: 1) utilización de un enfoque participativo para garantizar la calidad y la coherencia del proceso; 2) creación de un marco teórico para la estrategia; 3) utilización de la metodología de mapeo de intervenciones como estrategia para el diagnóstico, la planificación, el diseño, el desarrollo y la evaluación de las intervenciones de promoción de relaciones equitativas y saludables; y 4) adaptación o diseño y evaluación de diversos programas para incorporar a las diferentes etapas educativas. Se argumenta que la estrategia diseñada se considera adecuada porque planea las intervenciones de promoción de relaciones equitativas y saludables enmarcadas en una estrategia educativa global que se inicie en etapas tempranas de la educación infantil y se continúe en todas las etapas educativas obligatorias. Esta estrategia se basa en un marco conceptual que tiene en cuenta los determinantes y las desigualdades sociales en la salud, y que promueve un enfoque basado en la promoción de activos en salud y el uso de metodologías participativas. (AU)

The educational system is one of the most powerful agents of socialization; it can contribute to perpetuate the gender system and tolerance towards violence or on the contrary, to reduce violence by promoting more equitable and healthy relationship models. The Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona set out to design a strategy to prevent violence by promoting equitable and healthy relationships at different educational levels in schools in the city of Barcelona. The objective of this article is to present the process of developing this strategy. They characteristics are: (1) use of a participatory approach to ensure the quality and coherence of the process; (2) creation of a theoretical framework for the strategy; (3) use of the intervention mapping methodology as a strategy for the diagnosis, planning, design, development and evaluation of interventions to promote equitable and healthy relationships; and (4) adaptation or design and evaluation of different programs to incorporate different educational stages. It is argued that the strategy designed is considered adequate because it plans interventions to promote equitable and healthy relationships framed within a global educational strategy that starts in the early stages of early childhood education and is continued in all compulsory educational stages. This strategy is based on a conceptual framework that takes into account the determinants and social inequalities in health and promotes an approach based on the promotion of health assets and the use of participatory methodologies. (AU)

Fidelity of implementation of Reptes, an alcohol and cannabis selective prevention program for youngsters / Fidelidad de implementación de Reptes, un programa de prevención selectiva del consumo juvenil de alcohol y cánnabis

Objective: Implementation fidelity is a key dimension in process evaluation but has been scarcely studied.Reptes is a selective alcohol and cannabis use prevention program performed in vulnerable young people(16-21 years) from different educational and leisure settings. The study aimed to describe the componentsof this program, its implementation fidelity, and satisfaction among participants and facilitators.Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Implementation fidelity was assessed interms of adherence, dose, participant responsiveness, and quality of the intervention through self-reportscompleted by 15 facilitators and self-administered questionnaires by 99 youth from the 15 groups com-pleting the program.Results: 70.7% of the groups performed 30 of the 43 planned activities with high use of various teachingmethods, except for Information and Communication Technology resources. Fidelity implementation wasabove 70%. 2/3 groups completed an acceptable intervention and 1/3 completed a qualified intervention.Satisfaction was higher than 7.Conclusions: Our results show high implementation fidelity and satisfaction compared with those fromsimilar studies.(AU)

Objetivo: La fidelidad en la implementación es una dimensión clave en el proceso de evaluación, pero hasido escasamente estudiada. Reptes es un programa de prevención selectiva del consumo de alcohol ycánnabis dirigido a jóvenes vulnerables (16-21a ˜nos) de diferentes espacios educativos y de ocio y tiempolibre. El estudio pretende describir los componentes de este programa, su fidelidad de implementacióny la satisfacción de los/las participantes y los/las facilitadores/as.Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal. La fidelidad de implementación fue valorada enclave de adherencia, dosis, capacidad de respuesta de los/las participantes y calidad de la interven-ción a través de los informes autocumplimentados por los/las 15 facilitadores/as del programa y loscuestionarios autocompletados por los/las 99 jóvenes de los 15 grupos que completaron el programa.Resultados: El 70,7% de los grupos realizaron 30 de las 43 actividades planificadas, con un uso elevado delas estrategias de aprendizaje, excepto para los recursos basados en las tecnologías de la información yla comunicación. La fidelidad de implementación se situó por encima del 70%. Dos tercios de los gruposcompletaron una intervención aceptable y un tercio completó una intervención cualificada. La satisfacciónse situó por encima de 7.Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados muestran una alta fidelidad en la implementación y la satisfacción encomparación con estudios similares.(AU)

