Participants in Nevada Population Health Study Offer COVID-19 Data

April 02, 2020 - The Healthy Nevada Project, a community-based population health study combining genetic, clinical, and environmental data, is incorporating COVID-19 data from consented participants.

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Using the study’s online survey tools, a population health research team began asking participants questions about their COVID-19 experiences. In a 13-question online survey, researchers asked participants about possible exposure or risks of COVID-19, such as recent domestic and international travel, attendance at large public events, and if participants are experiencing symptoms of the virus.

"We've had over 14,000 participants respond as of Monday," said Joseph Grzymski, PhD, an associate research professor at the Desert Research Institute (DRI), Chief Science Officer for Renown Health, and principal investigator of the Healthy Nevada Project.

"The data that our participants have provided us, in less than a week, has allowed us to discover risk factors within communities and take action to live longer, healthier lives. That's what makes the Healthy Nevada Project so exciting for all of us."

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Initial data shows that 22 percent of respondents reported that they had traveled outside of Nevada in the last 14 days, but very few had traveled to or been in contact with individuals recently in China, Italy, or Iran.

In addition, approximately 30 percent of individuals who responded had taken their temperature in the previous 48 hours, with five percent reporting that they had an elevated temperature.

"Nevada's ability to test patients suspected (or at high risk) for COVID-19 on a broader scale is extremely important to containing this pandemic and ensuring proper treatment," said Anthony Slonim, MD, DrPH, FACHE, president and CEO of Renown Health.

"The data that Healthy Nevada Project participants are sharing with us is critical to helping our IHI data scientists and researchers better understand, anticipate and plan for Nevada's broader population level health risks in the coming weeks and months."

Other initial results from the Healthy Nevada COVID-19 survey reveal that 17 percent of respondents had experienced a dry cough in the last 14 days, and 3.8 percent were known to have been in contact with individuals at risk for COVID-19. Forty-five people said they had been in contact with a known case of COVID-19, and 16 percent said they were unsure about possible contact.

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Ninety-two percent of people consented to be re-contacted for further testing and additional information about COVID-19.

“The survey data that Healthy Nevada Project participants have given our researchers is key to helping us assess the risks, possible exposure, and presence of COVID-19 symptoms across Nevada. We thank every participant for taking the time to help us, help them," said Slonim.

"Renown physicians and staff continue to enact the emergency preparedness plans we have been developing for months to create additional capacity for inpatients and to continue to deliver high quality care during the anticipated surge in COVID-19 cases in northern Nevada based on predictive analytical models used by Renown.”

The Healthy Nevada Project offers free genetic testing to every Nevadan interested in learning more about their health and genetic profile. The project has enrolled more than 50,000 study participants in just three years, making it the fastest-enrolling genetic study in the world.

Created by Renown Institute for Health Innovation (Renown IHI), the project combines community healthcare, data analytics, and environmental expertise to model public health risks in Nevada. The project also aims to serve as a national model for future population health studies.

With this COVID-19 survey data, Healthy Nevada researchers can quickly evaluate how thousands of people across Nevada are experiencing COVID-19.

"This COVID-19 situation is not a sprint, it is a marathon. At Renown, we have put many exceptional plans in place to safely screen, diagnose and treat members of our community who come to us for care. We have effectively trained and practiced these measures throughout the years, and are now ready to implement them as needed,” Slonim said.

“At the same time, we continue to refine, in real-time, the data that supports our predictive analytic models. We are using every tool and resource-including this data from Healthy Nevada Project participants, to ensure that we are meeting both the health and healthcare needs of the people we serve."

Researchers will continue to analyze survey responses, and will work to understand whether there is a genetic component responsible for severe COVID-19 symptoms.

"The past two months have been a challenging time as our city, the nation and healthcare colleagues around the world are addressing the evolving COVID-19 situation. Yet here in Nevada, standing proudly with all of you across this state - I see hope and determination,” Slonim said.

“The passion and commitment, expertise and the unparalleled care our health teams are providing to all of those who need care, along with community engagement in research studies like this, will continue to get us through the months ahead.