Abstract
Background
In Germany the Green List Prevention is the only evidence register that provides an overview of available, evidence-based prevention measures for children and youth. It was modeled after the U.S. Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development in the context of the Communities That Care municipal prevention system. It assists professionals in selecting suitable measures and promotes evidence-based practice. To date, 112 measures are listed (as of 04/26). Until now, there has been a lack of systematic findings on the usage and relevance of the register from the users’ perspective. The aim of this survey was to identify the contexts and purposes of use, the users’ needs and opportunities for further development.
Methods
Between October and December 2025, an online survey was conducted with an on-site button on the Green List Prevention website and also disseminated via email in relevant networks. The results were analysed descriptively.
Results
A total of 228 people took part, most of them work in schools (12.3%), youth welfare offices (11.0%) and colleges, universities or research institutions (10.0%). Over 95% of respondents would recommend the Green List Prevention to others. Trustworthiness (95.6%; n = 159) and its function as a quality seal (93.5%; n = 155) were rated particularly high. Furthermore, many stated that the register facilitates evidence-based work (86.2%; n = 152) and reduces the effort of searching evidence-based measures (88.1%; n = 152). But the majority stated that it is (relatively) unknown in the professional field (64.5%; n = 225). Suggestions for improvement mainly concern expanded search criteria, a modernised design, additional topics and further target groups.
Conclusions
The results show that the Green List Prevention is an important guide for evidence-based prevention and health promotion, which is used in a wide range of contexts. However, there are still potentials for its further development and structural obstacles to overcome.
Key messages
• A user-friendly evidence register can help close the gap between theory and practice.
• The Green List Prevention supports professionals in selecting evidence-based prevention measures.