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Nakkash R, Tleis M, Khalil J, Romani M, Salloum RG. A qualitative study on tobacco use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon: Waterpipe and cigarette smokers' views, risk perceptions, and behaviors. Tob Prev Cessat 2024; 10:TPC-10-27. [PMID: 38938265 PMCID: PMC11209738 DOI: 10.18332/tpc/189770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of studies have documented more severe COVID-19 symptoms and worse outcomes among smokers compared to non-smokers. The aim of this research is to understand the views, risk perceptions, and behaviors of Lebanese adult smokers during the pandemic. METHODS We conducted 18 qualitative online structured interviews with adults who smoke cigarettes and waterpipe tobacco residing in Lebanon from November 2020 through April 2021. Participants were recruited predominantly via paid social media ads. Interviews were audio-recorded using Zoom software then transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS The findings showed three main themes: changes to smoking behaviors, concerns over the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19, and using coping methods to protect smokers from COVID-19. Although there was an increased risk perception of COVID-19 in relation to smoking, most participants reported an increase in smoking. Instead of being encouraged to quit, participants developed coping strategies against COVID-19 while smoking. CONCLUSIONS Smoking behavior did not seem to decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic. To support cessation initiatives and raise awareness, effective health messaging aimed at smokers is pivotal. Smoking cessation programs need to be better equipped at supporting people who smoke in finding healthier coping mechanisms during a pandemic. Moreover, policies to regulate the propagation of misinformation are required to prevent the development of a false sense of safety and protection from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Nakkash
- Global and Community Health Department, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States
| | - Malak Tleis
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joanna Khalil
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maya Romani
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ramzi G. Salloum
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
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Nazif-Munoz JI, Martínez P, Huỳnh C, Massamba V, Zefania I, Rochette L, Vasiliadis HM. Changes in prenatal cannabis-related diagnosed disorders after the Cannabis Act and the COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec, Canada. Addiction 2024. [PMID: 38898560 DOI: 10.1111/add.16564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Public health concerns regarding pregnant women's health after the enactment of the Cannabis Act in Canada (CAC) (a law that allowed non-medical cannabis use), and the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, call for a contemporary assessment of these two events. Our study measured associations between the CAC, the COVID-19 pandemic and the monthly prevalence rates of cannabis-, all drug- and alcohol-related diagnosed disorders among pregnant women in the province of Quebec. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS This was a quasi-experimental design applying an interrupted time-series methodology in the province of Quebec, Canada. The participants were pregnant women aged 15-49 years, between January 2010 and July 2022. MEASUREMENTS Administrative health data from the Québec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System were used to classify pregnant women according to cannabis-, all drug (excluding cannabis)- and alcohol-related disorders. The CAC (October 2018) and the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020) were evaluated as (1) slope changes and (2) level changes. Cannabis-, all drug (excluding cannabis)- and alcohol-related disorders were measured by total monthly age-standardized monthly prevalence rate of each disorder for pregnant women aged 15-49 years. FINDINGS Before the CAC, the prevalence rate of cannabis-related diagnosed disorders significantly increased each month by 0.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.3-0.6] in the pregnant population. After the CAC, there were significant increases of 24% (95% CI = 1-53) of cannabis-related diagnosed disorders. No significant changes were observed for all drug (excluding cannabis)- and alcohol-related diagnosed disorders associated with the CAC. A non-significant decrease of 20% (95% CI = -38 to 3) was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic in alcohol-related disorders. CONCLUSIONS The monthly incidence rates of diagnosed cannabis-related disorders in pregnant women in Quebec increased significantly following the enactment of the Cannabis Act in Canada. Diagnoses of all drug (excluding cannabis)- and alcohol-related disorders remained relatively stable.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ignacio Nazif-Munoz
- Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke-Campus Longueuil, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pablo Martínez
- Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke-Campus Longueuil, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christophe Huỳnh
- Institut universitaire sur les dépendances, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Département de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Isaora Zefania
