SummaryObjective To estimate the causal impact of community-based screening on health-related outcomes among adults in Germany. Design Regression discontinuity analysis using data from a national cohort study. Setting Waves at baseline and first follow-up for the German National Cohort. Participants Among the 200,000 adults aged 20-69 years, previously undiagnosed health-related outcomes with no missing information will comprise the analytic sample Intervention Community-based screening among adults at baseline. Main outcomes Health-related outcomes 4 years after initial screening. Possible conclusions Community-based screening and encouraging people with abnormal test results to seek care and adopt healthy behaviors can significantly impact relevant health outcomes at the population level. Such an approach could address the high burden of common chronic diseases and mental health problems and the unmet need for diagnosis and treatment in Germany and other countries.

Keywords community-based-screening health-related-outcomes regression-discontinuity-analysis

InstitutionsHeidelberg Institute of Global Health, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg