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Granström F, Wenemark M, Festin K, Good E, Frielingsdorf H, Lowén M, Rystedt I. Impact of the pandemic on leisure physical activity and alcohol consumption. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1589. [PMID: 38872148 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19100-w] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated heightened morbidity and elevated mortality attributed to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The pandemic also influenced health behaviors such as physical activity (PA) and alcohol consumption. The aim of this study was to examine changes in leisure PA and alcohol consumption in Sweden during the pandemic, and elucidate potential discrepancies in changes across demographic strata and socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS Data were retrieved from two waves of the longitudinal cohort study Life conditions, Stress and Health (LSH) (n = 2,523). Two measures of change were used; longitudinal change relative to baseline (2012-2015) and reported change compared to before the pandemic. For these two change measures, differences between sex, age group and SES were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Regardless of the change measure, the proportion of individuals with diminished PA was notably higher among females compared to males. Furthermore, relative to baseline, females were less likely to have increased their PA, however according to the reported change they were more likely to have increased PA. Longitudinal change in PA compared to baseline followed a reversed age gradient, while, according to reported change, a decrease in PA during the pandemic was most prevalent in respondents 45 years of age at baseline (OR = 1.8, CI: 1.2-2.5) and respondents 50 years of age at baseline (OR = 1.7, CI: 1.2-2.4). High SES was associated with a greater variability in PA. Alcohol consumption was generally reduced during the pandemic. However, individuals aged 40 or 45 years at baseline were more likely than others to have initiated risky alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS Females exhibited a greater propensity to alter their PA levels during the pandemic, with the most profound decreases observed among individuals of working ages. Despite a general downturn in alcohol consumption, individuals aged 40 and 45 had a heightened likelihood of having initiated risky alcohol consumption compared to individuals in other age cohorts. In conclusion, societal restrictions during a pandemic render a dual impact on PA levels. While posing a risk for decreased PA among individuals in working ages, the restrictions also present a potential window of opportunity to increase PA, particularly among females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Granström
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Marika Wenemark
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karin Festin
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Elin Good
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Helena Frielingsdorf
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mats Lowén
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Acute Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Rystedt
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Liechti FD, Bijlsma MW, Brouwer MC, van de Beek D. Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical characteristics and outcomes of adult pneumococcal meningitis patients - a Dutch prospective nationwide cohort study. Infection 2024:10.1007/s15010-024-02305-x. [PMID: 38831205 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02305-x] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with pneumococcal meningitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS In a Dutch prospective cohort, risk factors and clinical characteristics of pneumococcal meningitis episodes occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic (starting March 2020) were compared with those from baseline and the time afterwards. Outcomes were compared with an age-adjusted logistic regression model. RESULTS We included 1,699 patients in 2006-2020, 50 patients in 2020-2021, and 182 patients in 2021-2023. After March 2020 relatively more alcoholism was reported (2006-2020, 6.1%; 2020-2021, 18%; 2021-2023, 9.7%; P = 0.002) and otitis-sinusitis was less frequently reported (2006-2020, 45%; 2020-2021, 22%; 2021-2023, 47%; P = 0.006). Other parameters, i.e. age, sex, symptom duration or initial C-reactive protein level, remained unaffected. Compared to baseline, lumbar punctures were more frequently delayed (on admission day, 2006-2020, 89%; 2020-2021, 74%; 2021-2022, 86%; P = 0.002) and outcomes were worse ('good recovery', 2020-2021, OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.8). CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed worse outcomes in patients with pneumococcal meningitis. This may be explained by differing adherence to restrictions according to risk groups or by reduced health care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian D Liechti
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, PO Box 22660, Amsterdam, 1100DD, Netherlands
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Merijn W Bijlsma
- Department of Paediatrics, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Matthijs C Brouwer
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, PO Box 22660, Amsterdam, 1100DD, Netherlands
| | - Diederik van de Beek
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, PO Box 22660, Amsterdam, 1100DD, Netherlands.
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Lewandowski ME, Delawalla CN, Butcher TJ, Oberlin BG. Changes in substance use, recovery, and quality of life during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300848. [PMID: 38776315 PMCID: PMC11111065 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives on a massive scale. While the pandemic appeared to worsen mental health outcomes broadly, its effects on alcohol/substance use and recovery are unclear. Many studies convolved the sociopolitical unrest beginning in May 2020 with the pandemic. We assessed pandemic-related changes in substance use, recovery involvement, and quality of life among US adults at two specified time periods that isolated pandemic effects from potentially confounding sociopolitical factors. OBJECTIVES We tested the following hypotheses: the pandemic and consequent policies (1) increased use of alcohol and illicit substances in active users; (2) increased use of alcohol/substances among people in early recovery; (3) reduced participation in recovery activities among those in early recovery, and that (4) use amount and use events correlated with impulsivity in both groups and that (5) substance use and abstinence correlated with resilience. METHODS We recruited 1,685 participants through Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk). We assessed demographics, quality of life, alcohol/substance use, recovery activities, and measures of impulsivity and resilience at two time points, pre-pandemic and (early) during-pandemic. Only n = 45 (Active Users; males n = 32) and n = 34 (Recovery; males n = 20) passed data quality checks and were included in the primary analyses. RESULTS Among Active Users, weekly alcohol consumption and days spent using alcohol and illicit substances decreased during the pandemic. Resilience negatively correlated with pandemic-related substance use in early recovering participants. Significant reduction in the quality of life was coincident with a trend of lower recovery activity participation (31% decline) during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS The reduced alcohol/substance use and participation in recovery activities might be expected from conditions that promote social isolation. The high prevalence of low-quality data from MTurk cautions for careful use of online data sourcing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megayn E. Lewandowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Colette N. Delawalla
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Tarah J. Butcher
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Brandon G. Oberlin
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
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Rehm J. Covid-19, the polarization of substance use, and mental health. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2024:S0021-7557(24)00057-3. [PMID: 38685271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre at CAMH, Toronto, Canada & WHO European Region Collaborating Centre at the Public Health Institute of Catalonia, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto, Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; Program on Substance Abuse & WHO European Region Collaboration Centre, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Mohamed MS, Rukh G, Vadlin S, Olofsdotter S, Åslund C, Schiöth HB, Nilsson KW. Differential change in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of loneliness, socialization, and mental well-being. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1236410. [PMID: 38495906 PMCID: PMC10940434 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1236410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in mental health issues and psychological distress, disruption to work/studying conditions, and social isolation particularly among young adults. Changes in these factors are differentially associated with alcohol use. Moreover, the relationship between these factors are bidirectional and may have fluctuated throughout the different phases of the pandemic. However, studies focusing on young adults had conflicting results, short follow-up periods, and lacked comprehensive data to describe underlying mechanisms. Methods 1067 young adults participated in repetitive measures termed wave 4 (2021) of the Survey of Adolescent Life in Västmanland Cohort "SALVe" Cohort. Of these, 889 also completed pre-pandemic measurements termed wave 3 (2018). Participants completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to evaluate alcohol consumption and harmful use. Cross-sectional associations between perceived changes in alcohol use and shift in individual, mental health, and work environment factors were examined using Chi-square tests. Logistic regression was utilized to identify pre-pandemic predictors of harmful consumption during the pandemic. Results Harmful consumption decreased only in females following the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who reported increased feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness were more likely to increase their alcohol use. Interestingly, the subgroup who felt less lonely and met their friends more often, as well as those who continued working/studying from their regular workplace also had an increased likelihood of higher consumption. Only pre-pandemic ADHD and delinquency symptoms predicted harmful alcohol consumption following the pandemic. Conclusion Females reduced harmful alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. While those who suffered the burden of social isolation and distress were more likely to increase their alcohol use, young adults who felt less lonely and met their friends more often also had a similar outcome. The relationship between loneliness and alcohol consumption among young adults is influenced by the social factors that may be facilitated by drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed S. Mohamed