La prevención universal del consumo de drogas en el entorno escolar: el valor de la monitorización continua / Universal prevention of substance use in school settings: the need for continuous monitoring

Este trabajo presenta la experiencia de gestión por los servicios de salud pública de la ciudad de Barcelona de dos programas de prevención universal del consumo de sustancias adictivas ofrecidos en educación secundaria, revisando el periodo de 1989-1990 a 2016-2017. Ambos programas mostraron su efectividad en evaluaciones con grupo de comparación, se promueven desde los servicios de salud pública de forma gratuita y son impartidos por los/las docentes usando manuales estandarizados, con material de apoyo y formación. La cobertura alcanzada en los últimos años ha bajado del 40% al 25% de las escuelas. Se observan cambios en la aceptación y la realización de los programas que podrían relacionarse con aspectos de seguimiento y logística de los servicios de salud pública, los cambios en la disponibilidad de sustancias psicoactivas y los recortes presupuestarios en educación. La monitorización de los programas efectivos por los servicios de salud pública es fundamental para preservar su realización. (AU)

This paper documents the management of two programs for the universal prevention of substance use offered in secondary schools by the public health services of the city of Barcelona, reviewing the period from 1989–1990 to 2016–2017. Both programs had proven effectiveness in evaluations with a comparison group, they are promoted by the public health agency free of cost, and are taught by teachers, using standardized manuals with support materials and training. The coverage achieved over recent years declined from 40% to 25%. Changes observed in the acceptance and implementation of these programs could be related with logistics and follow-up by the public health services, changes in substance availability, and with budget cuts in education. The monitoring of effective programs by public health services is essential to preserve their actual implementation. (AU)

[Universal prevention of substance use in school settings: the need for continuous monitoring]. / La prevención universal del consumo de drogas en el entorno escolar: el valor de la monitorización continua.

This paper documents the management of two programs for the universal prevention of substance use offered in secondary schools by the public health services of the city of Barcelona, reviewing the period from 1989-1990 to 2016-2017. Both programs had proven effectiveness in evaluations with a comparison group, they are promoted by the public health agency free of cost, and are taught by teachers, using standardized manuals with support materials and training. The coverage achieved over recent years declined from 40% to 25%. Changes observed in the acceptance and implementation of these programs could be related with logistics and follow-up by the public health services, changes in substance availability, and with budget cuts in education. The monitoring of effective programs by public health services is essential to preserve their actual implementation.

Three-Year Follow-Up of the POIBA Intervention on Childhood Obesity: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Childhood obesity has increased worldwide over the past four decades. This quasi-experimental study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a multicomponent and multilevel school-based intervention (POIBA) at 3 years of follow-up. The nutrition intervention focused on food groups, food pyramid, nutrients, portions, and balanced menus. In total, 3624 children participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements and information on food frequency and behavior, physical activity, and daily screen use were collected in the intervention (IG) and comparison group (CG). Positive unadjusted changes toward adherence to recommendations were found for water, meat, sweets, and fried potato consumption, proper breakfast, not having dinner in front of the TV, out-of-school physical activity, and daily screen use. Three scores were used to calculate the proportion of children making more than one change to improve healthy habits regarding physical activity (global Activity score), nutrition (global Nutrition score), and both (global score). Students exposed to the intervention had a significantly better global Activity score (16.2% IG vs. 11.9% CG; p = 0.012) and Global score (63.9% IG vs. 58.5% CG; p = 0.025). Intervention effects on obesity incidence at 3-year follow-up lost significance but maintained the positive trend. In conclusion, school-based interventions including a family component could be useful to address the childhood obesity problem.

Community-Based Interventions to Reduce Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol-Related Harm in Adults.

