Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Alcohol Use and Outcomes: The Role of Health Disparities

Abstract The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has resulted in a world-wide pandemic infection designated COVID-19. While attention has focused on prevention and treatment of SARS CoV-2 infection, the mental health consequences of the pandemic also need to be examined, to include the effect of the pandemic on alcohol use and problems. There is evidence that different racial/ethnic groups may be differentially affected by the pandemic and may therefore have different alcohol use outcomes, and both theory and data suggest that vulnerable groups who have experienced the highest level of exposure to the pandemic may be most at risk for increased alcohol use following the pandemic. To address these questions, this Diversity F31 application will take advantage of a unique resource associated with NIAAA and directed by Co-Sponsor Ramchandani. As part of the ongoing NIAAA longitudinal study of the pandemic impact on alcohol use, up to 500 participants, including non-drinkers, light drinkers, non-treatment-seeking heavy drinkers, as well as treatment-seeking individuals with alcohol use disorder, will be assessed by phone and/or online over 2 years. Data from this study will be used by the applicant to address the first two aims. Specific Aim 1 will examine if the impact of the pandemic on alcohol use is different in individuals who identify as Black/African Americans compared to those who identify as White, and in individuals who report lower levels of income/education compared to those who report higher levels of income/education. Specific Aim 2 will examine mediators of increased alcohol use among vulnerable groups, including the effect of increases in post-pandemic stress and financial impact following the onset of the pandemic. In addition, a sample of 40 Black/African Americans will be invited to take part in a 6-week Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) study administered by the applicant, which will be used to address Specific Aim 3. Specific Aim 3 will examine predictors of alcohol use in a group of Black/African Americans using Ecological Momentary Assessment, to include measures of perceived discrimination and financial stress. Overall, this study may help to clarify which vulnerable groups are most at risk of increased alcohol use and problems post-pandemic, and increase understanding of the mechanisms that give rise to increased alcohol use and problems in these individuals.