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Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols

Date Submitted: Jul 12, 2024
Date Accepted: Sep 28, 2024

The final, peer-reviewed published version of this preprint can be found here:

Community-Based 4-Level Intervention Targeting Depression and Suicidal Behavior in Europe: Protocol for an Implementation Project

Schnitzspahn K, Abdulla K, Arensman E, Van Audenhove C, Mere R, Pérez Sola V, Sisask M, Székely A, Toczyski P, Hegerl U

Community-Based 4-Level Intervention Targeting Depression and Suicidal Behavior in Europe: Protocol for an Implementation Project

JMIR Res Protoc 2025;14:e64218

DOI: 10.2196/64218

PMID: 39793023

PMCID: 11759909

Community based 4-level intervention targeting depression and suicidal behaviour in Europe: Study protocol

  • Katharina Schnitzspahn; 
  • Kahar Abdulla; 
  • Ella Arensman; 
  • Chantal Van Audenhove; 
  • Rainer Mere; 
  • Victor Pérez Sola; 
  • Merike Sisask; 
  • András Székely; 
  • Piotr Toczyski; 
  • Ulrich Hegerl

ABSTRACT

The community-based 4-level intervention of the European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) is simultaneously addressing depression and suicidal behaviour. The objective of this paper is to present the EU co-funded EAAD-Best project aiming at the implementation and dissemination of this intervention and the digital iFightDepression® tool, a guided self-management tool based on cognitive behavioural therapy. The 4-level intervention will be implemented for the first time in Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece and Poland. In three countries that have already implemented the 4-level intervention (Hungary, Ireland and Spain), activities will be extended to new regions. In addition, the nationwide uptake of the iFightDepression® tool by patients with depression will be promoted in all mentioned countries and Italy. Intervention activities will target primary care health professionals (level1), the general public (level 2), community facilitators (level 3), patients and their relatives (level 4). To evaluate the implementation of the 4-level intervention, data related to the process, output and outcome will be analysed. The implementation of the iFightDepression tool will be evaluated concerning users’ expectations and satisfaction with the tool and potential changes in their subjective wellbeing. This paper informs researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders how to implement best practices in mental health promotion and evaluate their effectiveness.


 Citation

Please cite as:

Schnitzspahn K, Abdulla K, Arensman E, Van Audenhove C, Mere R, Pérez Sola V, Sisask M, Székely A, Toczyski P, Hegerl U

Community-Based 4-Level Intervention Targeting Depression and Suicidal Behavior in Europe: Protocol for an Implementation Project

JMIR Res Protoc 2025;14:e64218

DOI: 10.2196/64218

PMID: 39793023

PMCID: 11759909

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