Kelly Young-Wolff, PhD, MPH

People

Kaiser Permanente Division of Research
2000 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612

(510) 891-3570 (phone)
kelly.c.young-wolff@kp.org
Kaiser Permanente Researcher Profiles

Kelly C. Young-Wolff, PhD, MPH, is a licensed clinical psychologist and research scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research. She is also an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco; Consulting Assistant Professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine; and Associate Professor, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. Dr. Young-Wolff received her BA in psychology and anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, and her MPH and doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Southern California. She completed her NIDA-funded predoctoral fellowship at Yale University in the Department of Psychiatry and her NHLBI-funded postdoctoral fellowship at the Stanford Prevention Research Center in the Stanford School of Medicine. Dr. Young-Wolff’s research interests include investigating how stress and trauma, genetic factors, and health-related policies shape disparities in the onset and course of drug and alcohol abuse, tobacco use, and psychiatric disorders. She is also interested in conducting research to inform the development of effective behavioral interventions for complex patients with multiple, co-occurring psychiatric and addictive disorders.

Current Position(s):

Research Scientist III, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Adjunct Associate Professor, University of California, San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry
Consulting Assistant Professor, Stanford University School of Medicine
Associate Professor, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine

Section Affiliations:

Behavioral Health and Aging

Primary Research Interests:

Disparities in the onset and course of drug and alcohol abuse, tobacco use, and psychiatric disorders
Behavioral interventions for individuals with multiple, co-occurring psychiatric and addictive disorders

Studies

2021 Smoking and COVID-19 Onset and Severity in a US Integrated Healthcare Delivery System

This study examines 1) whether cigarette smoking and nicotine vaping are associated with elevated risk for onset of COVID-19 infection and worse disease severity, and 2) whether risks associated with cigarette smoking and nicotine vaping are greater among health disparity populations and those with smoking-related chronic health conditions.
Investigator: Young-Wolff, Kelly
Funder: Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program

2021 Health Equity Research Supplement to Conduct Focus Groups with Black and White Women who Self-Report Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

Qualitative data are critically needed to better understand knowledge gaps, preferences, and social and cultural factors that differentially contribute to prenatal cannabis use among Black and White women. To address these important gaps in knowledge, we will conduct race-matched virtual focus groups with Black and White pregnant women who self-report cannabis use during pregnancy to learn more about what drives prenatal cannabis use, women’s understanding of harms, and barriers to quitting to inform better education and intervention materials.
Investigator: Young-Wolff, Kelly
Funder: Kaiser Permanente Division of Research

Assessing the Impact of Cannabis Legalization on Adolescent Cannabis Use and Cannabis-Related Health Conditions

Recreational cannabis legalization (RCL) has high potential to lead to increases in adolescent cannabis use and related health conditions, but few studies have examined this question and results are mixed. Using data from adolescents in KPNC''s large integrated health care delivery system from 2015-2023, we aim to: 1) Test whether RCL in California in 2018 is associated with increases in rates of cannabis use and related health conditions, 2) Examine whether post-RCL changes in rates of cannabis use and related health conditions vary among demographic and clinical subgroups, and 3) Conduct interviews with addiction medicine clinicians to understand how RCL impacts adolescent cannabis use and treatment from the provider perspective.
Investigator: Young-Wolff, Kelly
Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse

Maternal Marijuana Use During Pregnancy, Marijuana Legalization, and Adverse Obstetrical and Neonatal Outcomes: A 12-year Cohort Study (COVID-19 Revision)

As of March 26, 2020, there have been more than 80,000 cases and 1,000 deaths in the US due to COVID-19. Because it attacks the lungs, COVID-19 could be an especially serious threat to those who smoke or vape tobacco or cannabis. This study will use data from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California universal prenatal substance use screening program to examine whether women who use substances before or during pregnancy are at increased risk for COVID-19 onset and progression. We will also look at whether prenatal substance use rates rise during the pandemic overall or within certain subgroups, such as women with depression, anxiety, or low socioeconomic status.
Investigator: Young-Wolff, Kelly; Avalos, Lyndsay
Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse

Smoking as a Risk Factor for COVID-19 Onset and Severity

This pilot study will use data from Kaiser Permanente Northern California electronic health records to examine whether current and former smokers are at elevated risk for COVID-19 infection and disease severity relative to never smokers. We will also look at whether any associations between smoking status and COVID-19 onset or severity are moderated by smoking-related chronic conditions or socio-demographic factors.
Investigator: Young-Wolff, Kelly
Funder: Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program

Impact of In Utero Marijuana Exposure on Neurodevelopment, Behavior and Mental Health: A Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study

This study will investigate whether maternal prenatal marijuana use increases the risk of impairments in a child's executive functioning and mental health, after accounting for other factors such as tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use; socioeconomic status, and maternal mental health postpartum. We will look at both the independent effects of prenatal marijuana use and the synergistic effects of concomitant substance use as well as differential effects by infant sex.
Investigator: Avalos, Lyndsay; Young-Wolff, Kelly
Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse

Maternal Marijuana Use During Pregnancy, Marijuana Legalization, and Adverse Obstetrical and Neonatal Outcomes: A 12-year Cohort Study

The goal of this application is to examine the association between maternal marijuana use during pregnancy and adverse obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. We aim to: 1) Examine trends in prenatal marijuana use following the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes in California; 2) Assess whether maternal marijuana use during pregnancy is associated with the risk of adverse maternal health and pregnancy outcomes; and 3) Assess whether maternal marijuana use during pregnancy is associated with the risk of adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes.
Investigator: Avalos, Lyndsay; Young-Wolff, Kelly
Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse

Identifying Risk Factors for Prenatal Substance and Polysubstance Use

The overarching goal of this K01 study is to identify recent trends in prenatal substance use and develop data-driven, evidence-based, generalizable predictive models to identify women at greatest risk for continued substance use in pregnancy. Specifically, we aim to: 1) Comprehensively establish trends in prenatal substance and polysubstance use (2009-2017); 2) Develop predictive statistical models of clinical and demographic characteristics to identify women at greatest risk for continuing to use substances during pregnancy; and 3) Conduct qualitative interviews with women who quit vs. persisted in substance use during pregnancy.
Investigator: Young-Wolff, Kelly
Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse

Feasibility of Screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) in a Prenatal Population

This study examines the feasibility and acceptability of adopting ACEs screening in two Kaiser Permanente Northern California women’s health clinics. Results of this patient- and clinician-focused study will inform the viability of implementing ACEs screening as part of usual prenatal care and can be used to develop improved screening protocols.
Investigator: Young-Wolff, Kelly
Funder: Northern California Community Benefit Programs

Impact of Health Reform on Smoking and Treatment Utilization

The overall objective of this study is to examine how the implementation of landmark health care legislation has impacted the population of smokers in a private health care delivery system, their treatment utilization, and their smoking cessation outcomes over time. New insured smokers through Medicaid expansion and CA exchanges are likely to be a vulnerable group, with a higher prevalence of comorbidities, and unique barriers to utilization of tobacco treatment. The study is designed to test whether newly insured patients have a higher percentage of comorbidities and differential use of tobacco cessation counseling. Further, the study will test whether variation in benefit plan and coverage among post-ACA new member smokers differentially impacts tobacco cessation counseling utilization and smoking cessation outcomes longitudinally.
Investigator: Young-Wolff, Kelly
Funder: Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program

Implementation and Effectiveness of a Perioperative Smoking Cessation Program

This study assesses the implementation and effectiveness of a perioperative smoking cessation intervention integrated into usual care for patients who smoke who are scheduled for elective surgery. Results will inform the feasibility of a real-world intervention in day-to-day practice that could be easily implemented in most perioperative settings.
Investigator: Young-Wolff, Kelly
Funder: Northern California Community Benefit Programs

Highlighted Publications

Association of Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma With Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

Author(s): Young-Wolff KC; Sarovar V; Tucker LY; Goler NC; Alexeeff SE; Ridout KK; Avalos LA

JAMA Netw Open. 2020 02 05;3(2):e1921333. Epub 2020-02-05.

Current Position(s):

Section Affiliations:

Primary Research Interests:

Studies

2021 Smoking and COVID-19 Onset and Severity in a US Integrated Healthcare Delivery System

2021 Health Equity Research Supplement to Conduct Focus Groups with Black and White Women who Self-Report Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

Assessing the Impact of Cannabis Legalization on Adolescent Cannabis Use and Cannabis-Related Health Conditions

Maternal Marijuana Use During Pregnancy, Marijuana Legalization, and Adverse Obstetrical and Neonatal Outcomes: A 12-year Cohort Study (COVID-19 Revision)

Smoking as a Risk Factor for COVID-19 Onset and Severity

Impact of In Utero Marijuana Exposure on Neurodevelopment, Behavior and Mental Health: A Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study

Maternal Marijuana Use During Pregnancy, Marijuana Legalization, and Adverse Obstetrical and Neonatal Outcomes: A 12-year Cohort Study

Identifying Risk Factors for Prenatal Substance and Polysubstance Use

Feasibility of Screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) in a Prenatal Population

Impact of Health Reform on Smoking and Treatment Utilization

Implementation and Effectiveness of a Perioperative Smoking Cessation Program

Highlighted Publications

Association of Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma With Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental and Behavioral Health Conditions During Pregnancy: The Role of Resilience

Trends in Self-reported and Biochemically Tested Marijuana Use Among Pregnant Females in California From 2009-2016

Smoking, Mental Illness, and Public Health

Publications

Current tobacco smoking and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization: Evaluating the role of socio-demographic factors and comorbidities

Cannabis use for medical reasons among patients in a large California health care system after legalization of non-medical use

Association of cannabis use during pregnancy with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection: a retrospective cohort study

Association of the COVID-19 Pandemic With Unstable and/or Unsafe Living Situations and Intimate Partner Violence Among Pregnant Individuals

Cigarette Smoking and Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and Disease Severity Among Adults in an Integrated Health Care System in California

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on prenatal cannabis use by pre-conception depression and anxiety status

Perceptions About Cannabis Following Legalization Among Pregnant Individuals With Prenatal Cannabis Use in California

Trends in Self-reported and Biochemically Verified Cocaine and Methamphetamine Use Among Pregnant Individuals in Northern California, 2011-2019

Pregnant women's perspectives on screening for adverse childhood experiences and resilience during prenatal care

Geographic Accessibility of Retail Cannabis in Northern California and Prenatal Cannabis Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Smoking Behaviors and Prognosis in Patients With Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer in the Be-Well Study

Patterns of Substance Use During Early Pregnancy and Associations With Behavioral Health Characteristics

Promising Practices for Implementing Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience Screening in Obstetric Care

Cost-Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing to Reduce Alcohol and Cannabis Use Among Patients With Depression

Electronic cigarette use and risk of COVID-19 among young adults without a history of cigarette smoking

In-utero cannabis exposure and long-term psychiatric and neurodevelopmental outcomes: The limitations of existing literature and recommendations for future research

Coping strategies for COVID-19 pandemic-related stress and mental health during pregnancy

Association Between Prenatal Cannabis Use and Psychotropic Medication Use in Pregnant Patients With Depression and Anxiety

California Cannabis Markets-Why Industry-Friendly Regulation Is Not Good Public Health

Modes of cannabis administration in the year prior to conception among patients in Northern California

Trends in Cannabis Polysubstance Use During Early Pregnancy Among Patients in a Large Health Care System in Northern California

Prenatal Cannabis Use Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic-Reply

Association of Pregnancy Intentions With Substance Use During Early Pregnancy

Contributions of COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Stressors to Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mental Health During Pregnancy

Associations of COVID-19-Related Health, Healthcare and Economic Factors With Prenatal Depression and Anxiety

Preconception cannabis use: An important but overlooked public health issue

Cannabis Use and Patient-Centered Care During Pregnancy and Post Partum Among People Living With HIV

Rates of Prenatal Cannabis Use Among Pregnant Women Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Physical, Mental Health and Developmental Conditions, and Sociodemographic Characteristics Associated With Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Young Children in Pediatric Primary Care

Why do Americans use marijuana?

Nicotine and cannabis vaping among adolescents in treatment for substance use disorders

Association Between Social Media Use and Vaping Among Florida Adolescents, 2019

Cannabis Use Among Patients With Psychotic Disorders

A Change in Blood Carbamazepine Levels Associated With Cannabis Use: Implications for Clinical Practice

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Pregnancy Intentions among Pregnant Women Seeking Prenatal Care

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Early and Continued Breastfeeding: Findings from an Integrated Health Care Delivery System

Association of Cannabis Retailer Proximity and Density With Cannabis Use Among Pregnant Women in Northern California After Legalization of Cannabis for Recreational Use

Smoking cessation treatment for individuals with comorbid diabetes and serious mental illness in an integrated health care delivery system

The relationship of smoking and unhealthy alcohol use to the HIV care continuum among people with HIV in an integrated health care system

Moving Toward Health and Social Equity for Women Who Use Cannabis During Preconception, Pregnancy, and Lactation

Premature mortality associated with severe mental illness or substance use disorder in an integrated health care system

COVID-19 prevalence, symptoms, and sociodemographic disparities in infection among insured pregnant women in Northern California

Treatment for Anxiety and Substance Use Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Strategies

Health care utilization and HIV clinical outcomes among newly enrolled patients following Affordable Care Act implementation in a California integrated health system: a longitudinal study

Healthcare utilization of individuals with substance use disorders following Affordable Care Act implementation in a California healthcare system

Smoking cessation treatment for individuals with comorbid diabetes and serious mental illness in an integrated health care delivery system

Estimates of Workload Associated With Suicide Risk Alerts After Implementation of Risk-Prediction Model

Trends and correlates of self-reported alcohol and nicotine use among women before and during pregnancy, 2009-2017

Smoking and cessation treatment among persons with and without HIV in a U.S. integrated health system

Women's Questions About Perinatal Cannabis Use and Health Care Providers' Responses

Tobacco-related counseling and documentation in adolescent primary care practice: Challenges and opportunities

Correlates of Pregnant Women's Participation in a Substance Use Assessment and Counseling Intervention Integrated into Prenatal Care

Online patient-provider cannabis consultations

Association of Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma With Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

Management of Cannabis Use in Breastfeeding Women: The Untapped Potential of Certified Lactation Consultants

Routes of cannabis administration among females in the year before and during pregnancy: Results from a pilot project

Comorbid Diabetes and Severe Mental Illness: Outcomes in an Integrated Health Care Delivery System

Validity of Self-reported Cannabis Use Among Pregnant Females in Northern California

Intimate Partner Violence and Psychological Distress: Opportunities for Prevention and Early Intervention Among Emerging Adult Women

Correlates and prevalence of menthol cigarette use among adults with serious mental illness

Longitudinal associations between smoking cessation medications and alcohol consumption among smokers in the International Tobacco Control Four Country survey