Alcohol consumption was associated with 3 million deaths worldwide in 2016. Although community action has proven to be effective and has become a priority area of the global strategy to reduce alcohol consumption, there is a gap in the knowledge of community interventions to reduce alcohol use among adults. This study aims to analyze the evidence on effective community-based interventions to reduce alcohol consumption and harm among adults and to identify their components and underlying theories. Search strategy involved five databases (January 2000-March 2020). We included multicomponent, evaluated, and community interventions addressing to adults in urban settings of high-income countries. Furthermore, two conceptual frameworks were adapted to identify the social determinants of alcohol related harms and modifiable factors through community interventions. The initial search yielded 164 articles. The final sample included eight primary studies. Six of them were effective and shared three components (community mobilization; law enforcement and media campaigns), they combined approaches at individual and environmental levels addressing structural determinants of health and some cultural aspects related to consumption. Health outcomes focused mainly on reducing consumption, modifying patterns and acute effects on health. Few studies addressed social problems arising from harmful consumption. This review has identified several effective community-based interventions to reduce harmful use of alcohol among adults as well as some mechanisms and theories supporting them. It also provides a framework to guide new designs, with potential evidence of factors, as well as possible combinations of methods to improve health at community level across different settings and contexts.

Evaluación de los comedores escolares de Barcelona / Evaluation of Barcelona school meals

INTRODUCCIÓN: la oferta de menús que se realiza en los comedores escolares es un área relevante para la prevención de la obesidad y la promoción de hábitos alimentarios saludables en la infancia y juventud. OBJETIVOS: el objetivo del estudio es describir y evaluar el cumplimiento de las frecuencias de consumo de alimentos en las programaciones de los menús escolares de Barcelona ciudad durante el curso académico 2018-19, así como evaluar la percepción de la utilidad de la estrategia y el seguimiento de la aceptación e implementación de las medidas de mejora sugeridas. MÉTODOS: se ofreció la revisión a 130 centros educativos que disponían de servicio de comedor. Aceptaron participar 116 centros (33266 alumnos). Se evaluó el cumplimiento de las frecuencias recomendadas por semana de distintos grupos de alimentos y las diferentes técnicas culinarias. Se elaboró un informe con sugerencias de mejora y se realizó un seguimiento a los 6 meses para verificar el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones y valorar la satisfacción y utilidad de la estrategia. RESULTADOS: el 82% de comedores escolares cumplían las frecuencias recomendadas de todos los grupos de alimentos en la composición que ofrecían. En todos los centros escolares se constató una mejora en el seguimiento en todos los parámetros y se valoró positivamente el informe con recomendaciones recibido. DISCUSIÓN: la desigual participación de los centros escolares según indicadores socioeconómicos de distritos de pertenencia nos indica la necesidad de garantizar la equidad en el acceso a menús más saludables. CONCLUSIONES: los menús evaluados cumplen con las frecuencias recomendadas de alimentos. Se apreció una gran adherencia de los centros escolares a la mejora de las recomendaciones propuestas y hubo una alta valoración de la estrategia

INTRODUCTION: the menus offer that is made in school canteens is a relevant area for the prevention of obesity and the promotion of healthy eating habits in childhood and youth. OBJECTIVES: the purpose of this study are: 1) to describe and evaluate the compliance of the frequencies of food consumption recommended by the guidelines in the school menus of Barcelona city during the academic course 2018-19; 2) to evaluate the perception of the usefulness of the strategy; and 3) the monitoring of the acceptance and the implementation of suggested improvement measures. METHODS: the revision was offered to 130 schools that had a canteen services and 116 schools accepted to participate (33266 students). Compliance with the recommended frequencies per week of diverse groups of food and the different culinary techniques was evaluated. A report with suggestions for improvement was elaborated and a follow-up was performed at 6 months to verify the compliance of the recommendations and to value the satisfaction and usefulness of the strategy. RESULTS: The 82% of the menus offered at the school canteens met the recommended frequencies for all the food groups. All the parameters were improved at the 6 months follow up. Schools also reported a high satisfaction with the recommendations received. DISCUSSION: the disparity participation of schools according to socioeconomic indicators of the district they belong to indicates the need to guarantee equity in access to healthy menus. CONCLUSIONS: The menus evaluated comply with the recommended food frequencies. A great adherence of the schools to the recommendations was perceived. Lastly, schools were highly satisfied with the strategy

