Prevention efforts “work by focusing on reducing risk factors and enhancing protective factors associated with mental ill-health” (WHO, 2004, p.16). These preventative interventions focus on reducing a person’s risk factors and enhancing their protective factors.
Risk factors are those factors which increase the likelihood of onset, increased severity and longer duration of health problems. These include but are not limited to access to drugs and alcohol, displacement, isolation and alienation, lack of education, transport and housing, poor social circumstances, poor nutrition, poverty, discrimination, social disadvantage, violence and stress.
Protective factors are those factors which decrease the likelihood of onset, increased severity and duration of health problems. These include but are not limited to empowerment, positive interpersonal interactions, social participation, social responsibility and tolerance, social services, social support and community networks (WHO, 2004).