Examining how social and environmental factors affect substance use among healthcare workers

A Longitudinal Examination of the Social and Environmental Influences on Substance Use among Non-Prescriber/Non-Executive Healthcare Workers in the United States

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11192780

This study looks at how social and environmental factors affect substance use, mental health, and feelings of hopelessness among healthcare workers in the U.S. who don’t prescribe medication or hold executive positions, especially after the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to understand the stress and burnout they face so we can find better ways to support them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Champaign, United States)
Project IDNIH-11192780 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of social and environmental influences on substance use, mental health, and suicidality among non-prescriber and non-executive healthcare workers in the U.S. It focuses on the unique challenges faced by these workers, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, including stress, trauma, and burnout. The study will analyze these factors over time, considering the effects of workplace policies and moral injury. By understanding these influences, the research aims to identify risk and protective factors that can inform better support systems for these workers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are non-prescriber and non-executive healthcare workers, particularly those experiencing stress and burnout.

Not a fit: Patients who are not healthcare workers or who are in higher-wage healthcare occupations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health support and substance use interventions for healthcare workers.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been research on substance use among healthcare workers, this study's focus on non-prescriber and non-executive roles is relatively novel and underexplored.

Where this research is happening

Champaign, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.