March 11, 2022

Covid-19 data collected within NEAR

The local databases in NEAR: H-70, SNAC-K, SNAC-N, SNAC-B, SHARE-Sweden, and SWEOLD are collecting data on Covid-19.

The Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies collected Covid-19 data via surveys between December 2020 and January 2021, where 1103 participated who were 75-76 years old and born 1944 were included. This was financially supported by FORMAS. The survey includes questions about attitude towards Covid-19 vaccination, lifestyle habits, feelings of worry, contact with healthcare, and Covid-19-related symptoms. During March 2021, the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies collected data on antibodies for Covid-19 using the same sample. During November 2021, a follow up was completed, where 608 persons participated. Of this sample (n=608), 579 were tested for antibodies for Covid-19. This is a collaboration between Folkhälsomyndigheten, Försvarsmakten, Mikrobiologen Sahlgrenska och Smittskydd Västra Götalandsregionen.

The Swedish National study on Aging and Care (SNAC)- Kungsholmen, Blekinge and Nordanstig
In SNAC-K, 1231 participants, who were 69 years and older, underwent a telephone interview between May and September 2020. Additional follow-up interviews started in April 2021, and they will continue into 2022.
In SNAC-B, 583 participants, who were 60-100 years old, underwent a telephone interview between August 2020 and February 2021. Additional follow-up interviews were conducted between October and December 2021.
In SNAC-N, 158 participants, who were 72 years and older, underwent a telephone interview between May and December 2020. Additional follow-up interviews started in April 2021, and they will continue into 2022.
Information about health status, Covid-19 related symptoms, mental health and cognition, physical activity, psychosocial consequences, and formal and informal care during the pandemic were collected. 

SHARE-Sweden: A specific Corona questionnaire has been carried out in 27 European countries via telephone from June until August 2020. For SHARE-Sweden, 1365 persons aged 50 years and older participated. To study the long-term impact of Covid-19, the SHARE Corona questionnaire was also conducted in 2021.

The Swedish Panel Study of Living Conditions of the Oldest Old (SWEOLD) have been collecting Covid-19 data, as part of their regular examination (6th wave of data collection), from the second half of 2021 via telephone. The collection is planned to be finalized in the spring of 2022. Approximately 2500 persons aged 76 and older were invited to participate. This study is financed by the Swedish Research Council (VR) and FORMAS/FORTE.

Pia Lundgren (nurse) during a covid interview for SNAC-K.
Photo: Mai Engström, Äldrecentrum.