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Louis Rochette
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Helen-Maria Vasiliadis
- Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke-Campus Longueuil, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
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Lo JO, Hedges JC, Chou WH, Tager KR, Bachli ID, Hagen OL, Murphy SK, Hanna CB, Easley CA. Influence of substance use on male reproductive health and offspring outcomes. Nat Rev Urol 2024:10.1038/s41585-024-00868-w. [PMID: 38664544 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-024-00868-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of substance use globally is rising and is highest among men of reproductive age. In Africa, and South and Central America, cannabis use disorder is most prevalent and in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, Central America, Canada and the USA, opioid use disorder predominates. Substance use might be contributing to the ongoing global decline in male fertility, and emerging evidence has linked paternal substance use with short-term and long-term adverse effects on offspring development and outcomes. This trend is concerning given that substance use is increasing, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Preclinical studies have shown that male preconception substance use can influence offspring brain development and neurobehaviour through epigenetic mechanisms. Additionally, human studies investigating paternal health behaviours during the prenatal period suggest that paternal tobacco, opioid, cannabis and alcohol use is associated with reduced offspring mental health, in particular hyperactivity and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The potential effects of paternal substance use are areas in which to focus public health efforts and health-care provider counselling of couples or individuals interested in conceiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie O Lo
- Department of Urology, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Jason C Hedges
- Department of Urology, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Wesley H Chou
- Department of Urology, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kylie R Tager
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia College of Public Health, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Ian D Bachli
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia College of Public Health, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Olivia L Hagen
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Carol B Hanna
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Charles A Easley
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia College of Public Health, Athens, GA, USA
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Graham R, Bharthi K, Williams J, Sharifi V, Pedram P, Fahim M, Bulloch A, Patten SB. Trends in vaping and smoking behavior before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: Beneficial and potentially detrimental changes. Addict Behav 2024; 149:107839. [PMID: 37839145 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION E-cigarette and cigarette use may have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there is no consensus in existing literature, and current Canadian studies have not used representative samples. Thus, there is a need for robust national estimates. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS The primary objective was to describe the 30-day period prevalence of smoking and vaping before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. This study analyzed three years of the cross-sectional Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey: 2019 (pre-pandemic), 2020 (9 months into the pandemic) and 2021 (21 months into pandemic). RESULTS Thirty-day period prevalence of vaping over the 2019, 2020, and 2021 study periods were 4.8 (95%CI: 4.2-5.3), 4.6% (95%CI: 4.1-5.2), and 5.2% (95%CI: 4.7-5.7), respectively. The 30-day period prevalence of smoking over the 2019, 2020, and 2021 study periods were 11.9% (95%CI: 10.9-12.7), 10.3% (95%CI: 9.4-11.2), and 10.3% (95%CI: 9.4-11.1), respectively. Notably, estimates of smoking for females decreased considerably from 2019 (11.0%; 95%CI: 9.9--12.2%) to 2020 (8.6%; 95%CI: 7.5-9.7). Estimates of vaping in those aged 20-24 increased substantially from 2020 (13.0%; 95%CI: 10.9-15.1) to 2021 (17.2%; 95%CI: 15.4-18.9). CONCLUSIONS Changes to smoking and vaping were restricted to subsets within the population. In those aged 20-24, there was a modest increase in vaping from 2020 to 2021. In females, there was a decrease in smoking from 2019 to 2020, which persisted in 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Graham
- Departments of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada.
| | - Kanika Bharthi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Canada.
| | - Jeanne Williams
- Departments of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada.
| | - Vandad Sharifi
- Departments of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
| | - Pardis Pedram
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada.
| | - Mina Fahim
- Departments of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada.
| | - Andrew Bulloch
- Departments of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada.
| | - Scott B Patten
- Departments of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada.
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van Namen DM, Hilberink SR, de Vries H, Nagelhout GE, van Staa A. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students with relatives with addiction problems: A longitudinal qualitative study. Stress Health 2023; 39:1093-1105. [PMID: 37078258 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Addiction problems impact not only the persons with these problems but also family members. This study aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stress, strain on health, study experiences, coping strategies, and access to support of students with relatives with addiction problems. Thirty students, aged 18-30 years, from a University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands participated in a three-year qualitative longitudinal interview study. One round of individual semi-structured interviews was conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, and three during the COVID-19 pandemic. Directed Content Analysis was applied, using the Stress-Strain-Information-Coping-Support-model. Four major themes were identified: (1) Increase in stress and strain; (2) Decrease in stress and strain; (3) Coping strategies, and (4) Access to social, professional, and educational support. Before the pandemic, most participants had health problems, especially mental health problems, including problems with their own substance use. Some had study delay. Analysis revealed that during the pandemic, most participants experienced an increase in these problems. This appeared to be related to their living situation: An increase in violence and relapse of relatives increased stress, especially for those living with their relatives. The coping strategies 'standing up' or 'putting up', and a decrease in support-social, professional, and educational-also contributed to stress. A few participants experienced less health problems and study problems. This was related to diminishing addiction problems of relatives, less social pressure, available help, and the coping strategy 'withdrawing'. Withdrawing was much easier for participants who did not live with their relatives with addiction problems. It is recommended to keep schools and universities open during pandemics, offering a safe haven for students at risk in the home situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorine M van Namen
- Research Center Innovations in Care, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Promotion, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander R Hilberink
- Research Center Innovations in Care, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hein de Vries
- Department of Health Promotion, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gera E Nagelhout
- Department of Health Promotion, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- IVO Research Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - AnneLoes van Staa
- Research Center Innovations in Care, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Lalwani K, Whitehorne-Smith P, McLeary JG, Albarus N, Abel W. Investigating the associations of age of initiation and other psychosocial factors of singular alcohol, tobacco and marijuana usage on polysubstance use: analysis of a population-based survey in Jamaica. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e076111. [PMID: 37963690 PMCID: PMC10649390 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine concurrent polysubstance use of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana and determine correlations with access to marijuana, friend and familial drug use habits, risk perception and the age of initiation associated with the singular use of these substances. DESIGN A secondary data analysis. SETTING Used the Jamaica National Drug Prevalence Survey 2016 dataset. PARTICIPANTS Involved the entire dataset comprising 4623 randomly selected respondents between 12 and 65 years old. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome: concurrent polysubstance use recorded as using two or more of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. Predictor variables include risk perception and age of initiation of singular alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use, ease of marijuana access and family and friend alcohol and illegal drug use. RESULTS Approximately 58%-66% of respondents commenced singular alcohol, tobacco or marijuana use under 17. Participants commencing marijuana use at 11 years and under and between 12 and 17 were 3.346 and 4.560 times more likely to report past month concurrent polysubstance use (p=0.030 and p<0.001). Respondents who did not believe that smoking tobacco sometimes (p=0.049), and smoking marijuana sometimes and often was harmful, had increased odds of concurrent polysubstance use (p=0.047 and p<0.001, respectively). Respondents who indicated access to marijuana as easy were significantly more likely to report past month concurrent polysubstance use compared with those who reported access as difficult (p=0.002). Participants who indicated that friends or family members get drunk and take illegal drugs were associated with 1.722 and 1.864 increased odds of reporting past month concurrent polysubstance use (p=0.004 and p=0.017, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Decreased perceived risk, childhood and adolescent age of initiation and easy access to marijuana were significantly associated with polysubstance use among Jamaicans. The influence of friends and family members' drug and alcohol use behaviours on individuals developing polysubstance use habits further endorses the need for interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Lalwani
