Serologic Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Among Provincial Prison Inmates in Quebec

Quebec is an epicentre of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in Canada, with more than half of the cases and deaths recorded across the country.  Correctional facilities in Quebec have not been immune to this virus, with ongoing outbreaks in both provincial and federal detention facilities. Nothing is known about the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in prison settings. The SPIQ study will help answer this important question in 3 provincial prisons. The main aim of the study is to ascertain the epidemiological portrait of SARS-CoV-2 among incarcerated adults in three provincial prisons in Quebec. The specific objectives are to: 1. Measure the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among people in prison; and 2. Identify the social determinants of health (for example, socioeconomic status, housing insecurity, etc.) associated with SARS-CoV-2 among people in prison.

Overview

Acronym
SPIQ
Investigators
Dr. Nadine Kronfli
McGill University
Dr. Matthew P. Cheng
McGill University
Dr. Joseph Cox
McGill University
Dr. Sébastien Poulin
Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux des Laurentides
Contacts
Camille Dussault
McGill Health University Centre

General Design

Study design
Cross-sectional
Start - End Year
2020 - 2021
Recruitment Target
  • Individuals
Number of Participants
1,200
Number of Participants with Biological Samples
1,200

Access

Availability of data and biosamples

Possible Access to Data
Possible Access to Biosamples
Other

Supplementary Information

This study positions Quebec to lead a first ever seroprevalence study in response to the COVID-19 pandemic among incarcerated adults in Quebec’s provincial prisons. Serological testing in key populations such as people in prison will not only estimate previous exposure to SARS-Cov-2, but will also contribute to a better understanding of immunity, transmission, and disease burden of COVID-19 among provincial inmates. The goal is to provide real-world data to assist in the prioritization of key populations in COVID-19 vaccination.

Timeline

Population

SPIQ population
The study population is composed of all incarcerated adult men sentenced for less than two years and individuals awaiting trial in three provincial prisons (l’Établissement de détention de Montréal (EDM), l’Établissement de détention de Rivière-des-Prairies (EDRDP) and l’Établissement de détention de St-Jérôme (EDSJ)).

Selection Criteria

Sex
Men only
Countries
  • Canada
Canadian Provinces
  • Quebec
Other Criteria

Inclusion criteria: Incarcerated at a facility for more than 24 hours and the ability to understand and consent to study participation in either French or English.

Exclusion criteria: Anyone posing a security risk to the research team, as determined by correctional officers, anyone in isolation with active SARS-CoV-2 or under investigation for COVID-19 as a close contact of a diagnosed case, and/or anyone with symptoms compatible with COVID-19.

Sources of Recruitment

Specific Population
  • Other specific population : incarcerated adult men
Supplementary Information
Participants were recruited from three selected detention facilities under the responsibility of the Quebec Ministry of Public Security.

Sample Size

Number of Participants
1,200
Number of Participants with Biological Samples
1,200

Data Collection Events

# Name Data sources Data sources - Biosamples Start End
1 SPIQ - Recruitment
  • Questionnaires
  • Biosamples
  • Blood
2021 (January) Ongoing

Participating Studies

Acronym Name Study design Countries

Harmonization Initiatives Included

Acronym Name

Datasets

Name Data Collection Events Variables

Areas of Information Collected

Socio-demographic and economic characteristics
Death
Lifestyle and behaviours
Physical measures and assessments
Birth, pregnancy and reproductive health history
Laboratory measures
Perception of health, quality of life, development and functional limitations
Cognition, personality and psychological measures and assessments
Diseases
Life events, life plans, beliefs and values
Symptoms and signs
Preschool, school and work life
Medication and supplements
Social environment and relationships
Non-pharmacological interventions
Physical environment
Health and community care services utilization
Administrative information

Variables Content Summary

Areas of Information Collected
No Areas of Information Collected
No Scales Collected
Areas of Information Collected per per Population and Data Collection Event
No Areas of Information Collected
No Scales Collected

Networks

Acronym Name Harmonization Initiatives Individual Studies
Last Update: 2024-02-27T16:01:36.356