Alcohol, nicotine, and COVID-19: A retrospective study of health outcomes in central Pennsylvania

• DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.11.009
• Publication Date: 2022-11-25T20:30:49Z
• Authors: Kevin Lou Xu; Patrick Arthur Ra...
• Keywords: Electronic cigarette; Alcohol abuse

Individuals with substance abuse disorder are at increased risk for the development of severe disease following COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, individuals in rural populations where access to healthcare is limited and rates tend be higher compared other regions. The Penn State Health Network serves 29 counties central Pennsylvania that largely rural. current study assessed electronic medical records this population were reported as having alcohol dependence, nicotine dependence or both (co-users) addition no history drug use rate developing primary secondary health outcomes All patients determined COVID+ while care. We found overall, requiring ventilation, pneumonia, mortality within 30 days diagnosis all any history, across males females age groups. Moreover, these considerably dependent suggesting additive effects co-use. Rates also substantially categories showing greater liver, kidney, pancreas maladies use. Taken together, findings reinforce previous studies increases risks significant infection, giving insights into disparities exist populations.