Protocol of a longitudinal population-based study evaluating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents: the SEROCoV-KIDS cohort and biobank
 
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1
Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
 
2
Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Woman, Child, and Adolescent Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
 
3
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Woman, Child, and Adolescent Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
 
4
Division and Department of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
 
 
Publication date: 2023-04-26
 
 
Popul. Med. 2023;5(Supplement):A1107
 
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective:
Recent observational research has revealed the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the multiple dimensions of children’s life coming from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Determining the consequences of the pandemic on this population over the longer term is a public health priority.

Methods:
SEROCoV-KIDS is an on-going, 3-year longitudinal and prospective cohort study to monitor and determine the direct and indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and development of children (aged 6 months to 17 years) living in Geneva, Switzerland. The study integrates a paediatric biobank and a research collaborative network. Its cohort is composed of a general population-based sample (targeted N, 2000) and a sample of children with social or clinical vulnerabilities (targeted N, 500). Participants are enrolled during the first 12 months of the 30-month data collection phase. Individual consent is provided by the referent adult and adolescent, aged 14 years or older. Participation includes a baseline serological blood test, and online questionnaires at the baseline assessment and every 4 months thereafter. The outcomes are general and mental health, development trajectory, education, family socioeconomic environment, lifestyle, health behaviors, healthcare consumption, and COVID-19 exposure.

Results:
The study began on September, 2021 and will be completed in August 2024. As of November 2022, 2145 children are being followed up. A total of 1829 serologies (85%) were performed and most participants (83%) agreed to the biobank. The inclusion questionnaires were completed by 1750/2145 referent adults (96%) and 423/480 adolescents (88%).

Conclusions:
SEROCoV-KIDS is a uniquely large cohort study monitoring the health and development of children of all ages over time, and an opportunity to build a biobank for future translational research. Its findings will provide an evidence base to guide public policies and future programs for the young population, particularly for those in vulnerable situations.

ISSN:2654-1459
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