Dimensions of community context that affect coalition effectiveness: development of an instrument

This study investigates the role of multidimensional contextual factors on the perceived effectiveness of community coalitions engaged in the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) for addressing substance misuse. We introduced and validated an instrument for assessing a broad range of contextual factors for coalition development and program implementation. This research also scrutinizes how contextual factors impact coalition effectiveness, considering internal capacity indicators as mediators. Data were sourced from 295 and 297 coalition members across 2015 and 2016, respectively, involved in SPF initiatives within a northeastern state in the United States. Our analysis identifies three critical dimensions of contextual factors–collaboration and resources, politics, and demographics and norms–that significantly affect the perceived management and program effectiveness through different mechanisms. The findings underline the importance of prevention coalitions to comprehensively assess community contexts and strategically address contextual challenges to enhance their impact on substance misuse prevention.