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Improving Surveillance and Epidemic Response in Ohio Childcare Settings

Author

Listed:
  • Darcy A. Freedman

    (Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
    Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
    Schubert Center for Child Studies, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA)

  • Timothy H. Ciesielski

    (Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
    Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA)

  • Owusua Yamoah

    (Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA)

  • Elaine A. Borawski

    (Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA)

  • Kristie R. Ross

    (Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
    University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA)

  • Nora L. Nock

    (Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA)

  • Eun Kyung Lee

    (Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
    Department of Health Law, School of Public Health, Boston University, Policy and Management, Boston, MA 02118, USA)

  • Anastasia Dimitropoulos

    (Schubert Center for Child Studies, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA)

  • Sonia Minnes

    (Schubert Center for Child Studies, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA)

  • Kimberly Burkhart

    (University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA)

  • Callie Ogland-Hand

    (Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
    Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA)

  • Daniel J. Tisch

    (Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
    Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA)

Abstract

At the start of the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the risk of cases in childcare programs was unknown. Thus, a rapid-response research approach was launched in Ohio childcare settings. Passive surveillance data from a state-operated incident reporting system were evaluated to estimate the number of COVID-19 cases from 15 August 2020 to 1 January 2021. Additionally, active surveillance with self-administered reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests were conducted among staff at 46 childcare programs. Finally, six zoom-based focus groups with program administrators were used to gain feedback. Staff and children in childcare settings contributed 0.38% and 0.15% of the COVID-19 cases in Ohio during this timeframe, respectively. RT-PCR testing identified 3 unrecognized cases (0.88% of tests), and all occurred when the statewide positivity rate was >5%. Focus groups revealed that access to affordable cleaning supplies, masks, and reliable staffing were critical. Perhaps most importantly, we conclude that expanding the incident reporting system to include a childcare census would allow for the tracking of future health problems with highly valuable incidence rate estimations.

Suggested Citation

  • Darcy A. Freedman & Timothy H. Ciesielski & Owusua Yamoah & Elaine A. Borawski & Kristie R. Ross & Nora L. Nock & Eun Kyung Lee & Anastasia Dimitropoulos & Sonia Minnes & Kimberly Burkhart & Callie Og, 2022. "Improving Surveillance and Epidemic Response in Ohio Childcare Settings," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:24:p:16927-:d:1005727
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vincenzo Alfano, 2022. "The Effects of School Closures on COVID-19: A Cross-Country Panel Analysis," Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, Springer, vol. 20(2), pages 223-233, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kimberly Burkhart & Carolyn E. Ievers-Landis, 2023. "Pediatric Behavioral Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Expert Advice for Preparedness, Response, and Recovery," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(11), pages 1-9, May.

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