TY  - JOUR
AU  - Schnitzspahn, Katharina
AU  - Abdulla, Kahar
AU  - Arensman, Ella
AU  - Van Audenhove, Chantal
AU  - Mere, Rainer
AU  - Pérez Sola, Victor
AU  - Sisask, Merike
AU  - Székely, András
AU  - Toczyski, Piotr
AU  - Hegerl, Ulrich
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/1/10
TI  - Community-Based 4-Level Intervention Targeting Depression and Suicidal Behavior in Europe: Protocol for an Implementation Project
JO  - JMIR Res Protoc
SP  - e64218
VL  - 14
KW  - depression
KW  - suicide
KW  - mental health
KW  - European Alliance Against Depression
KW  - EAAD
KW  - 4-level community-based intervention
KW  - iFightDepression
KW  - cognitive behavioral therapy
KW  - mHealth
AB  - Background: The community-based, 4-level intervention of the European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) is simultaneously addressing depression and suicidal behavior. Intervention activities target primary care health professionals (level 1), the general public (level 2), community facilitators (level 3), and patients and their relatives (level 4). Activities comprise the digital iFightDepression tool, a guided self-management tool based on cognitive behavioral therapy. Objective: This study aimed to present the European Union–cofunded EAAD-Best study protocol, aiming at the implementation, dissemination, and evaluation of the 4-level intervention and the iFightDepression tool in several countries across Europe. Methods: The 4-level intervention has been implemented for the first time in Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, and Poland. In 3 countries that have already implemented the 4-level intervention (Hungary, Ireland, and Spain), activities have been extended to new regions. In addition, the nationwide uptake of the iFightDepression tool by patients with depression has been promoted in all mentioned countries and Italy. Results: To evaluate the implementation of the 4-level intervention and the iFightDepression tool, data related to the process, output, and outcome were collected between 2022 and 2024. Data processing and analyses started in 2023. Analyses are expected to be completed in 2024. Results are expected to be published in 2025. Conclusions: This paper informs researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders on how to implement best practices in mental health promotion and evaluate their effectiveness. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/64218 
SN  - 1929-0748
UR  - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e64218
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2196/64218
DO  - 10.2196/64218
ID  - info:doi/10.2196/64218
ER  -