The Collaborative Outcomes study on Health and Functioning during Infection Times in Adults (COH-FIT-Adults): Design and methods of an international online survey targeting physical and mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

Background

: High-quality comprehensive data on short-/long-term physical/mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are needed.

Methods

: The Collaborative Outcomes study on Health and Functioning during Infection Times (COH-FIT) is an international, multi-language (n=30) project involving >220 investigators from 49 countries, endorsed by national/international professional associations. COH-FIT is a multi-wave, on-line anonymous, cross-sectional survey [wave 1: 04/2020 until the end of the pandemic, waves 2/3 starting 6/24 months threreafter] for adults, adolescents (14-17), and children (6-13), utilizing non-probability/snowball and representative sampling. COH-FIT aims to identify non-modifiable/modifiable risk factors/treatment targets to inform prevention/intervention programs to improve social/health outcomes in the general population/vulnerable subgrous during/after COVID-19. In adults, co-primary outcomes are change from pre-COVID-19 to intra-COVID-19 in well-being (WHO-5) and a composite psychopathology P-Factor. Key secondary outcomes are a P-extended factor, global mental and physical health. Secondary outcomes include health-service utilization/functioning, treatment adherence, functioning, symptoms/behaviors/emotions, substance ab-/use, violence.

Results

: Starting 04/26/2020, up to 01/27/2021 >120,000 people from 152 countries/six continents have participated. Representative samples of ≥1,000 adults have been collected in 15 countries. Overall, 48.7% had prior physical disorders, 18.0% had prior mental disorders, 17.0% were health care workers, 7.3% were aged ≥65 years, 11.5% were exposed to someone infected with COVID-19, 16.2% had been in quarantine, and 1.1% had been COVID 19-positive.

Limitations

: Cross-sectional survey, preponderance of non-representative participants.

Conclusions

: Results from COH-FIT will comprehensively quantify the impact of COVID-19, seeking to identify high-risk groups in need for acute and long-term intervention, and inform evidence-based health policies/strategies during this/future pandemics.