Data Access Register - full project summary
| Application ID | llc_0038 |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Using Shopping Data to Explore the Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health |
| Lead Applicant | Romana Burgess |
| Organisation(s) Name(s) | The University of Bristol |
| Approval Date | 02/07/2025 |
| Application Status | Approved |
| Lay Summary | This project explores how the COVID-19 pandemic affected mental health by analysing people’s shopping habits, using only data from individuals who have given their consent. Research has shown that the pandemic increased anxiety for many individuals, but we want to understand how that manifested in everyday behaviours, such as food and alcohol purchases. We will use loyalty card data from a major UK supermarket to track changes in shopping patterns before, during, and after the pandemic. For example, buying more painkillers, alcohol, or tobacco could indicate higher stress levels. By linking this shopping data with medical records and mental health service use, we can identify connections between purchasing behaviour and mental well-being. This research will help us understand whether people experiencing anxiety or depression make different shopping choices and whether these behaviours changed due to COVID-19. It could also help healthcare providers detect early signs of mental health struggles, leading to better support. Ultimately, this study aims to improve how we monitor mental health at a population level. By combining consented shopping and medical data, we can gain a clearer picture of how people’s well-being was affected by the pandemic and ensure that future public health responses are better informed. |
| Datasets Requested | LPS Data:
Linked Data Requested:
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