Efficacy of Therapist Guided e-Therapy Versus Self-Help Therapy on Psychological Distress Among Individuals in Oman During COVID-19 Pandemic: An Open-Label 12 - Weeks Randomized Controlled Trail

COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) is a virulent infectious disease with an incubation period ranging between 2-14 days. This highly contagious disease is caused by Sars-Cov-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). The number of people infected by COVID-19 has increased exponentially since January as a result of traveling and contact with COVID-19 infected individual. Initially, the seriousness of COVID-19 was not gauged properly until World Health Organization classified it as Pandemic type infectious disease and rapidly made plans actions to fight against this disease on 20 January, 2020. Ever since then, epidemic prevention was comprehensively upgraded and marked the real beginning of universal concern, indicating widespread impacts. The uncertainty and low predictability of COVID-19 not only threaten people's physical health, but also affect people's mental health, especially in terms of emotions and cognition. As consequence of public emergency, with its economic health and social impacts, psychological repercussions among people are inevitable at the short and long term. For instance, self-isolation and self-quarantine are often an unpleasant experiences for those who should endure them. Quarantine is the separation and restriction of movement of people who have potentially been exposed to a contagious disease to ascertain if they become unwell, so reducing the risk of them infecting other. This definition differs from isolation, which is the separation of people who have been diagnosed with a contagious disease from people who are not sick; however, the two terms are often used interchangeably, especially in communication with the public. Separation from loved ones, the loss of freedom, uncertainty over about the disease situation, financial consequences of not being at work, and boredom can have significant impact on the individuals. Furthermore, shortage of supply of basic needs, inadequate information/ misinformation and stigma of being infected are major concerns during these times. A number of studies studying stigma during times of pandemic showed the participants endorsed discrimination evident by others treating them differently: avoiding them, withdrawing social invitations, treating them with fear and suspicion, and making critical comments. In the literature, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder are known sequalae of such pandemic in the past. Surge in suicide thoughts and hopelessness have been reported amid previous public health crisis.

With above being mentioned and given the paucity of literature from this part of the world, the researchers embark on studying the psychological impact of COVID-19 among Omani public and decipher the personal and socio-demographic characteristics shaping individual's resilience and psychological wellbeing. Those with high level of psychological distress will be invited to participate in 12 weeks randomized control trial of e-Therapy. Such endeavor would inform the public and policy maker to preemptively take the necessary steps in helping people during crisis to avoid major losses secondary to psychological degeneration.

Importance and justify the study:

This study will assess the effectiveness of e therapy in treating anxiety and depression during a pandemic. This would be a novel way of providing therapy during crises

Hypothesis: