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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2018 May 10;18(1):124.
doi: 10.1186/s12888-018-1710-2.

Evaluation of a multimodal school-based depression and suicide prevention program among Dutch adolescents: design of a cluster-randomized controlled trial

Mandy W M Gijzen  1   2   3 , Daan H M Creemers  4   5 , Sanne P A Rasing  4   6 , Filip Smit  7   8 , Rutger C M E Engels  9
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Evaluation of a multimodal school-based depression and suicide prevention program among Dutch adolescents: design of a cluster-randomized controlled trial

Mandy W M Gijzen et al. BMC Psychiatry. .

Abstract

Background: Since 2010, suicide has been the most important cause of mortality in youth aged 15 to 29 years in the Netherlands. Depression is an important risk factor for suicidal behaviors (i.e., suicide ideation, deliberate self-harm, planning, and suicide attempts) in adolescents. Adolescents who develop depressive symptoms, are also at risk for adult depression. This developmental continuity is especially noticeable in adolescents compared to other age groups; therefore, it is necessary to develop preventive strategies for teens. This study will test a multimodal school-based approach to suicide and depression prevention, which integrates universal and targeted approaches and includes various stakeholders (schools, adolescents, parents, and mental health professionals) simultaneously.

Methods: We will perform a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) with an intervention and control condition to test the effectiveness of a school-based multimodal stepped-prevention program for depression and suicidal behaviors in adolescents. Adolescents in their second year of secondary education will participate in the study. The participants in the intervention condition will receive the entire multimodal stepped-preventive program comprising early screening and detection of suicidal behaviors and depressive symptoms, a safety net consisting of gatekeepers at school, followed by universal and indicated prevention. The participants in the control condition will undergo only the screening and the safety net of gatekeepers at schools. They will complete assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and 6, 12, and 24-month follow-up. Primary outcome will be suicidal behaviors measured at 12-months follow-up. Additionally, the present study will identify mechanisms that mediate and moderate the program effects and test the effect of the program on various secondary outcomes.

Discussion: If the school-based multimodal stepped-prevention program proves to be effective, it could be implemented in schools on a large scale.

Trial registration: The study is registered in the Dutch Trial Register ( NTR6622 ).

Keywords: Adolescents; Depression; Multimodal; Prevention; School-based; Suicide.

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Conflict of interest statement

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The medical ethics committee CMO Region Arnhem-Nijmegen in The Netherlands approved this study (NL61599.091.17). Written informed consent from adolescents and parents will be obtained.

Competing interests

Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, has the exploitation rights of the Moving Stories and the ‘OVK2.0’ intervention. Trimbos Institute is a not-for-profit WHO Collaborative Centre with the goals to disseminate best and evidence-based practices. Trimbos Institute may licence third parties to use the Moving Stories intervention and OVK2.0 within routine preventive services. FS, and MG are employees at Trimbos Institute, but will not have a share in any possible licence revenues.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic Overview of the Study Design
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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