Investigating long-term health effects of COVID-19 in American Indians
Official title: Long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease among American Indians: an ambidirectional cohort study in the Cherokee Nation
Funded at Cherokee Nation · NIH-10912530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 affects the long-term health of American Indian people in the Cherokee Nation, focusing on ongoing symptoms like heart problems, fatigue, and mental health issues, to help improve care for those who are still feeling unwell after their infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cherokee Nation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tahlequah, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $327,702 |
| NIH project number | 5S06GM146122-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912530 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are American Indian individuals who have experienced COVID-19 infection and are currently residing in the Cherokee Nation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with COVID-19 or do not belong to the American Indian population may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the long-term health consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection among American Indian individuals living in the Cherokee Nation. It aims to identify and quantify symptoms that persist after the initial COVID-19 infection, such as heart issues, digestive problems, fatigue, and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. By examining these long-term effects, the study seeks to develop guidelines for better management and care of affected individuals in the community. This research is particularly important given the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on American Indian populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management and treatment strategies for long-term COVID-19 symptoms in American Indian communities.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated significant long-term health effects following COVID-19, particularly in vulnerable populations, suggesting that this approach is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Cherokee Nation
Tahlequah, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuhn, Katrin Gaardbo — Cherokee Nation
- Study coordinator: Kuhn, Katrin Gaardbo
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.