IPASDU: A DSS based on MAUT to evaluate intervention programs based on physical activity and sport for the prevention of drug use.

BACKGROUND

Drug consumption continues to be a major social problem, particularly among adolescents. In recent years, prevention programs based on physical activity and sport have gained increasing relevance. However, evaluating these intervention programs involves a complex multi-criteria decision-making process, often under conditions of partial or incomplete information.

METHODS

Decision Analysis methodology is used based on an additive multi-attribute utility function suitable for decision contexts with imprecise information. An objective hierarchy is defined across four key dimensions: implementation facilities, applicant organization experience, technical proposal quality, and financial solvency and budget adequacy.

RESULTS

IPASDU, a web-based decision support system designed has been implemented to evaluate drug-use prevention programs grounded in physical activity and sport, based on the Decision Analysis methodology. Objectives can be activated or deactivated according to specific evaluation requirements. The system provides predefined attributes, utility components, and weights, which can be customized through utility assessment and weight elicitation techniques. IPASDU integrates sensitivity analysis tools that exploit available imprecise information, allowing evaluators to assess the robustness of program rankings.

CONCLUSION

IPASDU offers a flexible and robust framework for supporting transparent and reliable evaluation of physical activity-based drug prevention programs, enhancing decision-making in complex and uncertain contexts.