- Department of Community Health and Psychiatry, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Saint Andrew, Jamaica
| | | | - Joni-Gaye McLeary
- Department of Community Health and Psychiatry, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Saint Andrew, Jamaica
| | - Neena Albarus
- School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Wendel Abel
- Department of Community Health and Psychiatry, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Saint Andrew, Jamaica
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Mehra K, Rup J, Wiese JL, Watson TM, Bonato S, Rueda S. Changes in self-reported cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2139. [PMID: 37915021 PMCID: PMC10621278 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17068-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting mental health and substance use (MHSU) issues worldwide. The purpose of this study was to characterize the literature on changes in cannabis use during the pandemic and the factors associated with such changes. METHODS We conducted a scoping review by searching peer-reviewed databases and grey literature from January 2020 to May 2022 using the Arksey and O'Malley Framework. Two independent reviewers screened a total of 4235 documents. We extracted data from 129 documents onto a data extraction form and collated results using content analytical techniques. RESULTS Nearly half (48%) of the studies reported an increase/initiation of cannabis use, while 36% studies reported no change, and 16% reported a decrease/cessation of cannabis use during the pandemic. Factors associated with increased cannabis use included socio-demographic factors (e.g., younger age), health related factors (e.g., increased symptom burden), MHSU factors (e.g., anxiety, depression), pandemic-specific reactions (e.g., stress, boredom, social isolation), cannabis-related factors (e.g., dependence), and policy-related factors (e.g., legalization of medical/recreational cannabis). CONCLUSION Public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic have the potential to significantly impact cannabis use. The pandemic has placed urgency on improving coping mechanisms and supports that help populations adapt to major and sudden life changes. To better prepare health care systems for future pandemics, wide-reaching education on how pandemic-related change impacts cannabis use is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamna Mehra
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Jennifer Rup
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Jessica L Wiese
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Tara Marie Watson
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Sarah Bonato
- Library Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
| | - Sergio Rueda
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada.
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada.
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King N, Pickett W, Rivera D, Byun J, Li M, Cunningham S, Duffy A. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of First-Year Undergraduate Students Studying at a Major Canadian University: A Successive Cohort Study. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 68:499-509. [PMID: 35450455 PMCID: PMC9096012 DOI: 10.1177/07067437221094549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on first year undergraduate student mental health. METHODS As part of the Queen's University U-Flourish Student Well-Being and Academic Success study, three successive cohorts of students entering undergraduate studies in 2018 (pre-pandemic), 2019 (transitional), and 2020 (during pandemic) completed electronic surveys at entry and completion of first year. Validated self-report measures were used to assess mental health status including symptom levels of anxiety, depression, and insomnia, self-harm and frequency of substance use. Propensity matching and multivariable log-binomial regression were used in comparisons of mental health indicators across the cohorts. RESULTS Clinically significant symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and self-harm were reported more frequently in the 2020-2021 cohort, coincident with remote learning and pandemic restrictions. In female students, screen positive rates for anxiety and depression, and suicidal ideation increased from about one-third to just under one-half in association with the pandemic (χ2, p < .01), while increases in mental health concerns were less pronounced among males. Among females, increases in clinically significant symptoms over first year appeared greatest during the pandemic year, while striking decreases in alcohol consumption in both females and males were reported in that same year. Studying under pandemic conditions had a negative impact on student well-being, social relationships and school connectedness, quality of learning experience, leisure activities, and optimism about future prospects. CONCLUSIONS Mental health concerns including anxiety, depression and sleep problems increased in first year students during the pandemic, especially among females, while alcohol use declined. These findings highlight the negative mental health impact associated with studying under pandemic restrictions involving remote learning and social distancing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan King
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - William Pickett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Anne Duffy
- Anne Duffy, MD, FRCPC, Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Division of Student Mental Health, Mitchell Hall, 69 Union Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 2N9.
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O'Loughlin EK, Sabiston CM, O'Rourke RH, Bélanger M, Sylvestre MP, O'Loughlin JL. Exergaming Among Young Adults in Canada: Longitudinal Study. JMIR Serious Games 2023; 11:e41553. [PMID: 36952329 DOI: 10.2196/41553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exergaming may be an important option to support an active lifestyle, especially during pandemics. OBJECTIVE Our objectives were: (i) to explore whether exergaming status from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic (stopped, started, sustained exergaming, never-exergamed) related to changes in walking, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), or meeting MVPA guidelines; and (ii) among past-year exergamers, to describe change in minutes/week exergaming from before to during the pandemic. METHODS 681 participants (M(SD) age=33.6(0.5), 41% male) from the 22-year NDIT study provided data on walking, MVPA, and exergaming before (2017-20) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021). Physical activity (PA) change scores were described by exergaming status. RESULTS 62.4% of participants never exergamed, 8.2% started exergaming during the pandemic, 19.7% stopped, and 9.7% sustained exergaming. Declines were observed in all three PA indicators in all four groups. Among the more salient findings: (i) participants who started exergaming during COVID-19 reported the highest MVPA levels before and during the pandemic and declined the least (mean -35 minutes/week) (ii) sustained exergamers reported the lowest MVPA levels during the pandemic (median 66 minutes/week), and they declined the most in MVPA (mean change of -92 minutes/week) and in meeting MVPA guidelines (-23.6%). During the pandemic, starters reported 85 minutes of exergaming/week and sustained exergamers increased exergaming by a median 60 minutes/week. CONCLUSIONS Although starting and sustaining exergaming did not appear to help exergamers maintain pre-pandemic PA levels, exergaming can contribute a substantial proportion of total PA in young adults and may still represent a useful option to promote PA during pandemics. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin K O'Loughlin
- Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 850 Saint-Denis (S03-458), Montreal, CA
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, CA
| | - Catherine M Sabiston
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, CA
| | - Roxy H O'Rourke
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, CA
| | - Mathieu Bélanger
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Moncton, CA
- Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Moncton, CA
| | - Marie-Pierre Sylvestre
- Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 850 Saint-Denis (S03-458), Montreal, CA
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, CA
| | - Jennifer L O'Loughlin
- Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 850 Saint-Denis (S03-458), Montreal, CA
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, CA
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Quadri MFA, Lusher J, Folayan MO, Tantawi ME, Zuñiga AA, Brown B, Aly NM, Okeibunor JC, Florencia G, Jafer M, Ara E, Miranda KA, Al-Khanati NM, Ellakany P, Gaffar B, Ishabiyi AO, Khan AT, Khalid Z, Lawal FB, Nzimande N, Shamala A, Al-Tammemi AB, Osamika BE, Yousaf MA, Virtanen JI, Nguyen AL. Factors associated with an increase in tobacco use and alcohol drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study of data from 105 countries. Tob Induc Dis 2023; 21:14. [PMID: 36741539 PMCID: PMC9881585 DOI: 10.18332/tid/157205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has inevitably led to monumental challenges, and alcohol drinking and tobacco use have unlikely been spared. This cross-sectional survey reports on factors associated with an increase in alcohol drinking and tobacco use during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS An online survey conducted in 2020, generated data from 14899 adults residing in 105 countries. Dependent variables were changes in alcohol drinking and tobacco use. Independent variables were age, sex, education level, job loss, lost or reduced wages, investment/retirement benefits, interrupted substance addiction care, and income level of the countries. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was computed to explore the associations between dependent and independent variables in adjusted models using the backward stepwise method. The probability of including or excluding a covariate was set at p(in)<0.05 and p(out)>0.1, respectively. RESULTS Of the regular alcohol consumers (N=4401), 22.9% reported an increase in their alcohol drinking. Of the regular tobacco users (N=2718), 31% reported an increase in their tobacco use. Job loss (Alcohol: AOR=1.26; Tobacco: AOR=1.32) and lost/reduced wages (Alcohol: AOR=1.52; Tobacco: AOR=1.52) were associated with higher odds of increased alcohol drinking and tobacco use. Many interruptions to addiction care (AOR=1.75) were associated with higher odds of increased alcohol drinking. Whereas no interruption to addiction care was associated with lower odds of increased alcohol drinking (AOR=0.77). Also, none (AOR=0.66) or some (AOR=0.70) interruptions to addiction care were associated with lower odds of increased tobacco use. CONCLUSIONS This global survey alludes to the unintended consequences of the current COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol drinking and tobacco use. It is critical that the strategies for emergency responses should include support to ameliorate the impact of financial distress and disruption in substance dependence treatment services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir Faeq A. Quadri
