Evaluation of behavioural addiction interventions in Slovenia: Identifying best practices and gaps

Abstract Background Effective public health interventions are essential for promoting mental health and reducing harm. However, inadequate planning and evaluation can undermine their effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. Systematic evaluation is crucial to ensure the quality and impact of interventions. This study aimed to assess behavioural addiction interventions in Slovenia, identify best practices, and suggest areas for improvement. Methods Four behavioural addiction interventions were evaluated using the updated Slovenian ‘Criteria for the evaluation of public health interventions,’ structured into exclusion, basic, and additional levels. Three independent experts assessed each intervention based on exclusion (content relevance, structure, scientific evidence and theoretical justification, ethical aspect), basic (effectiveness, efficiency, reduction of health inequalities, stakeholder involvement in development and implementation, cross-sectoral collaboration) and additional critera (transferability, sustainability). Systematic data collection and analysis were performed. Results Two interventions were excluded for not meeting the exclusion criteria. Of the remaining two, one was recognised as a ‘good practice,’ scoring 76/100 points. Shortcomings included insufficient content relevance, poorly defined goals, unclear evaluation indicators, limited stakeholder engagement, weak theoretical grounding, limited sustainability and transferability, and ethical concerns in one intervention. Conclusions Supported by the Slovenian Research and innovation agency and the Ministry of health of the Republic of Slovenia, this study highlights both strengths and gaps in current behavioural addiction interventions. Improvements are needed in scientific grounding, ethical considerations, transferability, and sustainability. Transparent, standardized evaluation processes, strategic planning, and enhanced multi-sectoral collaboration are essential to improve future interventions. Key messages • This study highlights the need for better planning and evaluation of behavioural addiction interventions to improve their effectiveness, sustainability, and public health outcomes. • This research highlights the importance of transparent evaluation processes and multi-sectoral collaboration to improve behavioural addiction interventions by identifying best practices and gaps.