The International Assessment of COVID-19-related Attitudes, Concerns, Responses and Impacts in Relation to Public Health Policies (iCARE) study

Issue/problem COVID-19 global pandemic has had significant health, social and financial impacts on global communities. Many of the national mitigation strategies to curb the virus spread have been targeting human behaviours. Insights from behavioural sciences are crucial for effective community engagement and positive behaviour change on a population-level. Description of the study The iCARE Study (which is co-funded by CIHR and the Quebec government) is a multi-wave, international observational study of public awareness, attitudes, concerns and behavioural responses to public health policies implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (www.icarestudy.com). Survey data is being continuously collected in 6 week rounds (since March 2020) using representative sampling (in Canada, Italy, Israel, France, Ireland, Australia, Colombia etc.) and convenience sampling methodology (globally). The survey was constructed around the: (1) The COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour) model;and the (2) The Health Beliefs Model, which provide a framework for understanding factors that predict behaviour change on a population level. Results The iCARE study leverages an existing online assessment platform, and has received over 90,000 survey responses to date. This research initiative provides real-time evidence to support COVID-19 policy strategy and communication around the world, through a global multi-stakeholder engagement that gathers expertise from almost 200 collaborators in 40 countries. Of note, the study has received a range of local, national and international media coverage and directly inputted into several government policies. Lessons iCARE study is an example of a successful intersectorial, collaborative research and policy initiative that leverages multiple stakeholders to bring behavioural perspective at the forefront of the development and delivery of public health policies globally.