Salud comunitaria confinada: reflexiones y experiencias desde la salud pública local / Confined community health: reflections and experiences from the local public health

Este artículo pretende compartir las reflexiones sobre la acción comunitaria en que la Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona ha estado involucrada en la emergencia de COVID-19. El trabajo realizado puede ordenarse en tres etapas, frecuentemente solapadas: detectar necesidades o problemas, e informar; contactar con las personas participantes y agentes territoriales para valorar qué hacer y cómo hacerlo; y adaptar las intervenciones a la "nueva normalidad" y generar respuestas con los activos comunitarios a las necesidades detectadas. Los problemas emergentes incluyeron: no poder realizar el confinamiento (por falta de casa, condiciones materiales, vivir en situación de violencia); brecha digital (falta de conocimientos, dispositivos, acceso a Wifi); mayor exposición al COVID-19 en los trabajos esenciales pero precarizados, feminizados y racializados (cuidados, limpieza, alimentación), frecuentes en los barrios en que trabajamos; barreras idiomáticas y culturales para seguir las recomendaciones; pérdida de empleo; ingresos insuficientes para cubrir necesidades básicas; dificultades de conciliación; aislamiento social; y deterioro de la salud emocional provocado por la situación. Durante el proceso, algunas intervenciones se adaptaron para continuar de forma telemática, y se intentaron cubrir las necesidades primarias sobre conocimientos y dispositivos de algunas personas participantes a través de las redes solidarias y recursos existentes. La acción comunitaria en salud, desde una mirada crítica, interseccional y local, mediante trabajo intersectorial y la participación de la comunidad, puede contribuir a: facilitar una respuesta adaptada al contexto en caso de crisis sanitaria y mitigar los efectos derivados de esta crisis económica y social

This paper aims to share the reflections related to the community actions in which the Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona has been involved during the emergency of COVID-19. The tasks carried out can be arranged in three stages, frequently overlapping: detection of needs and problems; contact with key stakeholders to assess what to do and how to do it; adaptation of the interventions to the "new normal" and generation of new responses. The emerging problems included: not being able to do the confinement (due to homelessness, material conditions, living in a situation of violence); digital gap (lack of knowledge, devices, access to Wifi); greater exposure to COVID-19 in the essential but precarious, feminized and racialized jobs (care, cleaning, food shops) that are the most frequent in the neighborhoods in where we work; language and cultural barriers that preclude to follow recommendations; to lose employment; insufficient income to cover basic needs; social isolation; and the deterioration of emotional health caused by the situation. During the process, some interventions were adapted to be delivered on-line. Solidarity networks and local resources were key to meet basic needs, but also other needs related to lack of digital knowledge or device. Community action in health, from a critical, intersectional and local perspective, and with intersectoral work and community participation, can contribute to: facilitate a contextualized response in the event of a health crisis; mitigate the effects derived from its economic and social crisis

The Incidence of Obesity, Assessed as Adiposity, Is Reduced After 1 Year in Primary Schoolchildren by the POIBA Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is becoming a serious problem, and prevention programs are needed. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate, after 1 y, the effectiveness of a multicomponent, school-based obesity intervention program. METHODS: This intervention, conducted in Barcelona, Spain, was a quasi-experimental obesity primary prevention intervention targeting schoolchildren aged 9-10 y. Participants were assigned to an intervention group (IG) (1464 students) or to a comparison group (CG) (1609 students). The intervention consisted of a 9-session classroom program, 6 weekly sessions of physical education and out-of-school physical activity, and a workshop for families. It lasted from October 2011 to May 2012. Data obtained at baseline (spring 2011) and follow-up (spring 2012) included information on nutrition and physical activity, through 2 self-reported questionnaires, and measurement of weight, height, triceps skinfold thickness, and waist circumference. The cumulative incidence rate (CIR) of obesity was calculated from triceps skinfold measures. A multilevel logistic regression model was fitted to determine the association between the intervention and the CIR of obesity. The effect size of the program was estimated with Cohen's criteria. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of obesity at baseline was 12.7%. At the 12-mo follow-up, the incidence of obesity was 7.8% in the IG compared with 11.4% in the CG (P < 0.005), representing 31% fewer new cases of obesity in the IG. The Cohen's d effect size of the program was 0.33. In the multilevel analysis, there was a protective effect of the intervention on the CIR of obesity at 12 mo (OR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5, 0.9) (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The first Prevención de la Obesidad Infantil en Barcelona (Childhood Obesity Prevention in Barcelona) (POIBA) intervention, targeting children aged 9-10 y, reduced the incidence of obesity as measured by adiposity. The intervention could prevent 1 in 3 new cases of childhood obesity in this age range.