- Dental Public Health Division, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia,Department of Oral Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | | | - Morenike O. Folayan
- Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Maha El Tantawi
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Brandon Brown
- Department of Social Medicine, Population and Public Health, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, United States
| | - Nourhan M. Aly
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Joseph C. Okeibunor
- World Health Organization - Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | | | - Mohammed Jafer
- Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Eshrat Ara
- Department of Psychology, Government College for Women, Cluster University of Srinagar, Srinagar, India
| | - Kessketlen A. Miranda
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuraldeen M. Al-Khanati
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Passent Ellakany
- Department of Substitutive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Balgis Gaffar
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Anthonia O. Ishabiyi
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration, United Nations Migration Agency, Amman, Jordan,Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Abeedha T. Khan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zumama Khalid
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Folake B. Lawal
- Department of Periodontology and Community Dentistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ntombifuthi Nzimande
- Department of Economic and Human Geography, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anas Shamala
- Department of Preventive and Biomedical Science, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Science and Technology, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Ala’a B. Al-Tammemi
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration, United Nations Migration Agency, Amman, Jordan,Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Muhammad A. Yousaf
- Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan,Department of Biology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Annie L. Nguyen
- Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States
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11
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Bonnet U, Specka M, Roser P, Scherbaum N. Cannabis use, abuse and dependence during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:7-18. [PMID: 36346483 PMCID: PMC9641691 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02564-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between cannabis use or addiction and SARS-COV-2 infection rates and COVID-19 outcomes is obscure. As of 08/01/2022 among 57 evaluated epidemiological/clinical studies found in Pubmed-database, most evidence for how cannabis use patterns were influenced by the pandemic was given by two systematic reviews and 17 prospective studies, mostly involving adolescents. In this age group, cannabis use patterns have not changed markedly. For adults, several cross-sectional studies reported mixed results with cannabis use having increased, decreased or remained unchanged. Two cross-sectional studies demonstrated that the severity of adults´ cannabis dependence was either increased as a consequence of increasing cannabis use during the pandemic or not changed. Regarding the effect of cannabis use on COVID-19 outcomes, we found only five retrospective/cross-sectional studies. Accordingly, (i) cannabis use did not impact mild COVID-19 symptoms; (ii) cannabis using individuals experienced more COVID-19-related hospitalizations; (iii) cannabis using veterans were associated with reduced SARS-COV-2 infection rates; (iv) frequent cannabis use was significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality, and (v) cannabis dependents were at higher risk of COVID-19 breakthrough after vaccination. It should be outlined that the validity of these retrospective/cross-sectional studies (all self-reports or register/e-health-records) is rather low. Future prospective studies on the effects of cannabis use on SARS-COV-2 infection rates and COVID-19 outcomes are clearly required for conclusive risk-benefit assessments of the role of cannabis on users' health during the pandemic. Moreover, substance dependence (including cannabis) is associated with (often untreated) somatic comorbidity, which severity is a proven key risk factor for worse COVID-19 outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udo Bonnet
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Academic Teaching Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Grutholzallee 21, 44577 Castrop-Rauxel, Germany ,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Specka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Patrik Roser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Norbert Scherbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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12
