Hirofumi Oyama1, Tomoe Sakashita2. 1. Department of Social Welfare, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aomori University of Health and Welfare, Aomori, Japan. Electronic address: h_oyama@auhw.ac.jp. 2. Department of Social Welfare, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aomori University of Health and Welfare, Aomori, Japan.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To explore the long-term impact of a universal screening intervention for depression on suicide rates among older community-dwelling adults, with gender as an effect modifier. DESIGN: Controlled cohort study reporting long-term follow-up of previous research. SETTING: Two sets of three municipalities in Japan were assigned as intervention and control regions and compared with the surrounding zone and prefecture. PARTICIPANTS: Intervention area residents aged 60 years and older (14,291) were invited to participate in a 2-year intervention (2005-2006). Four population-based dynamic cohorts of residents aged 65 years and older (1999-2010) were included as subjects, 6 years before and after the intervention started. INTERVENTION: At-risk residents within the intervention region (4,918) were invited for a two-step screening program; 2,552 participated in the program linked with care/support services for 2 years. An education program open to the public was held. MEASUREMENTS: Changes in suicide from a 6-year baseline to the 2-year intervention and a 4-year follow-up in the intervention region (11,700 adults ≥65 years) were compared with a matched control and two comparison areas using mixed-effects negative binomial regression models. Suicide rates among older adults exposed to screening were compared with those of the control region. RESULTS: Suicide rates in the intervention region decreased by 48%, which was significantly greater than in the three comparison areas. The program's benefits lasted longer for women than men. Screening exposure may be associated with decreased suicide risk over the 4-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Universal screening may decrease suicide rates among older adults, with potential gender differences in treatment response.
OBJECTIVES: To explore the long-term impact of a universal screening intervention for depression on suicide rates among older community-dwelling adults, with gender as an effect modifier. DESIGN: Controlled cohort study reporting long-term follow-up of previous research. SETTING: Two sets of three municipalities in Japan were assigned as intervention and control regions and compared with the surrounding zone and prefecture. PARTICIPANTS: Intervention area residents aged 60 years and older (14,291) were invited to participate in a 2-year intervention (2005-2006). Four population-based dynamic cohorts of residents aged 65 years and older (1999-2010) were included as subjects, 6 years before and after the intervention started. INTERVENTION: At-risk residents within the intervention region (4,918) were invited for a two-step screening program; 2,552 participated in the program linked with care/support services for 2 years. An education program open to the public was held. MEASUREMENTS: Changes in suicide from a 6-year baseline to the 2-year intervention and a 4-year follow-up in the intervention region (11,700 adults ≥65 years) were compared with a matched control and two comparison areas using mixed-effects negative binomial regression models. Suicide rates among older adults exposed to screening were compared with those of the control region. RESULTS: Suicide rates in the intervention region decreased by 48%, which was significantly greater than in the three comparison areas. The program's benefits lasted longer for women than men. Screening exposure may be associated with decreased suicide risk over the 4-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Universal screening may decrease suicide rates among older adults, with potential gender differences in treatment response.
Authors: In Mok Oh; Maeng Je Cho; Bong-Jin Hahm; Byung-Soo Kim; Jee Hoon Sohn; Hye Won Suk; Bu Young Jung; Hye Jung Kim; Hyeon A Kim; Ki Bok Choi; Da Hye You; Ah Reum Lim; In Ok Park; Jeung Hyuck Ahn; Hee Lee; Yeon Hee Kim; Mi Ra Kim; Jee Eun Park Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2020-03-04 Impact factor: 3.921
Authors: Sebastian Kohlmann; Marco Lehmann; Marion Eisele; Lea-Elena Braunschneider; Gabriella Marx; Antonia Zapf; Karl Wegscheider; Martin Härter; Hans-Helmut König; Jürgen Gallinat; Stefanie Joos; Gaby Resmark; Antonius Schneider; Christine Allwang; Joachim Szecsenyi; Christoph Nikendei; Sven Schulz; Katja Brenk-Franz; Martin Scherer; Bernd Löwe Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2020-09-21 Impact factor: 2.692