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Vornlocher C, Shiota MN. Drinking While Stressed and Drinking to Cope Differentially Relate to Mental Health. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:402. [PMID: 38785893 PMCID: PMC11118402 DOI: 10.3390/bs14050402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Excessive alcohol use, as well as drinking to manage distress, are known to undermine mental health. The current study examined the unique associations of simply consuming alcohol while stressed, versus using alcohol to cope with distress, with mental health during the early stages of COVID-19. Participants (N = 264) reported their alcohol use and use of alcohol/substances to cope with stress daily for 22 days and completed measures of mental health at baseline and every 7 days thereafter. Hierarchical regression models were tested to predict drinking while stressed, drinking to cope, and mental health. At baseline, drinking while stressed was not significantly associated with mental health when coping motives were accounted for. However, drinking to cope was significantly associated with greater stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Drinking while stressed was significantly predicted by baseline stress and loneliness, while drinking to cope was significantly predicted by baseline anxiety. Drinking while stressed was not a significant predictor of change in mental health when coping motives were accounted for. Drinking to cope was a significant predictor of increases in depression but not of change in stress, anxiety, or loneliness. The motivation to manage distress appears to be driving the negative effects of alcohol use on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carley Vornlocher
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1104, USA;
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2
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Nyunt G, McMillen J, Oplt K, Beckham V. Flourishing (or lack thereof) during COVID-19: College students'social-psychological well-being during the Fall 2020 semester. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:177-187. [PMID: 35026969 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.2024548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This exploratory quantitative study examined college students' social-psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: The sample included 1,723 students (undergraduate and graduate) at a public research university. Methods: Paired samples t-test were utilized to compare students' social-psychological well-being pre-pandemic, at the start of the Fall 2020 semester, and toward the end of the Fall 2020 semester. Regression analyses were utilized to identify predictors of students' social-psychological well-being at the start and toward the end of the Fall 2020 semester. Results: Students experienced a significant decrease in social-psychological well-being pre-pandemic to the start of the Fall 2020 semester and most had not returned to pre-pandemic levels toward the end of the semester. While demographics, housing arrangements, and course modality impacted social-psychological well-being, they only explained a small percentage of the variance in students' well-being. Conclusion: Students continued to experience low mental well-being during the Fall 2020 semester.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gudrun Nyunt
- Counseling and Higher Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA
| | - Jeanine McMillen
- Counseling and Higher Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA
| | - Kaley Oplt
- Counseling and Higher Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA
| | - Vanessa Beckham
- Counseling and Higher Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA
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Veldhuis CB, Kreski NT, Usseglio J, Keyes KM. Are Cisgender Women and Transgender and Nonbinary People Drinking More During the COVID-19 Pandemic? It Depends. Alcohol Res 2023; 43:05. [PMID: 38170029 PMCID: PMC10760999 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v43.1.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This narrative review of research conducted during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic examines whether alcohol use among cisgender women and transgender and nonbinary people increased during the pandemic. The overarching goal of the review is to inform intervention and prevention efforts to halt the narrowing of gender-related differences in alcohol use. SEARCH METHODS Eight databases (PubMed, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Gender Studies Database, GenderWatch, and Web of Science) were searched for peer-reviewed literature, published between March 2020 and July 2022, that reported gender differences or findings specific to women, transgender or nonbinary people, and alcohol use during the pandemic. The search focused on studies conducted in the United States and excluded qualitative research. SEARCH RESULTS A total 4,132 records were identified, including 400 duplicates. Of the remaining 3,732 unique records for consideration in the review, 51 were ultimately included. Overall, most studies found increases in alcohol use as well as gender differences in alcohol use, with cisgender women experiencing the most serious consequences. The findings for transgender and nonbinary people were equivocal due to the dearth of research and because many studies aggregated across gender. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Alcohol use by cisgender women seems to have increased during the pandemic; however, sizable limitations need to be considered, particularly the low number of studies on alcohol use during the pandemic that analyzed gender differences. This is of concern as gender differences in alcohol use had been narrowing before the pandemic; and this review suggests the gap has narrowed even further. Cisgender women and transgender and nonbinary people have experienced sizable stressors during the pandemic; thus, understanding the health and health behavior impacts of these stressors is critical to preventing the worsening of problematic alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy B Veldhuis
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Noah T Kreski
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - John Usseglio
- Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library, Columbia Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Katherine M Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Braitman AL, Ayala Guzman R, Strowger M, Shipley JL, Glenn DJ, Junkin E, Whiteside A, Lau-Barraco C. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic experiences on college drinking via mental distress: Cross-sectional mediation moderated by race. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:2313-2330. [PMID: 38085122 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to stress, anxiety, and depression among college students, with heightened distress tied to greater drinking for some individuals. Emerging research suggests that these associations may differ across race, but few studies use adequate samples to examine this, particularly among college students, an at-risk population for both heavy drinking and mental distress. Specifically, pandemic-related stressors and mental distress may be higher among Black students than White students. The current study examined: (1) whether mental distress cross-sectionally mediates the association between pandemic-specific stressors and drinking and (2) whether race (Black or White) moderates these associations. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey of 400 college drinkers (43% White, 28% Black) in fall 2020 assessed pandemic-related stressors (e.g., losing a job, contracting COVID-19, changed living situation), mental distress (stress, anxiety, depression), and drinking (past-month drinking, perceived changes since the start of the pandemic). RESULTS Cross-sectional mediation models indicated that financial stressors and social distancing were linked to greater quantity and frequency of past-month drinking through greater mental distress. For perceived changes in drinking, only financial stressors were linked to drinking greater quantities and drinking more often (compared to pre-pandemic levels) via mental distress. Moderated mediation models among students identifying as White or Black revealed that changed living situation was a robust stressor across race. Financial stressors and social distancing were linked with greater distress only among White students, whereas essential worker status was a protective factor against distress only among Black students. CONCLUSIONS Select stressors were linked to increased drinking through greater mental distress, with differential risks across Black versus White students. Findings suggest campus administrators should focus on connecting students with resources (e.g., counseling centers and health promotion offices) during times of distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby L Braitman
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Megan Strowger
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Jennifer L Shipley
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Douglas J Glenn
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Emily Junkin
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Cathy Lau-Barraco
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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Connolly DJ, Eraslan E, Gilchrist G. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and sexualised drug use among men who have sex with men: a systematic review. Sex Health 2023; 20:375-384. [PMID: 37460309 DOI: 10.1071/sh23071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Drug-related harms, including harms from sexualised drug use (SDU), are disproportionately experienced by sexual and gender minority people, relative to their majority counterparts. Chemsex, a type of SDU practiced mainly by MSM, is associated with methamphetamine use and increased HIV seropositivity or risk of acquisition. Therefore, participants are at increased risk of immunocompromise. Existing evidence suggests that drug use increases following natural disasters. The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on chemsex is unknown. A PRISMA-adherent systematic review was conducted to synthesise reports of changes in the prevalence, frequency, or characteristics of drug use (and factors associated with these changes) following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This report presents findings related to SDU/chemsex among MSM. A comprehensive search across nine databases, supplemented with backward-forward citation searching and contact with key opinion leaders, was conducted. Two reviewers carried out title-abstract screening, full-text screening, and data extraction. Following a final, single database search, nine studies were included in the narrative synthesis. More than half the sample were studies investigating HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis use. Twenty percent of participants in most studies reported chemsex participation. In four, participants reported a net increase or maintenance of chemsex participation during the pandemic and five reported a net decrease. Increased chemsex participation was associated with loneliness, cravings, and working during the pandemic. Decreased chemsex practice was associated with COVID-19-related fear. This synthesis suggests that chemsex practice continued, and for some MSM increased, throughout COVID-19 pandemic 'lockdowns'. This may have increased COVID-19 transmission and severity among potentially vulnerable MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean J Connolly
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Windsor Walk, London, UK
| | - Ece Eraslan
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Windsor Walk, London, UK
| | - Gail Gilchrist
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Windsor Walk, London, UK
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Arterberry BJ, Parks MJ, Patrick ME. The moderating role of mental health on the association between COVID-related stress, isolation, and economic hardship and using substances to cope. Prev Med Rep 2023; 34:102229. [PMID: 37193220 PMCID: PMC10168196 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Since young adulthood is a vulnerable period for adverse mental health experiences and high-risk substance use, it is critical to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adult mental health and substance use behaviors. Therefore, we determined whether the relationship between COVID-related stressors and using substances to cope with COVID-related social distancing and isolation was moderated by depression and anxiety among young adults. Data were from the Monitoring the Future (MTF) Vaping Supplement (total N = 1244). Logistic regressions assessed the relations between COVID-related stressors, depression, anxiety, demographic characteristics, and interactions between depression/anxiety and COVID-related stressors with vaping more, drinking more, and using marijuana to cope with COVID-related social distancing and isolation. Greater COVID-related stress due to social distancing was associated with vaping more to cope among those with more depression symptoms and drinking more to cope among those with more symptoms of anxiety. Similarly, COVID-related economic hardships were associated with using marijuana to cope among those with more symptoms of depression. However, feeling less COVID-related isolation and social distancing stress was linked to vaping and drinking more to cope, respectively, among those with more symptoms of depression. These findings suggest that the most vulnerable young adults are seeking substances to cope with the pandemic, while potentially experiencing co-occurring depression and anxiety along with COVID-related stressors. Therefore, intervention programs to support young adults who are struggling with their mental health in the aftermath of the pandemic as they transition into adulthood are critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke J. Arterberry
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Michael J. Parks
- Butler Center for Research, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Center City, MN, United States
- Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Megan E. Patrick
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Morris V, Baptist-Mohseni N, Kronstein NB, Murphy CB, Yunus F, Thibault T, Livet A, Mahmoud A, Pétrin-Pomerleau P, Krank M, Thompson K, Conrod P, Stewart SH, Keough MT. Hazardous Drinking Mediates the Relation Between Externalizing Personality and Reduced Adherence to COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines in University Students. EMERGING ADULTHOOD (PRINT) 2023; 11:797-803. [PMID: 38603422 PMCID: PMC9676110 DOI: 10.1177/21676968221140449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Using a multigroup path analysis, we examined if hazardous alcohol use mediated the relations between elevated externalizing personality traits (i.e., impulsivity or sensation seeking) and reduced adherence to COVID-19 public health guidelines. We hypothesized that those high in externalizing personality traits would demonstrate less adherence to public health guidelines and that hazardous alcohol use would mediate this relationship. First- and second-year undergraduates (N = 1232; ages 18-25) from five Canadian universities participated in a cross-sectional survey between January to April 2021. Individuals with higher levels of impulsive or sensation seeking personality traits demonstrated poorer adherence to COVID-19 public health guidelines and these relations were mediated by hazardous alcohol use. Results suggest that hazardous drinking is an important target for students high in impulsivity and sensation seeking to increase their adherence to public health guidelines and thereby help control viral spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Morris
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | | | | | - Clayton B. Murphy
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Fakir Yunus
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Tabatha Thibault
- Department of Psychology, St Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS, Canada
| | - Audrey Livet
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Aram Mahmoud
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Marvin Krank
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan
Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Kara Thompson
- Department of Psychology, St Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS, Canada
| | - Patricia Conrod
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sherry H. Stewart
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Brown ML, Trotter CE, Huang W, Contreras Castro K, DeMuth WD, Bing EG. COVID-19 and mental health among college students in the southwestern United States. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-8. [PMID: 36701420 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2153601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective: We examined COVID-19-related experiences, mental health, and future plans among US undergraduate and graduate students in the initial months of the pandemic. Participants: 72 students (68% female; 51.4% white; age x- =24.4) from 21 colleges in the US southwest concurrently enrolled in a stress-reduction study. Methods: Between March and June 2020, participants completed an online survey about demographics, personal and vicarious COVID-19 experiences, mood, and future plans. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed with the GAD-7 and PHQ-9, respectively. Results: Worry about COVID-19 was associated with anxiety and depression symptoms and personal and vicarious experiences with COVID-19. COVID-19 worry varied by illness severity and level of intimacy with those impacted. Most participants reported changing educational (66.7%) and life (55.6%) plans due to COVID-19. Conclusions: Given the continued impact of COVID-19 on physical/emotional health and future plans, universities should assist students in managing COVID-19-related stress so they can continue to learn and grow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Brown
- Department of Anthropology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Global Health Impact and Institute for Leadership Impact, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Claire E Trotter
- Department of Applied Physiology and Wellness, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Wen Huang
- Center for Global Health Impact and Institute for Leadership Impact, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Teaching and Learning, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Contreras Castro
- Center for Global Health Impact and Institute for Leadership Impact, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - William Dylan DeMuth
- Center for Global Health Impact and Institute for Leadership Impact, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
- University of Texas Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Eric G Bing
- Department of Anthropology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Global Health Impact and Institute for Leadership Impact, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Applied Physiology and Wellness, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Sheerin CM, Kuo SIC, Smith RL, Bannard T, Gentry AE, Dick DM, Amstadter AB. COVID and college: how the pandemic impacted alcohol use disorder status among students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022:1-8. [PMID: 36469936 PMCID: PMC10239786 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2133963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Alcohol consumption patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic have varied notably. Participants: We examined the acute impact of the pandemic on alcohol use disorder (AUD) in a generalizable sample of college students who were surveyed pre-pandemic and re-surveyed in May 2020. Method: Items assessed pre-pandemic included DSM-5 AUD and mental health symptoms. A COVID-19 impacts questionnaire was administered, and alcohol and mental health items re-assessed. Results: AUD symptoms decreased from pre-pandemic to during the pandemic, demonstrating a change in trajectory compared to prior cohorts. Students with persistent AUD reported greater concurrent symptoms of PTSD, depression, and alcohol consumption than those with remitted AUD (ps ≤ .02), but not increased COVID-19 impact. Persistent AUD status was predicted by higher sensation seeking and alcohol consumption. Conclusions: Students with concurrent mental health problems are at continued risk for persistent AUD. Findings highlight the impact of the college environment and social context for drinking on AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Sheerin
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh St., Richmond, VA, 23298
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1200 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Sally I-Chun Kuo
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284
| | - Rebecca L. Smith
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284
| | - Thomas Bannard
- Rams in Recovery, University Counseling Services, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1103 W. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA, 23284
| | - Amanda E. Gentry
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh St., Richmond, VA, 23298
| | - Danielle M. Dick
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1101 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA, 23298
| | - Ananda B. Amstadter
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh St., Richmond, VA, 23298
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1200 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23298
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, 203 E. Cary Street, Richmond, VA, 23219
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10
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Wysokińska M, Kołota A. Assessment of the Prevalence of Alcoholic Beverage Consumption and Knowledge of the Impact of Alcohol on Health in a Group of Polish Young Adults Aged 18-35: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15425. [PMID: 36497500 PMCID: PMC9737381 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Alcoholic beverages are widely consumed worldwide, especially by young adults. Their excessive consumption is associated with numerous health, social and financial damages. The level of knowledge of young adults about the health effects of consuming alcoholic beverages is low, and research in this area is conducted on small, unrepresentative groups. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of alcoholic beverage consumption and the level of knowledge about the impact of ethyl alcohol on health in a group of people aged 18−35. The survey results indicate that the majority of respondents regularly consume alcoholic beverages (94.6%), and they are at a low risk of excessive consumption (p < 0.0001). The most frequently chosen alcoholic beverage in the studied group was beer, and the least chosen one was vodka. The main motive for reaching for alcoholic beverages was the desire to improve mood. Respondents did not indicate significant changes in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic, but participants in the high-risk group more often indicated an increase in alcohol consumption (p = 0.0025). The analysis of the level of knowledge showed that the participants in the study had an average or low level of knowledge about the effects of ethanol on health, with no significant relationships between the study groups. The obtained results indicate a strong need for the continuous education of young people on the effects of the excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages on the body, with particular emphasis on the consequences of using alcohol as a mood-enhancing agent.
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Jabbari J, Ferris D, Frank T, Malik S, Bessaha M. Intersecting Race and Gender Across Hardships and Mental Health During COVID-19: A Moderated-Mediation Model of Graduate Students at Two Universities. RACE AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS 2022; 15:1-19. [PMID: 36313213 PMCID: PMC9595585 DOI: 10.1007/s12552-022-09379-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
While the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of college students can vary across race and gender, few studies have explored the role of hardships and university assistance in these disparities, as well as how these disparities can manifest themselves differently across intersections of race and gender. We address this gap by using unique survey data (n = 417) from two large graduate schools of social work, public health, and social policy in the United States. Using multi-group structural equation modeling, we explore how material hardships, academic hardships, and university assistance needed mediates the relationship between race and mental health, including depression and anxiety. We also explore how gender moderates these relationships. We find that Black students are directly related to material hardships and-through these hardships-indirectly related to increased depression, indicating mediation. However, material hardships did not mediate the relationship between race and anxiety. Furthermore, while academic hardships mediated the relationships between race and depression, as well as race and anxiety, these relationships were only significant for females, indicating moderated-mediation. Moreover, although university assistance needed mediated the relationship between race and depression for females only, university assistance needed mediated the relationship between race and anxiety for both males and females. We close with implications for policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Ferris
- Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Tyler Frank
- Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Sana Malik
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, USA
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12
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Edalatian Zakeri S, Job GA, Bing-Canar H, Hallihan H, Paltell KC, Berenz EC. Trauma and alcohol characteristics related to high intensity binge drinking during college. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022:1-10. [PMID: 36084211 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2114802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
High intensity (HI) binge drinking has emerged as a high-risk drinking phenotype in young adult drinkers, yet few studies have evaluated clinically meaningful correlates of HI binge drinking among young adults at risk for co-occurring psychopathologies, such as interpersonal trauma-exposed drinkers. The present study compared three groups (i.e., HI binge, standard binge, non-binge drinkers) of interpersonal trauma-exposed college student drinkers (N = 221) on alcohol and interpersonal trauma characteristics. Results of one-way ANOVAs indicated that the HI binge group endorsed significantly greater negative alcohol-related consequences relative to the other two groups. The HI binge group endorsed significantly greater enhancement motives compared to the non-binge group, and no group differences were detected for PTSD and interpersonal trauma characteristics. Individuals who engage in HI binge drinking may experience greater alcohol problems due to their use of alcohol to enhance positive mood. HI binge drinking does not differentiate individuals on the basis of interpersonal trauma experiences or related psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Greeshma A Job
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hanaan Bing-Canar
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hagar Hallihan
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Katherine C Paltell
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erin C Berenz
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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13
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Martinez P, Karriker-Jaffe KJ, Ye Y, Patterson D, Greenfield TK, Mulia N, Kerr WC. Mental health and drinking to cope in the early COVID period: Data from the 2019-2020 US National Alcohol Survey. Addict Behav 2022; 128:107247. [PMID: 35074636 PMCID: PMC8760097 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies show drinking to cope and mental health problems have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, their samples have been limited by convenience sampling or lack of a pre-pandemic measure. We examined the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, drinking to cope and their association using a probability-based sample of the US adult population. METHODS Data was drawn from the probability samples of the 2019-2020 National Alcohol Survey (N = 7,233) to examine differences in drinking to cope and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Analyses compared participants who responded to the survey just prior to the widespread onset of the pandemic to those who responded after March 2020, in the total sample and by sex. RESULTS Respondents in the early- vs. pre-COVID-19 period had a 1.48 higher odds (p = 0.03) of higher agreement with drinking to forget one's worries and problems, with a significant association observed among women only. Respondents with symptoms of depression and anxiety had a 2.94 and 1.56 higher odds, respectively, of higher agreement with drinking to forget one's worries. We observed significant associations between early- vs. pre-COVID-19 period, depression and anxiety symptoms, and drinking to forget one's worries among women only; however, moderation by sex in the total sample was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS We observed higher prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms and greater drinking to forget worries in the early months of COVID restrictions relative to the period just prior, with some effects more prominent among women. These observations call for sustained monitoring of and support for the mental health of the general population, and of women in particular during the course of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Martinez
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6001 Shellmound St Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States.
| | | | - Yu Ye
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6001 Shellmound St Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
| | - Deidre Patterson
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6001 Shellmound St Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
| | - Thomas K Greenfield
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6001 Shellmound St Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
| | - Nina Mulia
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6001 Shellmound St Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
| | - William C Kerr
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6001 Shellmound St Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
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14
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Hurlocker M, Madson MB, Lui PP, Dvorak R, Ham LS, Leffingwell T, Looby A, Meier E, Montes K, Napper LE, Prince MA, Skewes M, Zamboanga BL. Mental Health Risk Profiles and Related Substance Use During Coronavirus Pandemic Among College Students Who Use Substances. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022; 21:1-18. [PMID: 35465027 PMCID: PMC9017727 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00813-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
College students have shown elevated mental distress during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). The extent and persistence of mental distress as COVID-19 restrictions have continued is unclear. This study used latent profile analysis to identify student mental health risk subgroups and to evaluate subgroups in relation with substance use. A four-profile solution was supported with a sample of 930 college students (69.6% female, 58.1% White) from 11 US-based institutions. Students were characterized by slight mental health symptoms, mild mental health symptoms, moderate-to-severe mental health symptoms with mild psychosis/substance use, and severe mental health symptoms. The severe profile comprised more ethnoracial or sexual minorities and students impacted from COVID-19. Whereas the severe profile had more alcohol-related consequences, the slight profile had fewer cannabis-related consequences. COVID-19 has exacerbated college student risks for psychiatric disorders. Students of diverse backgrounds and more impacted by COVID-19 show disproportionately more mental distress and related substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margo Hurlocker
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Michael B. Madson
- School of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS USA
| | - P. Priscilla Lui
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX USA
| | - Robert Dvorak
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL USA
| | - Lindsay S. Ham
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR USA
| | - Thad Leffingwell
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK USA
| | - Alison Looby
- Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY USA
| | - Ellen Meier
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI USA
| | - Kevin Montes
- Department of Psychology, California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA USA
| | - Lucy E. Napper
- Department of Psychology, Health, Medicine, & Society Program, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA USA
| | - Mark A. Prince
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO USA
| | - Monica Skewes
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT USA
| | - Byron L. Zamboanga
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR USA
| | - Harm Reduction Research Team
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
- School of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS USA
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL USA
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR USA
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI USA
- Department of Psychology, California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA USA
- Department of Psychology, Health, Medicine, & Society Program, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA USA
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO USA
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT USA
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15
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Black Thomas LM. Stress and depression in undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic: Nursing students compared to undergraduate students in non-nursing majors. J Prof Nurs 2022; 38:89-96. [PMID: 35042595 PMCID: PMC8647387 DOI: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2021.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated an already alarming mental health crisis on college campuses. Nursing students were uniquely impacted through the loss of clinical practicum experiences. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between student perceptions of life-stress and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in nursing students compared to students in other academic disciplines. A secondary purpose of this study was to understand nursing student perceptions of how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their educational experience. Methods School-related life stress and depression measures were studied in a cross-section of 2326 undergraduate students using an anonymous online survey. Follow-up qualitative data were collected (N = 12) to further explore relationships between school-related life stress and depression in nursing students. Results Nursing students had higher levels of student-life stress but fewer depressive symptoms than students in any other academic major. Students related that social support and belongingness were critical to their academic perseverance. Conclusions Differences between nursing and non-nursing students are likely due to a multifactorial combination of social support, resilience, and posttraumatic growth.
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16
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Lardier DT, Zuhl MN, Holladay KR, Amorim FT, Heggenberger R, Coakley KE. A Latent Class Analysis of Mental Health Severity and Alcohol Consumption: Associations with COVID-19-Related Quarantining, Isolation, Suicidal Ideations, and Physical Activity. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022; 21:1-24. [PMID: 35039751 PMCID: PMC8754537 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00722-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study examined latent class cluster group patterns based on measures of depression and anxiety symptom severity and alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hypothesized correlates with latent class cluster groups including quarantining, self-isolation, suicidal ideations, sitting hours per day, and physical activity (vigorous intensity exercise in minutes per week) were examined. The delimited participant sample consisted of 606 university young adults 18 to 25 years of age (M = 21.24 ± 1.62). Latent cluster analysis (LCA) modeled patterns of depression and anxiety symptom severity and alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between group analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis were used to examine relationships between latent class clusters and correlates including quarantining, self-isolation, suicidal ideations, sitting hours per day, and physical activity (vigorous intensity exercise in minutes per week). LCA results showed that six latent cluster groups provided optimal model-to-date fit based on mental health symptom severity and alcohol consumption (L 2 = 56.31, BIC = 5012.79, AIC = 4849.74, and the bootstrap L 2 p-value = .88; Entropy R 2 = .89). Identified latent class clusters were as follows: cluster one = moderate anxiety and depression severity and moderate alcohol consumption (n = 156; 25.7%); cluster two = high mental health severity and alcohol consumption (n = 133; 21.9%); cluster three = low mental health symptoms and moderate alcohol consumption (n = 105; 17.3%); cluster four = lowest mental health severity and alcohol consumption (n = 95; 15.7%); cluster five = moderate depression severity, low anxiety severity, and low alcohol consumptions (n = 74; 12.2%); and cluster six = moderate anxiety severity, low depression severity, and low alcohol consumption (n = 43; 7.1%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis results found that quarantining, self-isolation, suicidal ideations, sedentary behavior, and physical activity were differentially associated with cluster group membership. Findings from this study demonstrate associations between COVID-19 public health restrictions, suicidal ideations, and declines in mental health and increases in alcohol consumption among young adult university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T. Lardier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Micah N. Zuhl
- School of Health Sciences, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859 USA
| | - Kelley R. Holladay
- College of Health Sciences, Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL USA
| | - Fabiano T. Amorim
- College of Education & Human Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Raina Heggenberger
- College of Education & Human Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Kathryn E. Coakley
- College of Education & Human Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
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17
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Zolopa C, Burack JA, O’Connor RM, Corran C, Lai J, Bomfim E, DeGrace S, Dumont J, Larney S, Wendt DC. Changes in Youth Mental Health, Psychological Wellbeing, and Substance Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Review. ADOLESCENT RESEARCH REVIEW 2022; 7:161-177. [PMID: 35252542 PMCID: PMC8881192 DOI: 10.1007/s40894-022-00185-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers around the world have made efforts to assess its impact on youth mental health; however, the breadth of this topic has impeded a clear assessment of pandemic outcomes. This study aimed to address this gap by reviewing changes in youth (age ≤ 25) mental health, psychological wellbeing, substance use, and the use or delivery of relevant services during the pandemic. PubMed and Embase were searched in May 2021 to conduct a rapid review of the literature. The results encompass 156 primary publications and are reported using a narrative synthesis. Studies of mental health (n = 122) and psychological wellbeing (n = 28) generally indicated poor outcomes in many settings. Publications regarding substance use (n = 41) noted overall declines or unchanged patterns. Studies of service delivery (n = 12) indicated a generally positive reception for helplines and telehealth, although some youth experienced difficulties accessing services. The findings indicate negative impacts of the pandemic on youth mental health, with mixed results for substance use. Services must support marginalized youth who lack access to telehealth. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40894-022-00185-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Zolopa
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 rue Saint-Denis, porte R6-432, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9 Canada
| | - Jacob A. Burack
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
| | - Roisin M. O’Connor
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Charlotte Corran
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Jessica Lai
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
| | - Emiliana Bomfim
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
| | - Sarah DeGrace
- Department of Psychiatry, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans’ Memorial Lane, 8th Floor, Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2 Canada
| | - Julianne Dumont
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Sarah Larney
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 rue Saint-Denis, porte R6-432, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9 Canada
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 boulevard d’Edouard Montpetit, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4 Canada
| | - Dennis C. Wendt
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
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18
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Rogers JM, Smith KE, Schriefer D, Epstein DH. For Better or Worse: Self-reported Changes in Kratom and Other Substance Use as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Subst Abuse 2022; 16:11782218221123977. [PMID: 36199697 PMCID: PMC9527987 DOI: 10.1177/11782218221123977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background: Kratom is taken to self-treat pain and symptoms of psychiatric disorders, including substance-use disorders (SUDs) and opioid withdrawal. Before COVID-19, kratom use was increasing in the US, however, there are few published data on whether that trend continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could have affected kratom use in multiple ways. Aim: To examine COVID-19-related changes in kratom use and how these changes were experienced, relative to changes in other commonly used substances. Methods: Using Amazon Mechanical Turk, 2615 evaluable surveys were completed between September 2020 and March 2021. Responses from past-month and past-year kratom-using adults (N = 174) indicating changes for the better or worse were examined using generalized linear mixed effects models, and relevant open-text responses (n = 85) were thematically coded. Results: For kratom 33% (n = 58) reported a Covid-related increase and 24% (n = 42) reported a Covid-related decrease. Controlling for changes in amount used, alcohol (OR = 5.02), tobacco (OR = 4.72), and nonmedical opioid use (OR = 3.42) were all more likely to have changed for the worse, compared with kratom use. Relative to decreases in kratom use, decreases in alcohol (OR = 3.21) and tobacco (OR = 6.18) use were more likely to be changes for the better. Cannabis use was the only substance to display a probability lower than 50% of being a decrease for the better, and of the increases, cannabis use displayed the highest probability of being for the better. Conclusions: Increases in kratom and cannabis use were less likely than alcohol and tobacco to be reported as changes for the worse, and decreases in kratom and cannabis use were more likely than alcohol and tobacco to be reported as changes for the better. These findings indicate that people differently conceptualize their relationships with kratom and cannabis, compared to their relationships with alcohol and tobacco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Rogers
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kirsten E Smith
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Destiny Schriefer
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David H Epstein
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
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19
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McLafferty M, Brown N, McHugh R, Ward C, Stevenson A, McBride L, Brady J, Bjourson AJ, O'Neill SM, Walsh CP, Murray EK. Depression, anxiety and suicidal behaviour among college students: Comparisons pre-COVID-19 and during the pandemic. PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 1:100012. [PMID: 34977911 PMCID: PMC8574925 DOI: 10.1016/j.psycom.2021.100012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Many students struggle with psychological problems during their college years. These problems may be even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic with the accompanying restrictions and transition to an online learning environment, but few longitudinal studies have been conducted to date. The aim of this study was to compare symptoms of depression, anxiety and suicidality prior to and during the pandemic, and identify stressors. Methods This study was conducted among students attending Ulster University, Northern Ireland (NI) and LYIT, Republic of Ireland (ROI), as part of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative (WMH-ICS). Data was collected from first year students in September 2019. The completed response rate was 25.22% (NI) and 41.9% (ROI) in relation to the number of first-year students registered. A follow up study was conducted in Autumn 2020, with 884 students fully completing the online survey in both years, equating to just under half of those who completed initially. Results High levels of mental health problems were found in year 1, especially in the ROI. Levels of depression increased significantly in year 2, particularly among students in NI, however, levels of anxiety decreased. No significant variations were found for suicidal behaviour. Several stressors were revealed, including increased social isolation, and worrying about loved ones. Limitations The findings may not be generalised to other student populations. Conclusions This study reveals variation in symptoms of depression and anxiety since the onset of the pandemic. In particular, the large increase in students with depression is of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret McLafferty
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, Londonderry, UK
| | - Natasha Brown
- Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland
| | - Rachel McHugh
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine, Co. Derry, UK
| | - Caoimhe Ward
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, Londonderry, UK
| | - Ailis Stevenson
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, Londonderry, UK
| | - Louise McBride
- Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland
| | - John Brady
- Western Health and Social Care Trust, Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, UK
| | - Anthony J Bjourson
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, Londonderry, UK
| | - Siobhan M O'Neill
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine, Co. Derry, UK
| | - Colum P Walsh
- Genomics Medicine Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine, Co. Derry, UK.,Centre for Research and Development, Region Gävleborg/Uppsala University, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Elaine K Murray
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, Londonderry, UK
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20
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Gavurova B, Ivankova V, Rigelsky M. Alcohol Use Disorders among Slovak and Czech University Students: A Closer Look at Tobacco Use, Cannabis Use and Socio-Demographic Characteristics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11565. [PMID: 34770080 PMCID: PMC8582865 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The main objective of the research was to examine the associations between problematic alcohol use, tobacco use and cannabis use among Czech and Slovak university students during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The research sample consisted of 1422 participants from the Czech Republic (CZ) and 1677 from the Slovak Republic (SK). The analyses included university students who drank alcohol in the past year (CZ: 1323 (93%); SK: 1526 (91%)). Regarding the analysed measures, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and its subscales, the Glover-Nilsson Smoking Behavioral Questionnaire (GN-SBQ) and the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) were selected to identify substance-related behaviour. Age, gender and residence were included in the analyses as socio-demographic variables. Correlation and regression analyses were used to achieve the main objective of the research. The main results revealed that the use of tobacco and cannabis were positively associated with alcohol use disorders among Czech and Slovak university students. Additionally, males were more likely to report alcohol use disorders. In the Czech Republic, it was found that students living in dormitories were characterized by a lower AUDIT score. The opposite situation was found in the Slovak Republic. Czech and Slovak policy-makers are encouraged to develop alcohol use prevention programs for university students in line with these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Gavurova
- Center for Applied Economic Research, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Mostní 5139, 760 00 Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Viera Ivankova
- Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Košice, Letná 9, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Martin Rigelsky
- Faculty of Management, University of Prešov in Prešov, Konštantínova 16, 080 01 Prešov, Slovakia;
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21
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Coakley KE, Lardier DT, Holladay KR, Amorim FT, Zuhl MN. Physical Activity Behavior and Mental Health Among University Students During COVID-19 Lockdown. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:682175. [PMID: 34308346 PMCID: PMC8299065 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.682175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic placed social, travel, school access, and learning restrictions on University students. Excessive restriction measures have been shown to have negative impacts on mental health. Physical activity preserves mental health, and may be useful during quarantines. Purpose: Explore physical activity and sedentary behavior and associations with depression and anxiety symptoms among University students during COVID-19 restrictions in the Fall 2020 semester. Methods: Six hundred and ninety-seven undergraduates (18-25 years) from a U.S. public University completed a cross-sectional survey in fall 2020. The survey included demographic questions, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale 7 (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), and questions about meeting moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommendations and sedentary behavior. Results: Forty-nine percent did not meet MVPA guidelines. Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (p = 0.002) and GAD-7 (p = 0.024) scores were higher among those who did not achieve MVPA. Sitting time (h/day) was a significant associated with depression (B = 0.29 (0.06), p < 0.05, 95% CI = 0.18, 0.41) and anxiety (B = 0.24 (0.05), p < 0.05, 95% CI = 0.13, 0.34) severity. Conclusion: Physical activity was associated with mental health among University students during COVID-19 lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Coakley
- Department of Individual, Family, and Community Education, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - David T Lardier
- Department of Individual, Family, and Community Education, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Kelley R Holladay
- Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences, Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Fabiano T Amorim
- Department of Individual, Family, and Community Education, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Micah N Zuhl
- School of Health Sciences, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, United States
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