In the last four decades, the world has witnessed a surge in Human Ecosystem Disruptions (Lieber et al., 2021). Disruptions, such as pandemics (e.g., HIV/AIDS [1981], SARS [2002], Zika [2015], and COVID-19 [2019]), natural catastrophes (e.g., earthquakes and hurricanes), and socio-economic crises, have shaped national and international responses affecting everyday life (Lieber et al., 2021; Morens & Fauci, 2020). Understanding human ecosystem disruptions (HEDs) and their interaction with affected societies, and how prevention science researchers can address their associated challenges’ is critical for advancing health equity during these disruptive episodes. Prevention science has been at the vanguard of efforts to comprehend, mitigate, and adapt to crises (Fishbein, 2021). However, HEDs present unique and often unforeseen challenges, requiring a continuous and novel evolution of prevention strategies (Fishbein, 2021). The ability to adapt to emerging mental and physical health disease and disorder spread and prevention challenges, establish new intervention research approaches, and develop novel methodologies to facilitate implementation and respond to unforeseen health disparities becomes particularly relevant during HEDs (Eisman et al., 2022).

Although successful initiatives have been developed during previous HEDs, such as disease outbreaks (e.g., the Special Program on AIDS [acquired immunodeficiency syndrome] of the World Health Organization launched in 1987; Mann, 1987) or natural disasters (e.g., public health responses to Hurricane Katrina in 2005; Rada & Ramiah, 2005), there has been scant documentation of the responsiveness of research teams in addressing these pressing demands. This special issue presents studies that offer remarkable insights for comprehending HEDs impacts and how prevention research teams responded accordingly. Primarily, the special issue includes studies that excelled in areas such as (1) compliance with public health guidelines, (2) the identification of community-based prevention strategies to confront crises, (3) identifying health disparities among vulnerable populations, (4) understanding the impacts of HEDs on school environments and family relationships, and (5) the adaptation of interventions to new contexts.

Compliance with Public Health Guidelines During HEDs

Compliance with public health guidelines—during pandemics such as COVID-19—is fundamental for community well-being, encompassing measures like vaccinations, mask-wearing, and social distancing (Calderón Peralvo et al., 2022). This collective responsibility safeguards individuals and helps prevent the spread of diseases. Karantzas et al. (2023) explored the impact of government-enforced lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being among parents in Australia. These authors used the Vulnerability Stress Adaptation Model (VSAM) to examine the roles of pre-existing vulnerabilities, life stressors, and adaptive relationship processes. The study highlights the complex interplay among external disruptions, relationships, and individual vulnerabilities. Their study provides a comprehensive view of how HEDs, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdowns, impact family dynamics. As families were suddenly confined to their homes for extended periods, it was essential to understand how external stressors influenced the well-being of parents. This research not only highlights the challenges but also the resilience and adaptability of families in the face of such disruptions. These insights have broader implications for developing strategies to support families during times of crisis, ensuring their well-being and cohesion.

On the other hand, Lansford et al. (2022) present a comprehensive exploration of compliance with COVID-19 mitigation strategies and vaccine hesitancy across nine countries. Their study examines the role of confidence in government responses to the pandemic and underscores the significance of clear and non-partisan messaging. Lansford et al. (2022) adopt a global perspective on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a deeper understanding of how individuals and communities respond to public health guidelines during a crisis, as this can significantly impact the spread of the disease. The study not only delves into vaccine hesitancy, a critical issue for public health, but also highlights the importance of effective communication in managing HEDs. It reflects the collaborative international endeavors to address the intricate behavioral and public health challenges posed by the pandemic.

Community-Based Prevention Strategies to Mitigate the Impact of HEDs

Community-based prevention strategies play a vital role during HEDs, promoting local engagement and safeguarding communities in times of global challenges. Within a community-level prevention setting, the study conducted by Libuy et al. (2023) focused on how a primary community prevention approach, during the COVID-19 pandemic and initially developed in Iceland, led to a substantial reduction in adolescent substance use in Santiago, Chile. The study team highlighted the importance of community-level prevention strategies and the potential impact of external disruptions on youth behavior. Libuy et al. (2023) work emphasizes the adaptability of prevention strategies from one global context to another (i.e., Scandinavia to South America). The study’s findings demonstrate the potential for community-based prevention efforts to mitigate the impact of HEDs, even during a global pandemic. This research offers insights into how proactive prevention measures can help address the challenges presented by HEDs, including substance use among vulnerable populations.

