Videoconferencing-delivered psychological intervention for the treatment of COVID-19 related psychological distress in University students: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial in India

BMC Psychiatry

Study Protocol

Mohan K. Pillai¹  Elizabeth Thomas¹  Tony S George¹  Deepthi J. Maliakkal¹  Suzanna Azevedo²  Richard A. Bryant²  Katie Dawson²  Jasmine Choi-Christou²  Srishti Yadav²  Dharani Keyan² 

[1] CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India;University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia;

关键词: COVID-19;    Controlled trial;    Psychosocial intervention;    Psychological distress;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12888-022-04471-4

 received in 2022-11-14, accepted in 2022-12-13,  发布年份 2022

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been profound. This paper outlines the study protocol for a trial that tests the efficacy of a brief group-based psychological intervention (Coping with COVID; CWC), relative to Supportive Counselling, to reduce distress associated with COVID-19 in a young adult population in Bangalore, India.MethodsA single-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial will be carried out via video conferencing in a small group format. Following informed consent, adults that screen positive for levels of psychological distress (Kessler 10 (K-10 score ≥ 20) and have access to a videoconferencing platform will be randomised to an adapted version of CWC (n = 90) or Supportive Counselling (SC) (n = 90). The primary outcome will be reduction in psychological distress including anxiety and depression at 2-months post treatment. Secondary outcomes include worry, positive wellbeing, and stress in relation to COVID-19.DiscussionThis treatment trial will assess whether CWC will result in reduced distress relative to Supportive Counselling in a young adult population in Bangalore, India. This study will yield important insights into the role of nonspecific factors versus the intervention’s components in impacting COVID-19 related distress.Trial registrationThis trial was prospectively registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621001064897).Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been obtained from the participating institution, CHRIST University in Bangalore. Results of the trial will be submitted for publication in peer reviewed journals and findings presented at scientific conferences and to key service providers and policy makers.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s) 2022

【 图 表 】

Fig. 1