Are guided internet-based interventions for the indicated prevention of depression in green professions effective in the long run? Longitudinal analysis of the 6- and 12-month follow-up of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (PROD-A)

Evidence of long-term stability for positive mental health effects of internet-based interventions (IBIs) for depression prevention is still scarce. We evaluate long-term effectiveness of a depression prevention program in green professions (i.e. agriculture, horticulture, forestry). This pragmatic RCT (n = 360) compares a tailored IBI program to enhanced treatment as usual (TAU+) in green professions with at least subthreshold depression (PHQ ≥ 5). Intervention group (IG) received one of six IBIs shown previously to efficaciously reduce depressive symptoms. We report 6- and 12-month follow-up measures for depression, mental health and intervention-related outcomes. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol regression analyses were conducted for each measurement point and complemented by latent growth modeling. After 6 months, depression severity (β = −0.30, 95%-CI: −0.52; −0.07), insomnia (β = −0.22, 95%-CI: −0.41; −0.02), pain-associated disability (β = −0.26, 95%-CI: −0.48; −0.04) and quality of life (β = 0.29, 95%-CI: 0.13; 0.45) in IG were superior to TAU+. Onset of possible depression was not reduced. After 12 months, no intervention effects were found. Longitudinal modeling confirmed group effects attenuating over 12 months for most outcomes. After 12 months, 55.56% of IG had completed at least 80% of their IBI. Stability of intervention effects along with intervention adherence was restricted. Measures enhancing long-term effectiveness of IBIs for depression health promotion are indicated in green professions. German Clinical Trial Registration: DRKS00014000. Registered: 09 April 2018. •This tailored IBI program reduced depression severity only medium-term.•Longitudinal modeling revealed no long-term effect for depression reduction.•Longitudinal modeling showed most health-promoting effects attenuated over time.•Adherence was restricted as only every second participant completed the training.•Adherence-enhancing measures are highly indicated in this occupational target group.