- Center for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Västmanland County Hospital Västerås, Västerås, Sweden
- Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gull Rukh
- Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sofia Vadlin
- Center for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Västmanland County Hospital Västerås, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Susanne Olofsdotter
- Center for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Västmanland County Hospital Västerås, Västerås, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Åslund
- Center for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Västmanland County Hospital Västerås, Västerås, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helgi B. Schiöth
- Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kent W. Nilsson
- Center for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Västmanland County Hospital Västerås, Västerås, Sweden
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Division of Public Health Sciences, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
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Wirkus T, Czernecka R, Bühringer G, Kräplin A. Individual risk factors and prediction of gambling disorder in online sports bettors - the longitudinal RIGAB study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1320592. [PMID: 38476615 PMCID: PMC10929711 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1320592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction While research in online sports betting is dominated by studies using objective player tracking data from providers to identify risky gambling behavior, basicresearch has identified various putative individual risk factors assumed to underlie the development of gambling disorder across all types of gambling. This study aims to examine individual risk factors and their longitudinal clinical relevance in online sports bettors. Methods German online sports bettors (N = 607, Mage = 34, 92% male) from a provider based sample took part in an online survey. The study team randomly preselected customers to be invited. N = 325 (53,45%) of the participants also took part in an online follow-up survey one year later. Crosssectional and longitudinal associations of putative risk factors and DSM-5 gambling disorder in online sports bettors were analyzed. These risk factors include alcohol and tobacco use, impulsivity, difficulties in emotion identification, emotion regulation strategies, comorbid mental disorders and stress. Results We found more pronounced impulsivity, difficulties in emotion identification, emotion suppression, comorbid mental disorders and stress were cross-sectionally associated with gambling disorder, and longitudinally predicted gambling disorder in online sports bettors (with the exception of emotion suppression). In an overall model only lack of premeditation and perceived helplessness remained significant as predictors for gambling disorder. Online sports bettors with gambling disorder predominantly showed more pronounced risk factors, which were also confirmed longitudinally as relevant for the maintenance of gambling disorder. Discussion Risk factors such as impulsivity and stress and appropriate coping mechanisms should consequently be integrated not only into prevention efforts to identify individuals at risk early, but also into intervention efforts to tailor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Wirkus
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Robert Czernecka
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institut für Therapieforschung IFT, Prävention und betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung GmbH, München, Germany
| | - Gerhard Bühringer
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institut für Therapieforschung IFT, Prävention und betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung GmbH, München, Germany
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anja Kräplin
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Gunnerlind O, Lundqvist R, Ott M, Werneke U. Alcohol consumption under lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in three Nordic countries. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2024; 70:48-58. [PMID: 37650471 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231194486] [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] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns arose about a possible rise in alcohol consumption. Early surveys, however, more commonly pointed towards a decrease of alcohol use. But studies based on self-reports may underestimate alcohol use. They also depend on the population sampled. Because of border closures and gastronomy restrictions, countries with centralised alcohol sales provided a unique opportunity to study total domestic consumption during the pandemic without influence of private import or reliance on self-reports. AIMS We examined the correlation between alcohol sales and national COVID-19 restrictions in three such countries, Finland, Norway and Sweden. METHOD We conducted this study as a mirror image study, comparing alcohol sales during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic with the two preceding years. We explored hours of daylight/season as potential confounders. RESULTS We found no relevant change in alcohol sales during the pandemic years for Finland or Sweden. For Norway, there was a level-change in sales, which could be explained by decreased imports. Sales followed a seasonal pattern. In all three countries, the initial pandemic increase in alcohol sales coincided with an underlying annually recurring seasonal variation. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic had less of an impact on alcohol consumption in the three Nordic countries than could intuitively be expected. The increase of alcohol sales at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with a seasonal rise following a pre-pandemic pattern. Therefore, caution should be exercised with drawing conclusions from data with a short time perspective to avoid attribution bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Gunnerlind
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Robert Lundqvist
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Michael Ott
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine - Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ursula Werneke
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Mojica-Perez Y, Livingston M, Pennay A, Callinan S. How did COVID-19 restrictions impact alcohol consumption in Australia? A longitudinal study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:465-474. [PMID: 38281267 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13810] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The state of Victoria experienced more stringent public health measures than other Australian states during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated how these public health measures impacted: (i) total alcohol consumption; (ii) location-specific consumption; and (iii) consumption among different pre-pandemic drinking groups, in Victoria compared to the rest of Australia during the first year of the pandemic. METHOD A longitudinal study with six survey waves was conducted between April and December 2020. A total of 775 adults completed data on alcohol use, including detailed consumption location information. Based on their 2019 consumption, participants were classified into low, moderate or high-risk groups. Data were analysed descriptively. RESULTS There was no difference in total alcohol consumption from 2019 levels among Victorians and those from the other Australian states when Victoria was the only state in lockdown. Location-specific consumption was relatively similar for Victoria and the rest of Australia, with an increase in home drinking, and a decrease in consumption in someone else's home, licensed premises and public spaces during lockdown compared with 2019. Participants in the high-risk group reported a reduction of two standard drinks per day in November 2020 compared with 2019. In contrast, consumption remained relatively stable for participants in the low and moderate-risk groups once accounting for regression to the mean. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Contrary to expectations, restrictions on licensed premises appeared to impact high-risk drinkers more than low and moderate-risk drinkers. Reducing availability of on-premise alcohol may be an effective way to reduce consumption in heavier drinkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette Mojica-Perez
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael Livingston
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- National Drug Research Institute and enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amy Pennay
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah Callinan
