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The present study is primarily focused on the pragmatic
value of a treatment strategy. Therefore, the analysis of effectiveness is primarily
concerned with the treatment offer, regardless of possible deviations from the
protocol. Since all participants after randomization have the opportunity to
make use of the treatment offer, the intention-to-treat population in the study
consists of all patients who have been notified about the result of their randomization
(ICH, 1998). Consequently, the month 12 data (Figure 3: assessments [10] and
[4]) of every subject in the intention-to-treat population are used for the
primary research question on effectiveness, regardless of whether the patient
has adhered to the protocol. Although the choice for this intention-to-treat
population was considered to be strict, it was anticipated that it would yield
estimates of treatment effects most similar to those in subsequent treatment
practice, as well as produce the most undisputed results.