International Responses to Prevention Intervention Research During Human Ecosystem Disruptions: A Commentary on the Special Issue of Prevention Science

The purpose of this commentary on the special issue of Prevention Science, "International Responses to Prevention Intervention Research During Human Ecosystem Disruptions," is to review the six target articles included in this issue, evaluate their results, and highlight the myriad ways in which diverse teams of prevention scientists mobilized to conduct rigorous scientific research during major human ecosystem disruptions (HEDs). The articles included in this issue consider both the etiology of mental and behavioral health challenges (i.e., substance use, mental health, behavioral problems) during HEDs and preventive intervention efforts aimed at addressing these challenges (i.e., adaptation and implementation of evidence-based interventions in novel contexts). This commentary discusses each article with emphasis on the respective contributions that prevention science teams have made to public health during major HEDs. Even in the most challenging contexts, prevention scientists have been at the forefront of public health efforts and have evidenced the vital role of prevention science for public health during HED events. The commentary concludes by highlighting the critical roles that prevention scientists can play in addressing critical public health issues during large-scale HEDs.

Compliance with Health Recommendations and Vaccine Hesitancy During the COVID Pandemic in Nine Countries

Longitudinal data from the Parenting Across Cultures study of children, mothers, and fathers in 12 cultural groups in nine countries (China, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and the USA; N = 1331 families) were used to understand predictors of compliance with COVID-19 mitigation strategies and vaccine hesitancy. Confidence in government responses to the COVID pandemic was also examined as a potential moderator of links between pre-COVID risk factors and compliance with COVID mitigation strategies and vaccine hesitancy. Greater confidence in government responses to the COVID pandemic was associated with greater compliance with COVID mitigation strategies and less vaccine hesitancy across cultures and reporters. Pre-COVID financial strain and family stress were less consistent predictors of compliance with COVID mitigation strategies and vaccine hesitancy than confidence in government responses to the pandemic. Findings suggest the importance of bolstering confidence in government responses to future human ecosystem disruptions, perhaps through consistent, clear, non-partisan messaging and transparency in acknowledging limitations and admitting mistakes to inspire compliance with government and public health recommendations.