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Eltink E, Bröer C. Healthism online: 'What I eat in a day' vlogs before and during COVID-19 restrictions. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23623. [PMID: 38187283 PMCID: PMC10770541 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23623] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective and setting The COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions coincide with an increase in body weight and changes in health-related habits worldwide. This study focusses on the way health-related habits are portrayed online in digital food cultures. The study aims to investigate if and how the content of high-profile Dutch 'What I eat in a day' vlogs has changed during the first period of COVID-19 restrictions. We approach changes in digital food culture through the concept of 'healthism' and see vloggers as cultural intermediaries. Design and participants We collected the most watched vlogs of almost all high-profile Dutch influencers pre-post corona and analyzed these in a mixed method approach by using summative and thematic content analysis. Results Pre-COVID vlogs highlight an explicit consciousness of energy balance-related behavior, focusing on calorie counting, avoidance of unhealthy food and the use of tracking apps. In vlogs uploaded in 2020, these themes are less present. Instead, intuitive eating and listening to one's body are more central themes within the vlogs. Conclusions We consider the shift towards intuitive eating as another variant of "wellness diets" rather than a shift away from dieting, furthered by COVID-19 restrictions. The core values of health and self-regulation are upheld within the shift towards intuitive eating. Yet, we nuance the broad claims of healthism in biopolitics and point to relevant cultural changes within foodscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Eltink
- Communication, Health and Life Sciences, Wageningen University, PO Box 8130, 6700 EW, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Christian Bröer
- Department of Sociology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 166, 1018 WV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Petrova EV, Mikulyak NI, Sorokina LA, Sorokin IA. [Trends in the incidence of mental and behavioral disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic in Penza Oblast]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2024; 124:129-134. [PMID: 38465821 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2024124021129] [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] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An analysis of the trend of overall and primary incidence of mental and behavioral disorders, including those caused by the use of psychoactive substances, in different age groups during the COVID-19 pandemic in Penza Oblast. MATERIAL AND METHODS The data were obtained from statistical report №12 for Penza Oblast. These included the overall and primary incidence of mental and behavioral disorders (MBD), as well as substance use-related MBD (MBDSUR), as calculated per 100.000 people for the period 2015 to 2022. The period 2015 to 2019 was the reference period and 2020 to 2022 was the pandemic period. The calculation was carried out by age groups: children (0-14 years), adolescents (15-17 years), adults (over 18 years), adults over working age (from 55 years for women and from 60 years for men). Statistical processing of the results included regression analysis, calculation of incidence forecast for 2023-2025, and assessment of the significance of the changes using the t-criterion. RESULTS The decrease in the overall incidence of MBD in adults was highly deterministic (R2=0.82; p=0.012) and significant between 2017-2018 (p=0.009), 2018-2019 (p=0.001) and 2019-2020 (p=0.004). High determination with a logarithmic trend line was characteristic of almost all models, except for the primary incidence of MBD in children and overall incidence of MBDSUR in adults over working age, including after 2020. Among adolescents, the overall incidence of MBDSUR decreased significantly from 2015 to 2022 (p=0.042). CONCLUSION There was no significant increase in the incidence of MBD, including MBDURS, during the pandemic. At the same time, there was a trend towards the decrease in adults, as well as the increase in the primary incidence of MBD in children and the overall incidence of MBDSUR in adults over working age, which determines the need for further identification of risk factors and development of specific rehabilitation measures for patients in these groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- E V Petrova
- Penza State University Medical Institute of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, Penza, Russia
| | - N I Mikulyak
- Penza State University Medical Institute of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, Penza, Russia
| | - L A Sorokina
- Penza State University Medical Institute of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, Penza, Russia
- Evgrafov Regional Psychiatric Hospital, Penza, Russia
| | - I A Sorokin
- Penza State University Medical Institute of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, Penza, Russia
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Levitt EE, Belisario K, Gillard J, DeJesus J, Gohari MR, Leatherdale ST, Syan SK, Scarfe M, MacKillop J. High-resolution examination of changes in drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic: Nine-wave findings from a longitudinal observational cohort study of community adults. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 168:249-255. [PMID: 37922599 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.027] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Few multi-wave longitudinal studies have examined changes in drinking across extended periods of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Using multiple indicators over three years, the current study examined: a) overall drinking changes; b) sex, income, age, and pre-COVID drinking level as moderators of changes; and c) the clinical significance of the observed changes. Using a longitudinal observational cohort design with nonclinical adults from the general community (N = 1395), assessments were collected over nine waves, two pre-COVID (April 2019 and October 2019) and seven intra-COVID (April 2020-April 2022). Drinking was measured as percent drinking days, percent heavy drinking days, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score. Clinically significant changes were defined based on the World Health Organization risk levels. All indicators exhibited significant changes from pre-pandemic to intra-pandemic periods, with drinking changes comprising early pandemic increases followed by subsequent decreases and AUDIT scores consistently declining. Pre-pandemic drinking level substantially moderated all changes. Heavier drinkers exhibited larger decreases compared to other drinking groups. In terms of clinically important changes, ∼10% of pre-pandemic abstinent or low-risk drinkers transitioned to medium- or high-risk status during the pandemic. In contrast, 37.1% of medium-risk drinkers and 44.6% of high-risk drinkers exhibited clinically significant decreases during the intra-pandemic period. Collectively, these findings highlight the multifarious impacts of the pandemic on drinking over time, comprising both increases and decreases in drinking behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Levitt
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University & St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Kyla Belisario
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University & St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Gillard
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University & St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jane DeJesus
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University & St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mahmood R Gohari
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University & St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott T Leatherdale
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Sabrina K Syan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Molly Scarfe
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University & St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - James MacKillop
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University & St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
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12
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Lawler T, Warren Andersen S, Trentham-Dietz A, Sethi AK, Tevaarwerk AJ, Malecki KMC, Litzelman K, Pophali PA, Gangnon RE, Hampton JM, Kwekkeboom K, LoConte NK. Change in alcohol consumption during the Covid-19 pandemic and associations with mental health and financial hardship: results from a survey of Wisconsin patients with cancer. J Cancer Surviv 2023:10.1007/s11764-023-01502-1. [PMID: 38017319 PMCID: PMC11130075 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01502-1] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Alcohol consumption increases health risks for patients with cancer. The Covid-19 pandemic may have affected drinking habits for these individuals. We surveyed patients with cancer to examine whether changes in drinking habits were related to mental health or financial effects of the pandemic. METHODS From October 2020 to April 2021, adult patients (age 18-80 years at diagnosis) treated for cancer in southcentral Wisconsin were invited to complete a survey. Age-adjusted percentages for history of anxiety or depression, emotional distress, and financial impacts of Covid-19 overall and by change in alcohol consumption (non-drinker, stable, decreased, or increased) were obtained via logistic regression. RESULTS In total, 1,875 patients were included in the analysis (median age 64, range 19-87 years), including 9% who increased and 23% who decreased drinking. Compared to stable drinkers (32% of sample), a higher proportion of participants who increased drinking alcohol also reported anxiety or depression (45% vs. 26%), moderate to severe emotional distress (61% vs. 37%) and viewing Covid-19 as a threat to their community (67% vs. 55%). Decreased (vs. stable) drinking was associated with higher prevalence of depression or anxiety diagnosis, emotional distress, and negative financial impacts of the pandemic. Compared to non-drinkers (36% of sample), participants who increased drinking were more likely to report emotional distress (61% vs. 48%). CONCLUSIONS Patients with cancer from Wisconsin who changed their alcohol consumption during the Covid-19 pandemic were more likely to report poor mental health including anxiety, depression, and emotional distress than persons whose alcohol consumption was stable. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Clinicians working with cancer survivors should be aware of the link between poor mental health and increased alcohol consumption and be prepared to offer guidance or referrals to counseling, as needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lawler
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Shaneda Warren Andersen
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Amy Trentham-Dietz
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ajay K Sethi
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Kristen M C Malecki
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kristin Litzelman
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
- School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Priyanka A Pophali
- Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ronald E Gangnon
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - John M Hampton
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kristine Kwekkeboom
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Noelle K LoConte
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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13
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Abstract
Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological trends indicate recent and predicted increases in the burden of disease. Disease progression is driven by continued alcohol exposure on a background of genetic predisposition together with environmental cofactors. Most individuals present with advanced disease despite a long history of excessive alcohol consumption and multiple missed opportunities to intervene. Increasing evidence supports the use of non-invasive tests to screen for and identify disease at earlier stages. There is a definite role for public health measures to reduce the overall burden of disease. At an individual level, however, the ability to influence subsequent disease course by modifying alcohol consumption or the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remains limited due to a comparative lack of effective, disease-modifying medical interventions. Abstinence from alcohol is the key determinant of outcome in established ALD and the cornerstone of clinical management. In those with decompensated ALD, liver transplant has a clear role. There is consensus that abstinence from alcohol for an arbitrary period should not be the sole determinant in a decision to transplant. An increasing understanding of the mechanisms by which alcohol causes liver disease in susceptible individuals offers the prospect of new therapeutic targets for disease-modifying drugs. Successful translation will require significant public and private investment in a disease area which has traditionally been underfunded when compared to its overall prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Thursz
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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14
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Kalanj K, Ćurković M, Peček M, Orešković S, Orbanić A, Marshall R. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute mental health admissions in Croatia. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1231796. [PMID: 38026363 PMCID: PMC10679393 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1231796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The pandemic of COVID-19 had a profound impact on our community and healthcare system. This study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on psychiatric care in Croatia by comparing the number of acute psychiatric cases before coronavirus disease (2017-2019) and during the pandemic (2020-2022). Materials and methods The paper is a retrospective, comparative analyzes of the hospital admission rate in Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) classes related to mental diseases, and organic mental disorders caused by alcohol and drug use. This study used DRG data from all acute hospitals in Croatia accredited to provide mental health care services and relevant publicly available data from the Croatian Institute of Public Health (CIPH) and the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (CHIF). All hospital admissions for acute psychiatric patients in Croatia were tracked during both periods under study. Results During the pandemic, the average number of all such cases decreased by 28% in secondary and tertiary hospitals, and by 11% in specialist psychiatric hospitals. It was also found that during COVID-19, there was a decrease in case numbers in DRG classes related to major affective disorders and anxiety, alcohol, and drug intoxication (31, 48, 34 and 45%, respectively). However, the same period saw an increase in hospital activity for eating disorders and for involuntary admissions related to schizophrenia and paranoia (30, 34 and 39% respectively). There were no changes in the admission rate for cases related to opioid use. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in both a steep decrease in the overall number of psychiatric cases inpatient treatment at mental health facilities and their DRG casemix. Increasing our understanding of how pandemics and isolation affect demand for psychiatric care will help us better plan for future crises and provide more targeted care to this vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kalanj
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinic of Oncology, Clinical Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
- Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Ćurković
- University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirta Peček
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Stjepan Orešković
- Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Rick Marshall
- Epidemiologist and Independent Consultant in Health System Funding Models, Eaglehawk Neck, TAS, Australia
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15
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Petkevičienė J, Raskilienė A, Grincaitė M, Kriaučionienė V. Social Disparities in Lifestyle and Body Weight Changes during COVID-19 Quarantine and Post-Quarantine Persistence of Changes among Lithuanian Adult Population. Nutrients 2023; 15:4254. [PMID: 37836539 PMCID: PMC10574376 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194254] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of social factors on changes in lifestyle habits during the COVID-19 quarantine and their maintenance post-quarantine is underexamined. This study aimed to assess sociodemographic differences in nutrition, physical activity and body weight changes during the quarantine and their persistence post quarantine. The study included a random sample of Lithuanian residents aged 20 to 64. The questionnaires were filled in during the face-to-face interview within households countrywide in 2023. In total, 1500 individuals (742 men and 758 women) participated in the survey. Up to 34.9% of the respondents reported changes in eating habits, mostly increased consumption, 29.5% indicated reduced physical activity, and 22.7% gained weight. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that highly educated individuals were more likely than poorly educated individuals to increase healthy and decrease unhealthy food consumption and increase physical activity during the quarantine. The city inhabitants reported unfavourable changes in nutrition habits more often than those living in villages did. The proportion of respondents who reported the maintenance of the quarantine changes in lifestyle depending on the habit varied from 23.2% to 71.4% in the post-quarantine period. Highly educated individuals were less likely to maintain the decreased consumption of fresh fruits and increased body weight than less-educated individuals were. Our study provides evidence that the targeted interventions are needed to help less-educated individuals and city residents develop and maintain healthy lifestyle habits, even in times of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Petkevičienė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Asta Raskilienė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu Str. 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Monika Grincaitė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vilma Kriaučionienė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
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16
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Moskatel LS, Slusky DJG. The impact of COVID-19 on alcohol sales and consumption in the United States: A retrospective, observational analysis. Alcohol 2023; 111:25-31. [PMID: 37230334 PMCID: PMC10202895 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2023.05.003] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on alcohol sales and consumption is critical in mitigating alcohol abuse and morbidity. We sought to determine how the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in viral incidence affected alcohol sales and consumption in the United States. We conducted a retrospective observational analysis regressing National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) alcohol sales data and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey data for 14 states for 2017 to 2020 with COVID-19 incidence in 2020 in the United States. The onset of the pandemic was associated with higher monthly alcohol sales per capita of 1.99 standard drinks (95% Confidence Interval: 0.63 to 3.34, p = 0.007). Increases of one COVID-19 case per 100 were associated with lower monthly alcohol sales per capita of 2.98 standard drinks (95% CI: -4.47 to -1.48, p = 0.001) as well as broad decreases in alcohol consumption, notably 0.17 fewer days per month with alcohol use (95% CI: -0.31 to -0.23, p = 0.008) and 0.14 fewer days per month of binge drinking (95% CI: -0.23 to -0.052, p < 0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with increased monthly average alcohol purchases, but higher viral incidence is linked to lower alcohol purchases and consumption. Continued monitoring is needed to mitigate the effects of higher population alcohol use during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon S Moskatel
- Department of Neurology, Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, CA, United States.
| | - David J G Slusky
- Department of Economics, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States; National Bureau of Economics Research, Cambridge, MA, United States; IZA Institute of Labor Economics, Bonn, Germany
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17
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Carver H, Ciolompea T, Conway A, Kilian C, McDonald R, Meksi A, Wojnar M. Substance use disorders and COVID-19: reflections on international research and practice changes during the "poly-crisis". Front Public Health 2023; 11:1201967. [PMID: 37529435 PMCID: PMC10390069 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1201967] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionately high toll on vulnerable populations, coinciding with increased prevalence of alcohol-and drug-related deaths and pre-existing societal issues such as rising income inequality and homelessness. This poly-crisis has posed unique challenges to service delivery for people with substance use disorders, and innovative approaches have emerged. In this Perspectives paper we reflect on the poly-crisis and the changes to research and practice for those experiencing substance use disorders, following work undertaken as part of the InterGLAM project (part of the 2022. Lisbon Addictions conference). The authors, who were part of an InterGLAM working group, identified a range of creative and novel responses by gathering information from conference attendees about COVID-19-related changes to substance use disorder treatment in their countries. In this paper we describe these responses across a range of countries, focusing on changes to telehealth, provision of medications for opioid use disorder and alcohol harm reduction, as well as changes to how research was conducted. Implications include better equity in access to technology and secure data systems; increased prescribed safer supply in countries where this currently does not exist; flexible provision of medication for opioid use disorder; scale up of alcohol harm reduction for people with alcohol use disorders; greater involvement of people with lived/living experience in research; and additional support for research in low- and middle-income countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the addictions field and there are lessons for ongoing and emerging crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Carver
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Teodora Ciolompea
- Drug Addiction Evaluation and Treatment Center, Saint Stelian, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anna Conway
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carolin Kilian
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca McDonald
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, Oslo University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andia Meksi
- National Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - Marcin Wojnar
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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18
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Manthey J, Kilian C, Schäfer I, Wirth M, Schulte B. Changes in the alcohol-specific disease burden during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany: interrupted time series analyses. Eur J Public Health 2023:ckad103. [PMID: 37365723 PMCID: PMC10393477 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has been linked to changes in alcohol consumption, access to healthcare services and alcohol-attributable harm. In this contribution, we quantify changes in alcohol-specific mortality and hospitalizations at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 in Germany. METHODS We obtained monthly counts of deaths and hospital discharges between January 2013 and December 2020 (n = 96 months). Alcohol-specific (International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision codes: F10.X; G31.2, G62.1, G72.1, I42.6, K29.2, K70.X, K85.2, K86.0, Q86.0, T51.X) diagnoses were further split into codes reflective of acute vs. chronic harm from alcohol consumption. To quantify the change in alcohol-specific deaths and hospital discharges, we performed sex-stratified interrupted time series analyses using generalized additive mixed models for the population aged 45-74. Immediate (step) and cumulative (slope) changes were considered. RESULTS Following March 2020, we observed immediate increases in alcohol-specific mortality among women but not among men. Between the years of 2019 and 2020, we estimate that alcohol-specific mortality among women has increased by 10.8%. Hospital discharges were analyzed separately for acute and chronic conditions. The total number of hospital discharges fell by 21.4% and 25.1% for acute alcohol-specific conditions for women and men, respectively. The total number of hospital discharges for chronic alcohol-specific conditions fell by 7.4% and 8.1% for women and men, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Increased consumption among people with heavy drinking patterns and reduced utilization of addiction-specific healthcare services during the pandemic might explain excess mortality. During times of public health crises, access to addiction-specific services needs to be ensured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Manthey
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Carolin Kilian
- Institute of Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ingo Schäfer
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marielle Wirth
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Schulte
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
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19
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Florek S, Piegza M, Dębski P, Gorczyca P, Pudlo R. How COVID-19 pandemic period influences on the selected mental health parameters of Polish respondents? Front Psychol 2023; 14:1126471. [PMID: 37303919 PMCID: PMC10248506 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1126471] [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: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction There are many different articles about COVID-19 pandemic period and its influence on people and their behavior. Nevertheless, there is little research on the slightly later period of the pandemic, that is, the time when specific adaptation mechanisms in society should start to take place. Methods Our research was conducted by means of an online survey. Four hundred and eighty five adults participated, including 349 (71.96%) women and 136 (28.04%) men. The Buss-Perry aggression scale, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 scale were used. The results were statistically processed using Statistica 13.3 software. Results Within the study population, positive correlations were noted between anxiety and generalized aggression, anger, hostility, physical and psychological aggression. In the female group, anxiety correlates positively with generalized aggression, anger, hostility, verbal and physical aggression. Among male subjects, anxiety correlates positively with aggression, anger, and hostility. Alcohol consumption has a significant association with verbal aggression. Statistically, more women experience anxiety, more men have inflated scores on the AUDIT scale and on verbal and physical aggression. Younger people are more likely than older people to experience anxiety and have inflated scores on hostility. Those with secondary education scored significantly higher on the GAD-7 scale and the aggression scale (and all subscales except anger) compared to respondents with higher education. Discussion As a result of adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety is no longer a factor in increased evels of alcohol consumption. The pandemic has not affected differences in alcohol consumption between men and women. The presence of a positive correlation between anxiety and aggression and the sociodemographic structure of those characterized by increased aggression are also unchanged. Anxiety directly influences aggressive behavior in a relatively strong way. Appropriate health-promoting measures should be implemented to protect the public from the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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20
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Papini S, López-Castro T, Swarbrick M, Paul LK, Stanley D, Bauer A, Hien DA. Alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use have distinct associations with COVID-19 pandemic-related experiences: An exploratory Bayesian network analysis across two timepoints. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 248:109929. [PMID: 37267744 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use trends during the COVID-19 pandemic have been extensively documented. However, relatively less is known about the associations between pandemic-related experiences and substance use. METHOD In July 2020 and January 2021, a broad U.S. community sample (N = 1123) completed online assessments of past month alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use and the 92-item Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory, a multidimensional measure of pandemic-related experiences. We examined links between substance use frequency, and pandemic impact on emotional, physical, economic, and other key domains, using Bayesian Gaussian graphical networks in which edges represent significant associations between variables (referred to as nodes). Bayesian network comparison approaches were used to assess the evidence of stability (or change) in associations between the two timepoints. RESULTS After controlling for all other nodes in the network, multiple significant edges connecting substance use nodes and pandemic-experience nodes were observed across both time points, including positive- (r range 0.07-0.23) and negative-associations (r range -0.25 to -0.11). Alcohol was positively associated with social and emotional pandemic impacts and negatively associated with economic impacts. Nicotine was positively associated with economic impact and negatively associated with social impact. Cannabis was positively associated with emotional impact. Network comparison suggested these associations were stable across the two timepoints. CONCLUSION Alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis use had unique associations to a few specific domains among a broad range of pandemic-related experiences. Given the cross-sectional nature of these analyses with observational data, further investigation is needed to identify potential causal links.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Papini
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA94612, USA
| | - Teresa López-Castro
- Department of Psychology, Colin Powell School of Civic and Global Leadership, The City College of New York, The City University of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, NAC 7/120, New York, NY10031, USA
| | - Margaret Swarbrick
- Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, 607 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ08854, USA
| | - Lynn K Paul
- Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA91125, USA
| | - Damian Stanley
- Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA91125, USA; Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University, One South Avenue, Garden City, NY11530, USA
| | - Alexandria Bauer
- Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, 607 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ08854, USA
| | - Denise A Hien
- Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, 607 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ08854, USA.
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21
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Srinagesh A, Forthal S, Madden SP, Stein LAR, Muench F. Impacts of COVID-19 on alcohol use among help-seeking adults. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2023; 3:11159. [PMID: 38389810 PMCID: PMC10880767 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2023.11159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with both increased and decreased alcohol use. Authors explored reasons for increased and decreased alcohol use since the COVID-19 lockdown (March 2020) in a sample of help-seeking adults (HSA) participating in a remote-based alcohol reduction text-messaging intervention in the USA. At the time of recruitment, the HSA in this study were interested in reducing rather than stopping their alcohol consumption. An optional self-report questionnaire was completed by 324 participants (mean age 41.6 ± 10.2 years; 71.5% female; 83.9% White) in February 2021. Survey questions assessed sociodemographic factors, social stressors (quarantine conditions, employment status, changes to daily routine), and drinking patterns. Authors fit two ordinal logistic regression models: one for increased drinking and one for decreased drinking, as functions of the potential predictors and control variables. Most participants (n = 281; 87.0%) reported drinking more than usual since COVID-19 lockdown began. The most common self-reported reasons for drinking more were increased stress/anxiety (74.7%), boredom (69.4%), and spending more time at home (65.5%) whereas reasons for drinking less were less socializing (33.7%) and worrying about how alcohol would impact the immune system (31.5%). Identifying as female, severity of changes to daily routine, and increased access to alcohol were significantly associated with drinking more than usual. These data suggest that the general consequences of the pandemic in the general population (e.g., boredom) led to greater alcohol use among help-seeking adults attempting to reduce their drinking. Identifying these factors may help create more targeted interventions during public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aradhana Srinagesh
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, South Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Sarah Forthal
- Partnership to End Addiction, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sean P Madden
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - L A R Stein
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, South Kingston, RI, United States
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22
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Manthey J, Braddick F, López-Pelayo H, Shield K, Rehm J, Kilian C. Unrecorded alcohol use in 33 European countries: Analyses of a comparative survey with 49,000 people who use alcohol. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 116:104028. [PMID: 37116403 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104028] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using data from 33 European countries (including all EU member states), this study aimed to 1) estimate the prevalence of unrecorded alcohol use among past-week alcohol users, 2) describe how unrecorded alcohol use is associated with drinking patterns, and 3) estimate the contribution of unrecorded alcohol to the total amount of alcohol consumed annually in these countries. METHODS Data from 25,728 adults who drank alcohol in the past week and self-reported their use of unrecorded alcohol in 2021 were analysed. Prevalence of unrecorded alcohol use in the last week was estimated for those with low, medium, and high risk drinking categorised using the WHO-recommended risk thresholds and definition of risky single occasion drinking. Prevalence estimates were weighted for the country-specific gender, age, and geographical population distribution. An adjusted weighted proportion of unrecorded drinking occasions in total drinking occasions was calculated and compared to 2020 recorded annual per capita consumption estimates. RESULTS Among past-week alcohol users, the average prevalence of past-week unrecorded alcohol use was 12.1% (95% CI: 11.7-12.5%), with considerable difference between countries (min: 2.0% in Malta; max: 27.0% in Greece). Unrecorded alcohol use was much more prevalent among people with high-risk alcohol use in the past week (24.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.9-25.5%) compared to people with low- (6.5, 95% CI: 6.0-6.9%) or medium-risk alcohol intake in the past week (13.6%, 95% CI: 12.9-14.3%). Unrecorded alcohol accounted for 7% of per capita consumption in 2020. CONCLUSIONS This is the first comparable assessment of unrecorded alcohol use across EU and affiliated countries. The findings add support to the observation that availability of unrecorded alcohol may contribute to risky drinking in Europe. The observed country variations may be related to differences in country-specific pricing policies and measures to reduce the production and consumption of unrecorded alcoholic beverages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Manthey
- Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Semmelweisstraße 10, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Fleur Braddick
- Grup de Recerca en Addicions Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Rosselló, 149-153, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hugo López-Pelayo
- Grup de Recerca en Addicions Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Rosselló, 149-153, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Addictions Unit, Psychiatry Department, Hospital Clínic; Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kevin Shield
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3M1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation; & Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (UofT), Toronto, Canada; PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre at CAMH, Toronto, Canada & WHO European Region Collaborating Centre at Public Health Institute of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3M1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation; & Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (UofT), Toronto, Canada; PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre at CAMH, Toronto, Canada & WHO European Region Collaborating Centre at Public Health Institute of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Straße 46, 01187 Dresden, Germany; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
| | - Carolin Kilian
- Grup de Recerca en Addicions Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Rosselló, 149-153, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Addictions Unit, Psychiatry Department, Hospital Clínic; Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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23
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Vaitkevičiūtė J, Gobiņa I, Janik-Koncewicz K, Lange S, Miščikienė L, Petkevičienė J, Radišauskas R, Reile R, Štelemėkas M, Stoppel R, Telksnys T, Tran A, Rehm J, Zatoński WA, Jiang H. Alcohol control policies reduce all-cause mortality in Baltic Countries and Poland between 2001 and 2020. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6326. [PMID: 37072446 PMCID: PMC10112307 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32926-5] [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] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption in the Baltic countries and Poland is among the highest globally, causing high all-cause mortality rates. Contrary to Poland, the Baltic countries have adopted many alcohol control policies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) "best buys". The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of these policies, which were implemented between 2001 and 2020, on all-cause mortality. Monthly mortality data for men and women aged 20+ years of age in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland were analysed for 2001 to 2020. A total of 19 alcohol control policies, fulfilling an a-priori defined definition, were implemented between 2001 and 2020 in the countries of interest, and 18 of them could be tested. Interrupted time-series analyses were conducted by employing a generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) for men and women separately. The age-standardized all-cause mortality rate was lowest in Poland and highest in Latvia and had decreased in all countries over the time period. Taxation increases and availability restrictions had short-term effects in all countries, on average reducing the age-standardized all-cause mortality rate among men significantly (a reduction of 2.31% (95% CI 0.71%, 3.93%; p = 0.0045)). All-cause mortality rates among women were not significantly reduced (a reduction of 1.09% (95% CI - 0.02%, 2.20%; p = 0.0554)). In conclusion, the alcohol control policies implemented between 2001 and 2020 reduced all-cause mortality among men 20+ years of age in Baltic countries and Poland, and thus, the practice should be continued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justina Vaitkevičiūtė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Inese Gobiņa
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Riga Stradiņš University, Kronvalda Boulevard 9, Riga, 1010, Latvia
- Institute of Public Health, Riga Stradiņš University, Kronvalda Boulevard 9, Riga, 1010, Latvia
| | - Kinga Janik-Koncewicz
- European Observatory of Health Inequalities, Calisia University, Nowy Swiat 4, 62-800, Kalisz, Poland
- Health Promotion Foundation, Mszczonowska 51, 05-830, Nadarzyn, Poland
| | - Shannon Lange
- 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 St., Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, 8th floor, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Laura Miščikienė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Health Management, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Janina Petkevičienė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Ričardas Radišauskas
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių av. 15, 50162, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rainer Reile
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, National Institute for Health Development, Hiiu 42, 11619, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Mindaugas Štelemėkas
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Relika Stoppel
