摘要：P. Karlsson: Inherent problems in universal information-based prevention interventions This paper discusses inherent problems in universal information-based drug prevention interventions which in part may explain why such interventions often fail. The discussion centers around three main points: (1) that there must be room for change in people's risk perceptions for information interventions to be potentially effective, (2) that the recipients must trust the information for it to have effect, and (3) that there are variations in risk perception levels at baseline among recipients. While the first two criteria must be satisfied for an intervention to be potentially effective, they often stand in a contradictory relationship with each other. Recipients with low risk perceptions often do not trust the information (i.e., only the first criterion satisfied), whereas those who trust the information often already have high risk perceptions (i.e., only the second criterion satisfied). Variations in risk perception levels among recipients further suggest there exist no optimal level at which the risk message may be set. If the risk message is set high many will dismiss it; if it is set low it may decrease risk perceptions in some groups. It is concluded that information interventions targeting specific groups may overcome some of these problems.
