Sustaining evidence-based prevention programs: correlates in a large-scale dissemination initiative.

Area of Science:

• Prevention Science
• Public Health
• Program Implementation

Background:

• Evidence-based programs (EBPs) are increasingly required for funding in youth behavior prevention.
• Program sustainability beyond initial funding is crucial for achieving broad public health impact.
• Sustainability has been understudied in large-scale, multi-year prevention initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the sustainment rates of various EBPs.
• To identify factors associated with program sustainability.
• To explore variations in sustainability correlates across different program types.

Main Methods:

• A 4-year state-wide initiative in Pennsylvania disseminating multiple EBPs.
• Analysis of program sustainment rates and associated organizational, program, and planning factors.
• Comparison across classroom-based, community/mentoring, family-focused prevention, and family treatment programs.

Main Results:

• The majority of EBPs sustained functioning for two or more years after initial funding.
• Sustained programs generally showed stronger community coalition functioning, stakeholder communication, and sustainability planning.
• Specific correlates of sustainability varied by program type.

Conclusions:

• Sustaining EBPs in real-world settings is achievable.
• Organizational support, effective communication, and strategic planning are vital for long-term program success.
• Tailored technical assistance is necessary to promote EBP sustainability in non-research environments.