Intersectoral collaboration among NGOs addressing complex public health issues: a comprehensive study

Abstract

Intersectoral collaboration is crucial for addressing complex public health issues like drug addiction. This study examines the patterns, effectiveness, and challenges of intersectoral collaboration among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation from 2019 to 2023. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The longitudinal study design covered 200 NGOs across five regions over a 5-year period. Data were collected through annual online surveys, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, and case studies of successful collaborative projects. Descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, trend analysis, and social network analysis were used for data analysis. The study identified various forms of intersectoral collaboration among NGOs, with varying effectiveness across regions and focus areas. Key barriers and facilitators to successful collaboration were identified, along with best practices from case studies. Stakeholder perceptions of the impact of collaboration on treatment outcomes were also explored. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on intersectoral collaboration, leading to disruptions, adaptations, and innovations in collaborative practices. The findings highlight the importance of intersectoral collaboration in addressing drug addiction and provide insights into strategies for enhancing its effectiveness. The study contributes to the understanding of the evolving landscape of intersectoral collaboration among NGOs and offers recommendations for policy and practice. The results underscore the need for investing in and supporting collaborative efforts, building capacity, creating enabling environments, and adopting a systems perspective to effectively address the complex challenges of drug addiction. Our study provides a comprehensive and longitudinal analysis of intersectoral collaboration among NGOs in the field of drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation, addressing a gap in the existing literature. The study’s novel application of social network analysis to examine the evolution of collaboration networks over time offers new insights into the dynamics and patterns of collaboration in this field. The findings of this study have significant implications for policy and practice in drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation. The identification of best practices, barriers, and facilitators to effective collaboration can inform the development and implementation of strategies to enhance intersectoral collaboration among NGOs. The study’s recommendations can guide policymakers, funders, and NGO leaders in creating enabling environments and allocating resources to support collaborative efforts in addressing drug addiction.