Vaping-associated lung illness (VALI) in Canada: a descriptive analysis of VALI cases reported from September 2019 to December 2020. / La maladie pulmonaire associée au vapotage (MPAV) au Canada : une analyse descriptive des cas de MPAV signalés entre septembre 2019 et décembre 2020.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to explore demographic and clinical characteristics of vaping-associated lung illness (VALI) cases reported in Canada from September 2019 to December 2020; compare the epidemiology of VALI cases in Canada to e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) cases in the US; and examine possible explanations for differences between the two countries. METHODS: A federal/provincial/territorial task group developed a national outbreak definition, minimum dataset and case report form for identification and surveillance of VALI cases in Canada. Descriptive analysis explored the characteristics and epidemiology of reported VALI cases. RESULTS: Of the 20 VALI cases reported, none resulted in a death. Of all cases, 5 (25%) involved youth aged 15 to 19 years, 10 (50%) adults aged 20 to 49 years and 5 (25%) aged 50 years and older. Sixty percent of patients were men. Half (50%) required breathing assistance. Three-quarters (75%) reported using nicotine-containing vaping products, and 40% reported use of cannabis-containing vaping products; of those who reported frequency of vaping, most (71%) reported vaping daily. VALI cases were reported at a lower prevalence (0.9 per million) than EVALI (8.5 per million). Demographics and vaping behaviour also differed. CONCLUSION: VALI cases were reported in Canada between September 2019 and December 2020; however, there was a much lower prevalence and they may have been caused by different factors from the EVALI outbreak in the US. The factors influencing VALI in Canada are complex and multifactorial. Research is needed to understand the short- and long-term health effects of nicotine and cannabis vaping.

Knowledge change associated with participation in prenatal education programs in Ontario: A cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to examine how participation in prenatal programs delivered by Ontario public health units influences pregnant women's pregnancy-related knowledge. Secondary objectives were to examine the socio-demographic characteristics of women participating in these programs and assess program satisfaction. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted of 511 adult pregnant women who were registered for a prenatal program within one of seven Ontario public health units. Participants completed a pre-program survey, which examined socio-demographic and pregnancy characteristics, and baseline pregnancyrelated knowledge. After finishing the program, participants completed a post-program survey investigating pregnancy-related knowledge and program satisfaction. Pregnancy-related knowledge was assessed using the Healthy Pregnancies Knowledge Survey, which captures knowledge within three subtopic areas: healthy pregnancies, healthy lifestyles and breastfeeding. RESULTS: Participants demonstrated a significant increase in mean knowledge scores, both overall and across each subtopic area. Most participants reported that their program satisfied their questions either mostly or very well across all content areas examined. CONCLUSION: This study is the first large-scale effort to examine the ability of prenatal programs offered through Ontario public health units to influence clients' pregnancy-related knowledge. These findings contribute to the evidence base for prenatal education program planning.