Social Impacts of COVID-19 policies for Older People: CFAS cohort [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Social Impacts of COVID-19 policies for Older People: CFAS cohort Over 75s (OPPO)
IRAS ID
282962
Contact name
Carol Brayne
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
The recent introduction of social isolation measures for those aged over 70 and in at-risk groups by the government due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has no doubt had a profound impact on those communities both for their physical and mental health.\n\nThe Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies II (CFAS II) are population representative longitudinal studies examining the health, well-being and cognition of older adults in diverse sites across the UK, including Cambridgeshire, Newcastle and Nottingham. Participants were initially recruited to CFAS II in 2009, they have undertaken a minimum of 3 waves of interviewing in the intervening years. \n \nThe CFAS participants we will be approaching last took part in a sub-study feasibility trial (IRAS no: 235201) with the study in 2018/19 and gave permission for the study to retain their contact details in order to invite them to take part in further research waves. We therefore have both telephone numbers and for some an email address. \n \nWe plan to contact study participants and some informants to invite them to conduct telephone interviews to assess the impact governmental policies of self-isolation have had on this vulnerable group, without compromising social distancing. \n \nWe will ask what impact it has had on both their physical and mental health and their contact with health and care services. Look at perceived loneliness considered an important risk factor for all cause dementia. We will also ask about the care and support they have received from others including family, neighbours, church etc. Explore participants’ access to the usage of technology (smart phones, computers or tablets) to see if there has been new usage as a result of the crisis and whether urgent need has enabled new learning. \n\nThe interview will take approximately 40-50 minutes and will be conducted by fully trained CFAS study research interviewers.\n\n [Study relying on COPI notice]
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
20/WA/0160
Date of REC Opinion
21 May 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion