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.