Ku-gaa-gii pimitizi-win COVID-19 Cohort Study [Ku-gaa-gii pimitizi-win, study data contributed to the CITF Databank]

<b>Background:</b> The COVID-19 pandemic had the potential to make shelters an environment of high transmission due to crowding, shared space, and high turnover, where those with pre-existing chronic conditions might have experienced poor outcomes if they contracted COVID-19. This study focuses on people experiencing homelessness (PEH) in Toronto, the largest city in Canada. <br>

<b>Aims of the CITF co-funded study:</b> This study aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of COVID-19 among PEH in Toronto over a 12-month period to examine the association between housing history and individual and shelter level history and COVID-19 infection, potential risk factors, and vaccination. [1] <br>

They also conducted a sub-study on vaccine uptake attitudes and hesitancy. [2] <br>

<b>Methods:</b> This cohort study enrolled participants over the age of 16 who were identified as experiencing homelessness (unsheltered, emergency sheltered, or provisionally accommodated) during recruitment. Recruitment was done from June 2021 to September 2021 at 61 physical distancing hotels and shelter programs for youth aged 16-24, adults, and families, as well as at one encampment site. At the time of recruitment, participants completed a baseline interview and provided two self-collected saliva samples and one finger-prick blood sample. Blood samples were collected in a plasma tube or as a dried blood spot when needed. At follow-up visits every three months, a saliva and finger-prick blood sample were collected, and time-sensitive interview variables were updated. <br>

<b>Contributed dataset contents:</b> The datasets include 660 participants who completed baseline interviews during the recruitment period. All participants gave one or more blood samples for SARS-CoV-2 serology between June 2021 and October 2022 (at baseline and follow-up visits). Variables include data in the following areas of information: demographics (age, gender, race-ethnicity, province, occupation), general health (smokes; chronic disease diagnoses; BMI; flu vaccine), housing history, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, behaviours related to COVID-19, and serology. <br>

[1]: Anishanawbe Health Toronto are the data stewards for data from participants identifying as First Nations, Inuit, or Metis. <br>

[2]: Please contact original study team for vaccination attitude data.