[What works in selective prevention of alcohol and cannabis use among vulnerable young people?] / ¿Qué funciona en la prevención selectiva del consumo de alcohol y cánnabis en jóvenes vulnerables?

OBJECTIVE: Selective prevention tackle vulnerable factors associated to problem consumption and social exclusion. There are few effective programs in our context. Study aims were first to identify selective programs of alcohol and cannabis consumption for youths between 16-21, and second, to review intervention, evaluation and effects quality. METHODS: MEDLINE, PubMed, Google academics, EDDRA, SAMHSA, PBE and recommendations of PND were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were: 1) English/ Spanish programs, 2) publications <10 years, 3) target population 16- 21 years old 4) alcohol/ cannabis psicoeducational or socioeducational programs, 5) selective or selective/indicated programs and 6) evaluated programs. The description and quality of the intervention, its evaluation methods, and the presentation of its effects were assessed according to 20 criteria emerged from different recommendations. RESULTS: Fourteen programs followed the inclusion criteria, 10 of followed minimum quality intervention and evaluation criteria, however only 5 shown significant effects. Effective programs tackled negative emotions associated to consumption, promoted skills to cope it and reduce frequency of alcohol consumption, but rarely cannabis consumption. CONCLUSIONS: There are few selective prevention programs, and different studies shown that they have intervention or evaluation weaknesses, but mostly about program effects. The most effective are: PreVenture, The Climate Schools: Alcohol and Cannabis Course, Programa TND, Keepin' it REAL and Weekend is coming.

OBJETIVO: La prevención selectiva aborda los factores de vulnerabilidad asociados al consumo problemático y a la exclusión social. Existen pocos programas en nuestro entorno que sean efectivos. Los objetivos del estudio fueron primero identificar programas de prevención selectiva del consumo de alcohol/cannabis para jóvenes de 16 a 21 años y segundo, revisar la calidad de la intervención, la evaluación y los efectos generados. METODOS: Se revisaron las bases de datos MEDLINE, PubMed, Google académico, EDDRA, SAMHSA, PBE y las recomendaciones del Plan Nacional de Drogas. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: 1) programas en español/inglés, 2) publicaciones <10 años, 3) población diana 16- 21 años 4) programas psicoeducativos o socioeducativos de alcohol/cánnabis, 5) de prevención selectiva o selectiva/indicada y 6) que estuvieran evaluados. La descripción de las intervenciones y su calidad, sus métodos de evaluación y la presentación de los resultados y su eficacia fueron valorados de acuerdo a 20 criterios surgidos de diferentes recomendaciones. RESULTADOS: Catorce de los programas evaluados cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, 10 de ellos cumplieron los criterios de calidad mínimos respecto a la intervención y la evaluación, pero sólo 5 mostraron resultados. Los programas efectivos abordaron las emociones negativas asociadas al consumo, trabajando las habilidades para afrontarlo, y consiguieron reducir la frecuencia del consumo de alcohol, pero raramente de cánnabis. CONCLUSIONES: Existen pocos programas de prevención selectiva y diversos trabajos muestran las debilidades en la calidad de la intervención o la evaluación, pero sobre todo respecto a los efectos que generan. Los más efectivos han resultado ser PreVenture, The Climate Schools: Alcohol and Cannabis Course, Programa TND, Keepin' it REAL y Saluda al fin de semana.