Effects of HEDs on School Environments

Regarding natural HEDs and the school setting, Medina-Mora et al. (2023) analyze the effects of two consecutive earthquakes in Mexico among adolescents attending middle school. These earthquakes struck during the implementation of a school-based prevention program (i.e., keepin’ it REAL-Mexico), offering a unique opportunity to assess emotional distress resulting from the natural disasters and whether the life skills taught in the program influenced how students coped with the crisis. This work underscores the importance of integrated prevention approaches, especially in areas prone to natural disasters such as Mexico City (Alcántara-Ayala, 2009). The study reveals that preparedness and life skills acquired through prevention programs can positively impact how students cope with the emotional distress caused by external disruptions. This research is instrumental in understanding the potential long-term benefits of prevention efforts in disaster-prone areas through developing coping skills.

Family Dynamics and the Adaption of Interventions to New Contexts During HEDs

Finally, within the family-setting, Puffer et al. (2022) delve into the adaptation of a family strengthening intervention developed in Kenya for implementation in the USA. It examines the challenges posed by COVID-19 to services promoting family well-being and highlights the need for innovative approaches to deliver evidence-based interventions. Puffer’s research provides evidence related to non-traditional adaptability of preventive interventions—from lower-middle-income to high-income countries—in addressing new challenges. The study showcases how prevention interventions can be tailored to diverse settings, even in the face of HEDs like the COVID-19 pandemic. The insights gained from this research are valuable for crafting strategies that promote family well-being and resilience in a changing and unpredictable world.

Health Disparities Among Vulnerable Populations

Health disparities within vulnerable populations lead to unequal healthcare access and worse health outcomes for vulnerable subgroups (Schillinger, 2021). During health emergency disruptions like pandemics, these disparities underscore the urgency of tailored interventions to ensure equitable healthcare and well-being. Oh et al. (2023) shed light on the Latino/a population residing in the USA, with a particular emphasis on those living along the Mexico-US border. This research examines the profound health disparities accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically among Latino/a immigrants along the Mexican border. Their study delves into differences in attitudes and adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among various population groups, underscoring the resilience of recent Latino/a immigrants and emphasizing the significance of community-centered prevention efforts. The study highlights the importance of tailoring prevention strategies to address disparities and underserved communities. Specifically, Oh et al. (2023) emphasize the need for culturally sensitive and community-centered prevention interventions. These insights have important implications not only for the COVID-19 pandemic but also for addressing health disparities related to future HEDs.

This special issue serves as a reminder of the resilience of human ecosystems and the importance of prevention scientists in understanding and addressing the multiple challenges posed by HEDs. The insights gained from these studies are expected to inform prevention science responses to future global disruptions, ensuring that we are better equipped to protect the well-being of individuals, families, communities, and nations. As we navigate the ever-evolving global landscape, the knowledge generated by these studies might play a pivotal role in shaping policies and practices that promote resilience, mitigate harm, and support communities during times of disruption. Prevention science continues to evolve and adapt, guided by the lessons learned from the past and the challenges of the present. The multifaceted nature of HEDs demands continuous adaptation and innovation in prevention strategies, and the studies presented in this special issue represent a testament to the field’s commitment to addressing these challenges.

In an era characterized by uncertainty and rapid change, prevention science remains a crucial tool in understanding, mitigating, and adapting to HEDs. The multifaceted nature of these disruptions demands interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative approaches, and a commitment to the well-being of individuals and communities. Encompassing the impact of lockdowns on compliance with public health guidelines, community-based prevention strategies, health disparities among vulnerable populations, family relationships, the effects of natural disasters on school environments, or the adaptation of interventions to new contexts, these studies collectively contribute to our understanding of how prevention science can effectively respond to HEDs.

The insights gained from these studies extend beyond their individual contexts, providing a foundation for evidence-based strategies to address future HEDs. They underscore the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between human ecosystems and prevention science. Through this special issue, we gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges posed by HEDs and the dedication of prevention scientists to meet these challenges head-on.

Conclusion

Prevention science continues to be an evolving and dynamic discipline. Even during uncertain times, the field emerges with remarkable examples of innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Documenting the response of prevention science teams to various HEDs at a global level should become a more frequent practice as it can provide pivotal and timely evidence to health researchers and their future work. Studies included on this special issue (Karantzas et al. (2023), Lansford et al. (2022), Libuy et al. (2023), Medina-Mora et al. (2023), Oh et al. (2023) and Puffer et al. (2022)-and their findings-are expected to be instrumental in shaping programs, policies, and practices that support communities, enhance resilience, and mitigate the impacts during and after HEDs among the most vulnerable populations.