RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Longitudinal Population-based Observational Study of COVID-19 in the UK Population

The COVIDENCE UK study is a large, ongoing research project in the UK. Researchers are carefully observing people over time to understand various aspects of COVID-19. They want to find out why some people get the virus and others don't, and why some have more serious illness. The study also explores how COVID-19 affects both people's bodies and minds in the long run. By collecting this information, the study helps doctors and scientists better understand the virus and its effects on everyday life in the UK. This knowledge can also help in planning future research and treatments.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

13,000

Start

27 Apr 2020

Estimated completion

27 Apr 2026

COVID-19

What is this study about?

The COVIDENCE UK study is a very important research project that's been set up to understand how COVID-19 affects people all over the United Kingdom. Think of it like a long-term detective story, where scientists are carefully observing and collecting clues from many people over time. They want to figure out things like: Who is more likely to catch COVID-19? What makes some people get very sick, while others only have mild symptoms? And how does battling COVID-19 impact people's physical and mental health weeks, months, or even years later?

By gathering all this information, the researchers hope to build a much clearer picture of how COVID-19 truly works in the UK population. This isn't a study where you are given a new medicine; instead, it's about watching and learning from people's real-life experiences with the virus. The information gathered will be incredibly valuable.

Ultimately, the knowledge gained from COVIDENCE UK will help us all. It can guide public health advice, inform doctors on how to better care for patients with COVID-19, and even help pinpoint which groups of people might be best suited for future studies looking into new ways to prevent or treat the virus. It's all about learning more to protect everyone better.

Key takeaways

This study helps us understand COVID-19 better in the UK.
It looks at who gets sick and how the illness affects physical and mental health.
You won't be given any new medicines or treatments.
Participation involves sharing information through questionnaires.
Anyone in the UK aged 16 or over can take part.
Your contribution helps improve future health advice and care for everyone.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to live in the UK and be at least 16 years old or older. There are no other specific health conditions or situations that would prevent you from joining.

This means that if you are a UK resident and are 16 years old, 30 years old, 60 years old, or even older, you could take part. The study aims to include a wide variety of people to get a broad understanding of COVID-19.

Basically, if you live in the UK and are 16 years or older, you could be eligible to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you live in the United Kingdom?
Are you 16 years old or older?
Are you able to fill out questionnaires?
Are you willing to share information about your health over time?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is an 'observational' study, which means you won't be given any new treatments or medicines. Instead, your participation will involve providing information to the researchers over time. This typically includes answering questionnaires about your health, lifestyle, and any experiences you've had with COVID-19. These might be filled in online or sent back by post.

The researchers will follow up with participants periodically to gather updated information. They might ask about new health events or how you're feeling. There are no clinic visits, blood tests, or specific medical procedures involved in this study. The total duration of your participation would depend on how long the study continues to run, but you would be kept informed.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical risks involved in taking part in this study, as it doesn't involve any medical interventions or changes to your treatment. The main benefit is knowing you are contributing to a vital understanding of COVID-19, which can help improve public health and medical care for everyone in the future. Your information, combined with that of many others, will help scientists learn more about this virus. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care in any way.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Queen Mary University of London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What does 'observational study' mean?

It means researchers will watch and learn from your health experiences over time, but won't give you any new treatments or medicines. They just gather information.

Do I need to visit a clinic or hospital for this study?

No, you do not need to visit any clinics or hospitals. Your participation will likely involve filling out questionnaires from your home.

Will I be given any drugs or vaccines as part of this study?

No, this study is not about testing drugs or vaccines. It's about collecting information on people's real-life experiences with COVID-19.

Is my personal information kept private?

Yes, all your personal information is kept confidential and handled according to strict data protection rules.

How long will I be in the study?

This is a long-term study, but you will be kept informed about its duration, and you can choose to stop participating at any time.

How to find out more

Adrian Martineau, PhD

a.martineau@qmul.ac.uk +442078822551 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.