Protocol: Reducing suicidal ideation among Turkish migrants in the Netherlands and in the UK: Effectiveness of an online intervention

Background: The Turkish community living in Europe has an increased risk for suicidal ideation and attempted suicide. Online self-help may be an effective way of engagement with this community. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally adapted, guided, cognitive behavioural therapy-based online self-help intervention targeting suicidal ideation for Turkish adults living in the Netherlands and in the UK. Methods and design: This study will be performed in two phases. First, the Dutch online intervention will be adapted to Turkish culture. The second phase will be a randomized controlled trial with two conditions: experimental and waiting-list control. Ethical approval has been granted for the trials in London and Amsterdam. The experimental group will obtain direct access to the intervention, which will take 6 weeks to complete. Participants in the waiting-list condition will obtain access to the modules after 6 weeks. Participants in both conditions will be assessed at baseline, post-test and 3 months post-test follow-up. The primary outcome measure is reduction in frequency and intensity of suicidal thoughts. Secondary outcome measures are self-harm, attempted suicide, suicide ideation attributes, depression, hopelessness, anxiety, quality of life, worrying and satisfaction with the treatment.