El diagnóstico de salud del programa Barcelona Salut als Barris. Metodología para un proceso participativo / Community health assessment of the programme "Barcelona Health in the Neighbourhoods". Methodology for a participatory proces

Se describe la metodología usada en el diagnóstico de salud de un programa orientado a mejorar la salud en los barrios más desfavorecidos de la ciudad de Barcelona. En el proceso de diagnóstico se utiliza una metodología mixta (cuantitativa y cualitativa) para obtenera información sobre el estado de salud de la comunidad, sus determinantes y los recursos disponibles relacionados con la salud. Los datos cuantitativos corresponden a indicadores elaborados a partir de registros de diversas fuentes. La información cualitativa recoge las perspectivas de la comunidad mediante entrevistas, grupos focales y grupos nominales. Las diferentes formas de recogida de datos proporcionan una información más completa de la salud de la comunidad, de sus necesidades y de los recursos disponibles para afrontarlas. La participación comunitaria en el proceso fortalece los lazos entre la comunidad y los agentes implicados en las acciones para abordar los temas priorizados, y favorece su empoderamiento

This paper describes the methodology used for the assessment of health needs within a programme aimed at promoting health equity in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the city of Barcelona (Spain). The assessment process involves the use of mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) in order to obtain information regarding the health of the community, its determinants, and the availability of health-related assets. Quantitative data consists of indicators from different sources. Qualitative data collects the community's perspectives through interviews, focal groups and nominal groups. The combination of several data collection methods yields more complete information about the community, its needs and the resources available to meet them. Participation of community members in the process strengthens links between the community and the agents responsible for implementing the actions to address prioritised issues and favours community empowerment

A childhood obesity prevention programme in Barcelona (POIBA Project): Study protocol of the intervention.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity preventive interventions should promote a healthy diet and physical activity at home and school. This study aims to describe a school-based childhood obesity preventive programme (POIBA Project) targeting 8-to-12- year-olds. DESIGN AND METHODS: Evaluation study of a school-based intervention with a pre-post quasi-experimental design and a comparison group. Schools from disadvantaged neighbourhoods are oversampled. The intervention consists of 9 sessions, including 58 activities of a total duration between 9 and 13 hours, and the booster intervention of 2 sessions with 8 activities lasting 3 or 4 hours. They are multilevel (individual, family and school) and multicomponent (classroom, physical activity and family). Data are collected through anthropometric measurements, physical fitness tests and lifestyle surveys before and after the intervention and the booster intervention. In the intervention group, families complete two questionnaires about their children's eating habits and physical activity. The outcome variable is the cumulative incidence rate of obesity, obtained from body mass index values and body fat assessed by triceps skinfold thickness. The independent variables are socio-demographic, contextual, eating habits, food frequency, intensity of physical activity and use of new technologies. EXPECTED IMPACT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: It is essential to implement preventive interventions at early ages and to follow its effects over time. Interventions involving diet and physical activity are the most common, being the most effective setting the school. The POIBA Project intervenes in both the school and family setting and focuses on the most disadvantaged groups, in which obesity is most pronounced and difficult to prevent.

[Community health assessment of the programme "Barcelona Health in the Neighbourhoods". Methodology for a participatory process]. / El diagnóstico de salud del programa Barcelona Salut als Barris. Metodología para un proceso participativo.

This paper describes the methodology used for the assessment of health needs within a programme aimed at promoting health equity in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the city of Barcelona (Spain). The assessment process involves the use of mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) in order to obtain information regarding the health of the community, its determinants, and the availability of health-related assets. Quantitative data consists of indicators from different sources. Qualitative data collects the community's perspectives through interviews, focal groups and nominal groups. The combination of several data collection methods yields more complete information about the community, its needs and the resources available to meet them. Participation of community members in the process strengthens links between the community and the agents responsible for implementing the actions to address prioritised issues and favours community empowerment.

¿Qué funciona en la prevención selectiva del consumo de alcohol y cánnabis en jóvenes vulnerables? / What works in selective prevention of alcohol and cannabis use among vulnerable young people?

