Introduction to multi-level community based culturally situated interventions.

Area of Science:

• Community Psychology
• Applied Anthropology
• Intervention Science

Background:

• Brought together anthropologists and psychologists to critically examine multilevel interventions in community-based collaborative studies.
• Focused on critically examining assumptions, processes, and results of multilevel interventions in local communities with local partners.

Discussion:

• Explores the theoretical framework for defining "levels" in intervention science and advocates for multi-level approaches to social/behavioral change.
• Presents examples of interventions targeting social levels simultaneously or sequentially, integrating local culture.
• Raises critical questions regarding level definition, collaborator selection, intervention starting points, comparative effectiveness, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, theory adaptation, and empowerment.

Key Insights:

• Multi-level interventions require careful consideration of how "levels" are defined and how collaborators are chosen.
• The effectiveness, sustainability, and cost-efficiency of multi-level interventions compared to level-specific ones are key areas for continued research.
• Integrating local culture and empowering community residents are crucial components for successful multilevel interventions.

Outlook:

• Further research is needed to fully address the complexities of multilevel intervention design, implementation, and evaluation.
• This collection aims to provide theoretical frameworks, case studies, and evaluation approaches to advance intervention science.
• Future work should focus on coordinating intervention activities across levels to facilitate community empowerment.