This report examines the possiblities of increasing the amount of preventive work being carried out by primary care workers in European communities. Before making practical recommendations about promoting prevention, an analysis is presented of the main present day problems. These center on the environment (not only physical but also social and economic), lifestyles, and deficiencies in the medical services with insufficient resources for preventive activity. Under consideration are the potentially adverse effects of pollution, poor housing, poverty, unemployment, and the breakdown in family life. The adverse effects of excessive smoking and drinking, obesity, inappropriate diet, lack of physical exercise, and drug consumption are also documented. Discussion of primary health care problems focuses upon four factors affecting health and health services: (1) the physical, social and economic environment; (2) the importance of prevention; (3) accessiblity of health care for communities or districts; and (4) the cost effectiveness of primary care programs. The importance of education is emphasized and the role of the mass media and the state and local government is discussed. (JD)