A comprehensive community model to prevent and address adolescent health problems

Abstract

This article presents a model for building a comprehensive community response to adolescent health problems. The approach is comprehensive in that it includes prevention and promotion, assistance and protection, and involves different sectors and areas of the State and the community. We describe the conceptual framework and principles of the model, developed based on debates regarding health promotion and collective health as well as the work experiences of the research team in different communities in Argentina over the last 15 years. We then present the steps developed to help facilitate interventions and analyze certain theoretical, political and practical issues underlying the management of such a model, in an attempt to link critical reflection with the development of social technologies. This model takes into account reflections regarding how to carry out health promotion actions that seek to transform particular realities, respecting their singularities but at the same time acknowledging their connections to others.