Selective preventive interventions usually focus on which group?

Selective preventive interventions are designed to target specific subgroups within the population that exhibit a higher likelihood of developing issues such as substance use disorders due to certain risk factors. These interventions recognize that not everyone is at the same risk for these issues, and therefore, direct resources and strategies to those who are more vulnerable based on identifiable characteristics or circumstances.

By focusing on subgroups that show significantly higher risk, selective interventions aim to prevent the onset of problems before they start. This approach can include factors such as age, socioeconomic status, or environmental conditions that have been shown to correlate with higher rates of substance use or other disorders.

In contrast, interventions aimed at the general population tend to be more universal and do not specifically target at-risk groups, which may lead to less effective outcomes for those who are particularly vulnerable. Individuals with high occurrences of substance abuse are typically the focus of indicated interventions, which seek to address existing issues rather than prevent them. New parents and their children might engage in preventive strategies related to early child development, but this is not the primary focus of selective preventive interventions aimed at substance use. Thus, targeting subgroups at significantly higher risk is the defining aspect of selective preventive interventions.