Morgan ER, Dillard D, Lofgren E, Maddison BK, Riklon S, McElfish P, Sinclair K. Moana: Alternate surveillance for COVID-19 in a Unique Population (MASC-UP).
Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2024;
37:101246. [PMID:
38222877 PMCID:
PMC10784670 DOI:
10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101246]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective
Create a longitudinal, multi-modal and multi-level surveillance cohort that targets early detection of symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults in the Continental US and identify effective modalities for participatory disease surveillance and sustainably integrate them into ongoing COVID-19 and other public health surveillance efforts.
Materials and methods
We recruited cohorts from three sites: Federal Way, WA; Springdale, AR; and remotely. Participants received a survey that included demographic characteristics and questions regarding COVID-19. Participants completed symptom checks via text message every month and recorded their temperature daily using a Kinsa smart thermometer.
Results
Recruitment and data collection is ongoing. Presently, 441 adults have consented to participate. One-third of participants were classified as essential workers during the pandemic.
Discussion
Over the past 18 months, we have improved our strategies to elicit better data from participants and have learned from some of the weaknesses in our initial deployment of this type of surveillance system. Other limitations stem from historic inequities and barriers which limited Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island representation in academic and clinical environments. One manifestation of this was the limited ability to provide study materials and support in multiple languages. We hope that continued partnership with the community will allow further opportunities to help restore trust in academic and medical institutions, thus generating knowledge to advance health equity.
Conclusion
This participatory disease surveillance mechanism complements traditional surveillance systems by engaging underserved communities. We may also gain insights generalizable to other pathogens of concern.
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