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Kudrina I, Bartlett G, Pagé MG, Shir Y, Tourian L, Choinière M, Vedel I. Transitional Pain Care in Quebec: Did We Forget Our Youths? A Brief Research Report. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:885570. [PMID: 35712447 PMCID: PMC9197181 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.885570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) represent a unique population with distinct psycho-social risks and care needs. About 10% of AYAs live with chronic pain (CP) and transition to adult pain care between 16 and 25 years of age. These transitions in care happen simultaneously with other bio-psycho-social changes and require flexible multi-disciplinary support models. As it stands, transitional pain care appears suboptimal, fragmented, and opportunistic in Quebec (Canada). The objective of this Brief Report is, therefore, to present our study findings and propose a multi-disciplinary transitional framework vision applicable to AYAs living with CP. Data were collected using a sequential-consensual qualitative design with a longitudinal participatory component. The consecutive stages of this work included an exploratory stage, semi-structured interviews with primary care providers, and inter-disciplinary deliberative stakeholder consultation groups. The deductive inductive thematic approach and the three-level Health Care Transition Research Consortium's theoretical framework were used to analyze the data. A representative group of stakeholders discussed findings from the first two steps, made fifteen actionable recommendations and formulated their vision of a transitional pain care model that can be further adapted in other settings. The study results present important insights into various psycho-social factors associated with transitional pain care for AYAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kudrina
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Irina Kudrina
| | - Gillian Bartlett
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - M. Gabrielle Pagé
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yoram Shir
- Department of Anesthesia, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Leon Tourian
- Department of Anesthesia, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Manon Choinière
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Vedel
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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13
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Metz VE, Palzes VA, Chi FW, Campbell CI, Sterling SA. Alcohol Use Among Young Adults in Northern California During the COVID-19 Pandemic-An Electronic Health Records-Based Study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:883306. [PMID: 35903628 PMCID: PMC9315391 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.883306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals globally were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in myriad of ways, including social isolation and economic hardship, resulting in negative impacts on mental health and substance use. Young adults have been subjected to extraordinary challenges such as job loss, virtual school, or childcare issues, but have received limited attention from research so far. METHODS Using electronic health record data from a large integrated healthcare system in Northern California, this longitudinal observational study examined changes in the prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use (identified via systematic alcohol screening in adult primary care) from pre- (3/1/2019-12/31/2019) to post-COVID onset (3/1/2020-12/31/2020) among young adults (18-34 years). Among the 663,111 and 627,095 young adults who utilized primary care in the pre- and post-COVID onset periods, 342,889 (51.9%) and 186,711 (29.8%) received alcohol screening, respectively. We fit generalized estimating equation Poisson models to estimate the change in prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use from pre- to post-COVID onset among those who were screened, while using inverse probability weighting to account for potential selection bias of receiving alcohol screening. Heterogeneity in the change of prevalence by patient characteristics was also examined. RESULTS Overall, the unadjusted prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use slightly decreased from 9.2% pre-COVID to 9.0% post-COVID onset. After adjusting for patient covariates, the prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use decreased by about 2% [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96, 1.00]. The prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use increased among women by 8% (aPR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.11), patients 18-20 years by 7% (aPR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.15), and Latino/Hispanic patients by 7% (aPR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.11). While the prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use decreased among men by 12% (aPR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.86, 0.90), patients 21-34 years by 2% (aPR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96, 0.99), White patients by 3% (95% CI = 0.95, 1.00), and patients living in neighborhoods with the lowest deprivation indices by 9% (aPR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.88, 0.94), their unadjusted prevalence remained higher than their counterparts post-COVID onset. There was no variation in the change of prevalence by comorbid mental health conditions or drug use disorders. CONCLUSIONS While changes in unhealthy alcohol use prevalence among young adults were small, findings raise concerns over increased drinking among women, those younger than the U.S. legal drinking age, and Latino/Hispanic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena E Metz
- Center for Addiction and Mental Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Vanessa A Palzes
- Center for Addiction and Mental Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Felicia W Chi
- Center for Addiction and Mental Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Cynthia I Campbell
- Center for Addiction and Mental Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Stacy A Sterling
- Center for Addiction and Mental Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA, United States
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