Fundamentos: La prevención selectiva aborda los factores de vulnerabilidad asociados al consumo problemático y a la exclusión social. Existen pocos programas en nuestro entorno que sean efectivos. Los objetivos del estudio fueron primero identificar programas de prevención selectiva del consumo de alcohol/cannabis para jóvenes de 16 a 21 años y segundo, revisar la calidad de la intervención, la evaluación y los efectos generados. Métodos: Se revisaron las bases de datos MEDLINE, PubMed, Google académico, EDDRA, SAMHSA, PBE y las recomendaciones del Plan Nacional de Drogas. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: 1) programas en español/inglés, 2) publicaciones <10 años, 3) población diana 16- 21 años 4) programas psicoeducativos o socioeducativos de alcohol/cánnabis, 5) de prevención selectiva o selectiva/indicada y 6) que estuvieran evaluados. La descripción de las intervenciones y su calidad, sus métodos de evaluación y la presentación de los resultados y su eficacia fueron valorados de acuerdo a 20 criterios surgidos de diferentes recomendaciones. Resultados: Catorce de los programas evaluados cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, 10 de ellos cumplieron los criterios de calidad mínimos respecto a la intervención y la evaluación, pero sólo 5 mostraron resultados. Los programas efectivos abordaron las emociones negativas asociadas al consumo, trabajando las habilidades para afrontarlo, y consiguieron reducir la frecuencia del consumo de alcohol, pero raramente de cánnabis. Conclusiones: Existen pocos programas de prevención selectiva y diversos trabajos muestran las debilidades en la calidad de la intervención o la evaluación, pero sobre todo respecto a los efectos que generan. Los más efectivos han resultado ser PreVenture, The Climate Schools: Alcohol and Cannabis Course, Programa TND, Keepin' it REAL y Saluda al fin de semana

Background: Selective prevention tackle vulnerable factors associated to problem consumption and social exclusion. There are few effective programs in our context. Study aims were first to identify selective programs of alcohol and cannabis consumption for youths between 16-21, and second, to review intervention, evaluation and effects quality. Methods: MEDLINE, PubMed, Google academics, EDDRA, SAMHSA, PBE and recommendations of PND were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were: 1) English/ Spanish programs, 2) publications <10 years, 3) target population 16- 21 years old 4) alcohol/ cannabis psicoeducational or socioeducational programs, 5) selective or selective/indicated programs and 6) evaluated programs. The description and quality of the intervention, its evaluation methods, and the presentation of its effects were assessed according to 20 criteria emerged from different recommendations. Results: Fourteen programs followed the inclusion criteria, 10 of followed minimum quality intervention and evaluation criteria, however only 5 shown significant effects. Effective programs tackled negative emotions associated to consumption, promoted skills to cope it and reduce frequency of alcohol consumption, but rarely cannabis consumption. Conclusions: There are few selective prevention programs, and different studies shown that they have intervention or evaluation weaknesses, but mostly about program effects. The most effective are: PreVenture, The Climate Schools: Alcohol and Cannabis Course, Programa TND, Keepin' it REAL and Weekend is coming

[Childhood obesity prevention from a community view]. / La prevención de la obesidad infantil desde una perspectiva comunitaria.

The percentage of failure and relapse in the treatment of obesity is high. Where possible, the preferred strategy for preventing obesity is to modify eating habits and lifestyles. This article aims to provide a framework for evidence on the most effective interventions for addressing childhood obesity, both from a prevention point of view, as well as reducing it, when it is already established. After a review of the scientific literature, the issues that must be considered both in the universal and selective prevention of childhood obesity are presented. Also, in light of the controversy over the tools for measuring and controlling the problem, some clarification is provided on the criteria. Finally, the approach to the prevention of overweight and obesity with a community perspective is separated, with two short protocols being offered with diagrams of the basic procedure to follow.

