COVID-19 will leave an indelible mark on this period in history. The proposed project is designed to develop and test strategies and best practices that will optimize remote data and specimen collection during the COVID -19 crisis. Using a mixed methods approach will gather information on the feasibility and completeness of data collected remotely during this period. We will identify whether racial, geographic and socio-economic disparities influence the process and quality of remote data collection. This proposal includes collaborative studies led by the University of Colorado (Dabelea) and the University of New Mexico (Lewis). In collaboration with investigators from Colorado, California, and New Hampshire, we are participating in a time- sensitive, ECHO-wide study to examine changes in obesity-related behaviors that are occurring in tandem with societal changes related to COVID-19.
COVID-19 has led to unprecedented societal changes that have contributed to prolonged home stays, social isolation, economic disruption, unemployment and reduced access to community resources. These societal changes, while necessary, may alter children's dietary intake, physical activity, screen time and sleep in ways that accelerate the rise in obesity. Across the populations the effects of these changes are different and rural America, in particular indigenous communities may experience greater disparities related to loss of livelihood and access to healthcare.
