When selecting interventions, a prevention specialist should consider which of the following?

In selecting interventions, a prevention specialist must prioritize the effectiveness and practical fit of the intervention with the specific needs of the target population. This ensures that the strategies chosen not only have a solid evidence base supporting their success but are also suitable for implementation in the context where they will be applied. Effectiveness refers to the ability of the intervention to produce the desired outcomes, while practical fit involves considering the resources available, the culture of the population, and the practical aspects of executing the intervention.

Evaluating both effectiveness and suitability enhances the likelihood of successful outcomes and maximizes the impact of prevention efforts, leading to better overall results in addressing the issues at hand. While aspects like funding, reputation, and innovativeness are indeed important considerations in the broader context, they should not overshadow the fundamental importance of choosing interventions that are proven to work and are a good match for the local context.