Impact of COVID-19 on tobacco use patterns

Changes in the public health burden of tobacco use during the COVID-19 pandemic: the C4R Study

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10693383

This study is looking at how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed smoking and vaping habits for different groups of people, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how their tobacco use might relate to their health during the pandemic.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10693383 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected tobacco use behaviors among different populations. By analyzing data from over 45,000 participants in the Collaborative Cohort of Cohorts for COVID-19 Research (C4R), the study aims to understand changes in smoking and vaping habits during the pandemic. It will also explore the relationship between pre-pandemic tobacco use and the severity of COVID-19 illness. Participants will provide self-reported data through standardized questionnaires, allowing researchers to assess various factors influencing tobacco use and health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 21 and older who have used tobacco products before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not a fit: Patients who have never used tobacco products or are under 21 years old may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies for tobacco cessation and better understanding of tobacco use in the context of pandemics.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown varying impacts of tobacco use on health outcomes during pandemics, but this specific investigation into COVID-19 is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Conditions DiseaseDisorder
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.