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Economics, University of Potsdam, August-Bebel-Straße 89, 14482, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Tadas Telksnys
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Alexander Tran
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- 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 St., Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, 8th floor, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1P8, Canada
- World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization Collaborating Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Longitudinal Studies (CELOS), Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Str. 46, 01187, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Room 2374, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Program on Substance Abuse, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Program on Substance Abuse & designated WHO CC, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, 81-95 Roc Boronat St., 08005, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Witold A Zatoński
- European Observatory of Health Inequalities, Calisia University, Nowy Swiat 4, 62-800, Kalisz, Poland
- Health Promotion Foundation, Mszczonowska 51, 05-830, Nadarzyn, Poland
| | - Huan Jiang
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1P8, Canada
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24
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Gilbert PA, Soweid L, Holdefer PJ, Kersten S, Mulia N. Strategies to maintain recovery from alcohol problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from a mixed-methods national survey of adults in the United States. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284435. [PMID: 37068066 PMCID: PMC10109499 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with poorer mental health and, in some cases, increased alcohol consumption; however, little is known about the pandemic's effects on people in recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD), especially how they have coped with novel stressors. Our mixed-methods study investigated strategies used to maintain recovery during the pandemic, with attention to variation by gender. We analyzed data obtained in fall 2020 from an online US national survey of adults with resolved AUD (n = 1,492) recruited from KnowledgePanel, a probability-based cohort of non-institutionalized adults maintained by Ipsos for internet-based research. Participants endorsed possible coping strategies on a 19-item choose-all-that-apply list, which were analyzed using chi-square tests. In addition, 1,008 participants provided text responses to an open-ended question about their strategies to maintain recovery during the pandemic, which were coded and analyzed using an inductive, thematic approach. The majority of our sample met criteria for severe lifetime AUD (72.9%), reported being in recovery more than five years (75.5%), and had never used specialty AUD services or mutual-help groups (59.7%). The ordering of the coping strategies was quite similar for women and men; however, the top strategy (talking with family and friends by phone, text, or video) was endorsed more frequently by women than men (49.7% vs. 36.1%; p < .001). Among qualitative themes, "staying connected" was the most common. It was dominated by statements about family, with women mentioning children more often than men. Among other themes, "cognitive strategies" mirrored established therapeutic modalities, and "active pursuits" aligned with many recent recommendations for service providers working with substance-using populations during the pandemic. A minority of participants invoked "willpower" for recovery or stated that pandemic restrictions helped by reducing exposure to relapse risks. These findings shed light on recovery mechanisms during the COVID-19 pandemic and suggest potential intervention targets to support recovery during other catastrophic events, such as natural disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Gilbert
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Loulwa Soweid
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Paul J. Holdefer
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Sarah Kersten
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Nina Mulia
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, California, Unites States of America
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25
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When asking 'are you stressed?' is not enough: Hair cortisol, subjective stress, and alcohol use during the first year of the pandemic. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 150:106051. [PMID: 36758329 PMCID: PMC9899354 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by an increase in alcohol use in a third of the population worldwide. To date, the literature shows that subjective reports of stress predicted increased alcohol use during the early stages of the pandemic. However, no studies have investigated the effect of physiological stress (via the stress hormone cortisol) on alcohol use during the pandemic. This study aimed to identify the predictive value of cortisol and/or subjective stress on alcohol use during the first year of the pandemic. Every three months, between June 2020 and March 2021, 79 healthy adults (19-54 years old) answered online questionnaires assessing alcohol use. In May 2020, participants reported pre-pandemic alcohol use, while in June 2020, participants reported current alcohol use, subjective stress measures, and provided a 6 cm hair sample. The latter allowed us to quantify the cumulative levels of cortisol produced in the three months prior to and following the start of the mandatory lockdown measures in March 2020 in Quebec, Canada. A relative change in hair cortisol was computed to quantify the physiological stress response. While controlling for sex, age, and psychiatric diagnoses, multilevel linear regressions revealed that alcohol use increased only among people with concomitant high subjective stress and elevated hair cortisol concentrations. Moreover, this increased alcohol use remained elevated one year later. This study documents the importance of simultaneously considering stress biomarkers and subjective stress to identify people at risk of increasing their alcohol use during major stressful life events.
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26
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Lau A, Li R, Huang C, Du J, Heinzel S, Zhao M, Liu S. Self-Esteem Mediates the Effects of Loneliness on Problematic Alcohol Use. Int J Ment Health Addict 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37363772 PMCID: PMC10010223 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-023-01035-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness has been associated with problematic alcohol use, but it is not known whether self-perceptions mediate this relationship. In this study, the general population in China (N = 1123) and Germany (N = 1018) was surveyed to assess whether self-esteem and self-efficacy mediate the effect of loneliness on problematic alcohol use in two culturally distinct environments. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that higher AUDIT scores were negatively associated with self-esteem (b = -0.08, p < .001). Self-esteem mediated the effect of loneliness on AUDIT score (indirect effect: 0.06, CI: 0.03 - 0.10, p < .001), while self-efficacy did not (indirect effect: 0.02, CI: -0.003 - 0.05, p = .10). These findings suggest that self-esteem explains the relationship between loneliness and problematic alcohol use. As self-esteem may be more modifiable than external social factors, these results have positive practical implications for alcohol use disorder treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Lau
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Campus Charité Mitte), Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ruihua Li
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Chuanning Huang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Jiang Du
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Stephan Heinzel
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Min Zhao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai, 200030 China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyan Liu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Campus Charité Mitte), Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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27
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Bower M, Smout S, Donohoe-Bales A, O’Dean S, Teesson L, Boyle J, Lim D, Nguyen A, Calear AL, Batterham PJ, Gournay K, Teesson M. A hidden pandemic? An umbrella review of global evidence on mental health in the time of COVID-19. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1107560. [PMID: 36970258 PMCID: PMC10032377 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1107560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic remain a public health concern. High quality synthesis of extensive global literature is needed to quantify this impact and identify factors associated with adverse outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a rigorous umbrella review with meta-review and present (a) pooled prevalence of probable depression, anxiety, stress, psychological distress, and post-traumatic stress, (b) standardised mean difference in probable depression and anxiety pre-versus-during the pandemic period, and (c) comprehensive narrative synthesis of factors associated with poorer outcomes. Databases searched included Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE dated to March 2022. Eligibility criteria included systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses, published post-November 2019, reporting data in English on mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsThree hundred and thirty-eight systematic reviews were included, 158 of which incorporated meta-analyses. Meta-review prevalence of anxiety symptoms ranged from 24.4% (95%CI: 18–31%, I2: 99.98%) for general populations to 41.1% (95%CI: 23–61%, I2: 99.65%) in vulnerable populations. Prevalence of depressive symptoms ranged from 22.9% (95%CI: 17–30%, I2: 99.99%) for general populations to 32.5% (95%CI: 17–52%, I2: 99.35) in vulnerable populations. Prevalence of stress, psychological distress and PTSD/PTSS symptoms were 39.1% (95%CI: 34–44%; I2: 99.91%), 44.2% (95%CI: 32–58%; I2: 99.95%), and 18.8% (95%CI: 15–23%; I2: 99.87%), respectively. Meta-review comparing pre-COVID-19 to during COVID-19 prevalence of probable depression and probable anxiety revealed standard mean differences of 0.20 (95%CI = 0.07–0.33) and 0.29 (95%CI = 0.12–0.45), respectively.ConclusionThis is the first meta-review to synthesise the longitudinal mental health impacts of the pandemic. Findings show that probable depression and anxiety were significantly higher than pre-COVID-19, and provide some evidence that that adolescents, pregnant and postpartum people, and those hospitalised with COVID-19 experienced heightened adverse mental health. Policymakers can modify future pandemic responses accordingly to mitigate the impact of such measures on public mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlee Bower
