Understanding how COVID-19 affects people with alcohol use disorder
Official title: Characterize multifaceted interactions between COVID-19 and alcohol use disorder based on real-time analysis of electronic health records of 62 million adult patients
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10687823 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 and alcohol use disorder (AUD) affect each other, especially for adults who might be more at risk, and it hopes to find ways to help those who are struggling with both during the pandemic.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $362,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA029831-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10687823 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults with a history of alcohol use disorder, particularly those who have been affected by COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a history of alcohol use disorder or those who have not been impacted by COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between COVID-19 and alcohol use disorder (AUD) by analyzing electronic health records from 62 million adult patients. It aims to understand how individuals with AUD may be more susceptible to COVID-19 and how COVID-19 may increase the risk of developing AUD. The study will also explore the prevalence of other psychiatric disorders and substance use issues among patients affected by both conditions. By identifying these relationships, the research seeks to inform timely interventions that could help protect vulnerable patients during the pandemic and beyond.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing the health of individuals with alcohol use disorder during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that understanding the interplay between mental health and infectious diseases can lead to significant advancements in patient care, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Rong — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Xu, Rong
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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.