Association of binge alcohol use with functional outcomes among individuals with COVID-19 infection

2025

Binge Alcohol Use and COVID-19 Functional Outcomes

Sample size: 3529 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tong Sebastian T, Gottlieb Michael, Ebna Mannan Imtiaz, Zheng Zihan, Sinha Manisha, Santangelo Michelle, Gatling Kristyn, Kean Efrat, Watts Phillip, Wang Ralph, Montoy Juan Carlos, Idris Ahamed, MacDonald Samuel, Huebinger Ryan, Hill Mandy, O’Laughlin Kelli N, Gentile Nicole L, Dorney Jocelyn, Malicki Caitlin, Elmore Joann G, Diaz Roldan Kate, Chan Gary, Lin Zhenqiu, Weinstein Robert A, Stephens Kari A

Primary Institution: University of Washington

Hypothesis

Is there an association between binge alcohol use and long-term functional outcomes among individuals with COVID-19 infection?

Conclusion

Binge alcohol use before COVID-19 infection was associated with statistically significant but clinically irrelevant improvements in function at three months, which were not sustained at six months.

Supporting Evidence

23.7% of individuals screened positive for binge drinking.
At three months, binge drinkers reported better physical function and less pain interference.
No significant associations were found at six months.
Post-infectious and pandemic stressors may have impacted functional outcomes more than binge alcohol use.

Takeaway

People who drank a lot of alcohol before getting COVID-19 seemed to feel a little better physically three months later, but this didn't last six months after the infection.

Methodology

The study used a prospective, longitudinal, multisite cohort design to evaluate the association between binge alcohol use and functional outcomes using PROMIS-29 scores at three and six months post-infection.