Which statement accurately describes universal, selective, and indicated prevention programs, with an example for each?

• A. Universal targets entire population (school-based education); selective targets at-risk groups (youth with family history); indicated targets individuals with early signs (brief intervention for risky drinkers).
• B. Universal targets at-risk groups; selective targets entire population; indicated targets individuals with early signs.
• C. Indicated targets entire population; universal targets at-risk groups; selective targets individuals with early signs.
• D. Selective targets entire population; indicated targets at-risk groups; universal targets individuals with early signs.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is understanding three levels of prevention and who they target: universal, selective, and indicated. Universal prevention targets everyone in the population, regardless of risk. It aims to shift broad factors like knowledge, norms, and environment so fewer people develop problems. An example is a school-based program delivered to all students about the risks of alcohol and drugs.

Selective prevention focuses on subgroups that are at higher-than-average risk due to specific factors such as family history, peers, or living conditions. These programs aren’t for everyone, but for those with elevated risk to cut down on the chances they start or escalate use. An example is a program for youths who have a family history of substance use.

Indicated prevention targets individuals who are showing early signs or symptoms of substance-related problems, even if they don’t yet meet criteria for a disorder. The goal is to intervene early and prevent progression. An example is a brief intervention or counseling for people who are drinking at risky levels but don’t meet criteria for dependence.

The other ways of describing who’s targeted get the roles mixed up: universal shouldn’t be reserved for at-risk groups, selective shouldn’t apply to the whole population, and indicated isn’t about the entire population or about those with no early signs.