COHESION Study 2.0: COvid-19, HEalth and Social InteractiOn in Neighbourhoods

The potential causes for decreased well-being, worsening of mental health outcomes, and increasing health inequities under the COVID-19 conditions are multifaceted, given the enormity of the disruption to daily living. Some populations suffer more than others, including teens, older adults, women and racialized communities. It is important to understand and document the pathways linking living conditions - including neighbourhood characteristics and housing conditions -, to mental health and well-being trajectories and inequities, to provide key insights supporting rapid targeted policies and interventions. The COHESION project is a longitudinal study combining individual and living condition data from online questionnaires to explore the role that neighborhood social and physical environments play in mental health and well-being trajectories during the post-pandemic recovery period. In particular, we seek to understand the role of these environments on observed changes in health behaviors, such as daily mobility, sleep, and social contacts. We will further assess how these relations vary by gender, age group, income and education level, ethnic identification, and province. This study uses online questionnaires, smartphone app, geographic information systems and various statistical models to test the hypothesized pathways. The study will help generate high-quality evidence about how neighbourhood and housing environments affect long-term outcomes of mental health and well-being, to support Canada's response efforts and guide post-pandemic recovery. In the context of a pandemic where wait times for mental health services in some places exceed one year, there is an urgent need to find alternatives to meet these needs in a sustainable and comprehensive way. We are among the best-positioned teams in Canada to provide rapid and accurate data on the levers in cities that can positively affect the mental health and well-being of the population.