The long and winding road to happiness: A randomized controlled trial and cost-effectiveness analysis of a positive psychology intervention for lonely people with health problems and a low socio-economic status

• DOI: 10.1186/s12955-020-01416-x
• Publication Date: 2020-06-02T12:04:34Z
• Authors: Laura A. Weiss; Martijn A. H. Oud...; Ernst T. Bohlmeijer; Gerben J. Westerhof
• Keywords: Positive Psychology; Subjective Well-Being; Health Economics; Economic Evaluation; EQ-5D

Abstract Background Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of positive psychology intervention ‘Happiness Route’ compared an active control condition in a vulnerable population with accumulation health psychosocial problems. Methods We conducted randomized, single-blind, actively-controlled, parallel group study seven municipalities Netherlands. To be eligible, participants had experience loneliness, problems low socio-economic status. Each received several home visits by counsellor (two condition, two six experimental condition). In Happiness Route, happiness-based approach used, whereas used traditional problem-based approach. The primary outcome well-being, measured Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF). Results Fifty-eight were randomized 50 condition. Participants severely lonely, on average three less than 5% paid work. total MHC-SF score, emotional social depression loneliness improved significantly over nine-month period both conditions ( p < .05), but there no significant changes between across time. Languishing decreased from 33% at baseline 16% follow-up among Route did not change No improvement time found psychological resilience, purpose life, health-related quality life participation. Cost-effectiveness analysis showed that expected saved costs per QALY lost €219,948 for relative probability 83% cost saving 54% cost-effective willingness accept threshold €100,000. Conclusions status groups considerably. However, we could demonstrate yielded better outcomes Nevertheless, results suggested is acceptable health-economic point view. should viewed light fact include planned number participants. Trial registration Netherlands Register: NTR3377 . Registered 2 Apr 2012.