Canadian Beach Cohort Study - Trial NCT06413485

Timeline & Enrollment

Primary Outcome

Acutre gastrointestinal illness (AGI)

Summary

Swimming and other water activities at public beaches are increasingly popular leisure
 activities among Canadians. However, these activities can lead to increased risks of
 acquiring acute gastrointestinal illness and respiratory, skin, ear, and eye infections among
 beachgoers. These illnesses have a significant health and economic burden on society, with
 young children having much higher rates of illness than other age groups. Currently, baseline
 data are lacking on the risk of recreational water illness in Canada, and beachgoers may lack
 awareness and understanding of these risks and how to prevent them. This study will identify
 the burden of recreational water illness among Canadian beachgoers. The results will be used
 to develop recommendations for improving recreational water quality guidelines for safe
 swimming in Canada, as well as public health risk management and communication strategies
 with beachgoers. The study will use a mixed-methods approach, consisting of a prospective
 cohort study and a qualitative study of beachgoers. The investigators will determine the risk
 of acquiring recreational water illness outcomes in beachgoers that engage in different
 levels of water and sand contact. The investigators will examine differences in illness risks
 by beachgoer gender, age, and location. The investigators will examine relationships between
 fecal indicator bacteria (E. coli), environmental conditions, and host-specific biomarkers
 with the risk of gastrointestinal illness among beachgoers. The investigators will also
 evaluate beachgoer risk perceptions and behaviours toward recreational water quality. The
 study will take place at five targeted beach sites in British Columbia, Manitoba, and
 Ontario. The study will be coordinated by a multidisciplinary research team, with activities
 guided by a stakeholder steering group consisting of key knowledge users. The long-term goal
 is to reduce the burden of recreational water illness in Canada, contributing to improved
 public health.

ICD-10 Classifications