A Framework for Using Epidemiologic Data to Support Substance Abuse Prevention and Mental Health Promotion

Background: States, tribes, territories and communities have been using epidemiologic data in substance abuse prevention and mental health promotion efforts; however, these efforts are not typically aligned or coordinated. The co-occurrence of substance abuse and mental health disorders warrants a more comprehensive approach to prevention planning. Methods: A workgroup comprised of substance abuse and mental health researchers and epidemiologists, federal project officers, and state/community prevention leaders met frequently in 2011 and 2012 to develop a data process that would facilitate both substance abuse and mental health prevention planning. A focus on shared risk and protective factors emerged as the most efficient and effective approach. Results: A comprehensive list of risk and protective factors for substance abuse and mental health were identified from the research literature. Indicators were sorted by age of exposure, type of factor (risk or protective), domain, and association with mental health and/or substance abuse. The resulting list was mapped to available data sources and a gap inventory was created. Valid and reliable behavioral health data and shared risk and protective factors available at the state and sub-state level were added to an interactive data base utilized by prevention planners nationally. Discussion: Prevention planners can use shared risk and protective factors to select evidence-based strategies that will support both substance abuse prevention and mental health promotion. Further, shared risk and protective factors provide stakeholders across sectors a common language and common goals.