La prevención de la obesidad infantil desde una perspectiva comunitaria / Childhood obesity prevention from a community view

El porcentaje de fracasos y recaídas en el tratamiento de la obesidad es alto. Siempre que sea posible, la prevención de la obesidad para modificar hábitos alimentarios y estilos de vida ha de ser la conducta preferente. Este trabajo pretender ofrecer un marco de evidencia sobre los componentes más efectivos de las intervenciones para el abordaje de la obesidad infantil, tanto de su prevención como de su reducción, cuando esta ya está instaurada. A partir de la literatura científica, se presentan los aspectos que debe contemplar la prevención, tanto universal como selectiva, de la obesidad infantil. Habida cuenta también de la controversia sobre los instrumentos de registro y control del problema, se aportan algunos criterios clarificadores. Finalmente, se diferencia el abordaje de la prevención del sobrepeso y la obesidad con una perspectiva comunitaria, ofreciéndose 2 protocolos breves que esquematizan un procedimiento básico a seguir

The percentage of failure and relapse in the treatment of obesity is high. Where possible, the preferred strategy for preventing obesity is to modify eating habits and lifestyles. This article aims to provide a framework for evidence on the most effective interventions for addressing childhood obesity, both from a prevention point of view, as well as reducing it, when it is already established. After a review of the scientific literature, the issues that must be considered both in the universal and selective prevention of childhood obesity are presented. Also, in light of the controversy over the tools for measuring and controlling the problem, some clarification is provided on the criteria. Finally, the approach to the prevention of overweight and obesity with a community perspective is separated, with two short protocols being offered with diagrams of the basic procedure to follow

Escuelas saludables y participativas: evaluación de una estrategia de salud pública / Healthy and participative schools: evaluation of a public health strategy

Objetivo ¡Hagamos salud! es una estrategia de promoción de la salud aplicable en centros educativos que se basa en la evidencia, la participación, el consenso y el compromiso de la comunidad educativa. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar esta estrategia según la consecución de dos objetivos específicos: 1) la percepción de la comunidad escolar respecto al proceso de implantación y 2) los cambios producidos. Métodos Durante el curso 2010-11 se llevaron a cabo: 1) un estudio cualitativo descriptivo para evaluar el proceso de implantación mediante la identificación de factores facilitadores, barreras, necesidades y propuestas de mejora, a través de grupos focales y entrevistas en profundidad; 2) un estudio cuasi experimental antes-después con grupo control mediante encuestas con el fin de evaluar la participación y el nivel de ajuste a los parámetros de las Escuelas Promotoras de Salud. Las fuentes de información utilizadas fueron profesionales del ámbito de la salud y la educación. Resultados Los principales factores facilitadores fueron la implicación de la estructura directiva y la formación durante la implantación. La principal barrera fue la escasez de tiempo y recursos. Los centros ¡Hagamos salud! cumplen en mayor medida los criterios de Escuelas Promotoras de Salud que el grupo comparación: son más participativos, realizan un mayor número de acciones preventivas e incorporaron decisiones de salud en la programación y la normativa del centro. Conclusiones ¡Hagamos salud! es una estrategia participativa y comunitaria que, basándose en los criterios de las Escuelas Promotoras de Salud, permite crear entornos promotores de la salud (AU)

Objective Let's foster health! is an intervention strategy in health promotion for use in primary and secondary schools and based on evidence, participation, consensus and the commitment of all members of the educational community. The aim of the present study was to evaluate this strategy according to the achievement of two specific aims: 1) the educational community's opinion of the implementation process, and 2) changes due to the strategy. Methods From 2010 to 2011, researchers conducted 1) a descriptive qualitative study to evaluate the implementation process by identifying facilitators, barriers, needs and suggestions using focus groups and in-depth interviews, and 2) a before-and-after quasi-experimental study with a comparison group using specific questionnaires aimed at evaluating participation and compliance with features of Health Promoting Schools. Both education and health professionals were used as information sources. Results The main facilitators were the involvement of management structures and faculty during implementation. The most important barrier was lack of time and resources. Participating centers in Let's foster health! complied with the parameters defining Health Promoting Schools to a higher degree than the control group: these centers became more involved, carrying out more preventive actions and implementing health-related decisions in the curriculum and the center's policy. Conclusions Let's foster health! is a participative and community intervention strategy based on the characteristics of Health Promoting Schools that encourages health-promoting environments (AU)