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Marlee Bower,
| | - Scarlett Smout
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Scarlett Smout,
| | - Amarina Donohoe-Bales
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Siobhan O’Dean
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lily Teesson
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julia Boyle
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Denise Lim
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andre Nguyen
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alison L. Calear
- Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Philip J. Batterham
- Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Kevin Gournay
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maree Teesson
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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28
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Hider S, Muller S, Gray L, Manning F, Brooks M, Heining D, Menon A, Packham J, Roddy E, Ryan S, Scott IC, Paskins Z. Exploring the longer-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health of people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases: a cross-sectional survey. Clin Rheumatol 2023:10.1007/s10067-023-06565-0. [PMID: 36882533 PMCID: PMC9990972 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06565-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the longer term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the self-reported physical and mental health of people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs). METHODS Two thousand twenty-four patients with IRDs were randomly selected from electronic health records. Survey invitations were sent (August 2021 coinciding with relaxation of UK COVID-19 restrictions) using SMS and postal approaches. Self-reported data included demographics, shielding status and physical (MSK-HQ) and mental health (PHQ8 and GAD7). RESULTS Six hundred thirty-nine people completed the survey (mean (SD) age 64.5 (13.1) years, 384 (60%) female). Moderate/severe impact of the pandemic on physical and mental health was reported by 250 (41%) and 241 (39%) respectively. One hundred seventy-two (29%) reported moderate/severe depression (PHQ8 ≥ 10) and 135 (22%) moderate/severe anxiety (GAD7 ≥ 10). Females reported greater impacts of the pandemic on physical health (44% vs 34%), mental health (44% vs 34%), arthritis symptoms (49% vs 36%) and lifestyle factors (weight gain and reduced exercise and physical activity) than males. The physical and mental impacts were less in people with RA compared with other IRDs. Physical health impacts did not differ between age groups, but younger patients reported greater impacts on mental health. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the physical and mental health of people with IRDs. These effects were greatest in females. Recovery needs to address the negative impact of the pandemic on lifestyle factors to minimise the long-term impacts for people with IRDs. Key Points • The pandemic had a significant impact on long term physical and mental health in almost 40% of people with IRDs. • The impact of the pandemic was greater in women for physical health, mental health and arthritis symptoms. • Many people reported negative pandemic impacts on lifestyle factors including weight and physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Hider
- Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Stoke-On-Trent, UK. .,School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, UK.
| | - Sara Muller
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Lauren Gray
- Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Stoke-On-Trent, UK
| | - Fay Manning
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, UK.,School of Medicine, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Mike Brooks
- Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Stoke-On-Trent, UK
| | - Dominic Heining
- Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Stoke-On-Trent, UK
| | - Ajit Menon
- Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Stoke-On-Trent, UK
| | - Jonathan Packham
- Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Stoke-On-Trent, UK.,Academic Unit of Population and Lifespan Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Edward Roddy
- Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Stoke-On-Trent, UK.,School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Sarah Ryan
- Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Stoke-On-Trent, UK
| | - Ian C Scott
- Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Stoke-On-Trent, UK.,School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Zoe Paskins
- Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Stoke-On-Trent, UK.,School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, UK
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29
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Dolli I, Slade T, Teesson M, Chapman C. Longitudinal and self-attributed change in alcohol use among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:625-632. [PMID: 36682030 PMCID: PMC10947013 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13602] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a unique concern regarding the potential for pandemic-related increases in alcohol use. However, most studies which have measured pandemic-related changes to date utilise self-attribution measures of changes in alcohol use using cross-sectional designs, which rely on accurate self-attributions for validity. There has been minimal investigation of correspondence of self-attributed and longitudinally measured changes in alcohol use during the pandemic. The current study seeks to examine this correspondence. METHODS A total of 856 participants originally recruited from Australian secondary schools completed follow-up surveys of an ongoing study at two timepoints (2018-2019, mean age 18.6 and 2020-2021, mean age 19.9; 65.3% female). Alcohol use was measured as any drinking (1+ drinks) and binge drinking (5+ drinks) frequency in the past 6 months. The correspondence and relationship between 'longitudinal change' measured from the first to the second timepoint and 'self-attributed change' measured at the second timepoint were examined. RESULTS For both any drinking and binge drinking frequency, moderate correspondence was observed between self-attributed and longitudinal change in drinking (37.1% and 39.3%). Most participants with longitudinal increases in any drinking or binge drinking frequency failed to correctly self-attribute this increase. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that self-attributed increases do not correspond well with longitudinally measured increases in pandemic-related drinking and may underestimate increases measured longitudinally. Method of measurement needs to be taken into account if data are to be used to identify sub-groups at risk of alcohol use increases and facilitate appropriate direction of public health efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishaan Dolli
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance UseThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Tim Slade
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance UseThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Maree Teesson
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance UseThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Cath Chapman
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance UseThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
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Maphisa Maphisa J, Ndlovu TBH. Changes in hazardous drinking pre, during and post 70-day alcohol sales ban during COVID-19 pandemic in Botswana. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 114:103992. [PMID: 36878142 PMCID: PMC9970935 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.103992] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Absolute alcohol sales bans instituted in countries like Botswana provide a rare opportunity for a quasi-natural experiment on how such strict policies influence users' behaviours during the COVID pandemic and beyond. From March 2020 to September 2021, Botswana banned the sales of alcohol on four separate occasions spanning a cumulative 225 days. We studied changes in retrospectively recalled hazardous drinking following the longest and last alcohol sales ban in Botswana. METHODS This online cross-sectional study, carried out following a 70-day alcohol sales ban in 2021, comprised a convenience sample of 1326 adults who completed the AUDIT-C and had to recall their alcohol use during three points: pre alcohol sale ban (before 28th June 2021), during alcohol sales ban (28th June 2021 to 5th September 2021), and post alcohol sales ban (after 5th September 2021). RESULTS The prevalence of hazardous drinking (defined by an AUDIT-C score of 3 or 4 for females and males, respectively) prior, during and post the alcohol sales ban was 52.6% (95%CI=49.8-55.3), 33.9% (95%CI=31.3-36.5), and 43.1% (95%CI=40.4-45.8), respectively. CONCLUSION The findings from this study showed that reduced alcohol availability by way of the fourth alcohol sales ban was associated with reductions in self-reported hazardous drinking, albeit at a lesser degree compared to during an earlier sales ban.
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Nicholls E, Conroy D. ‘I’ve gone from one extreme to the other’: critical junctures in relationships with alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic. DRUGS: EDUCATION, PREVENTION AND POLICY 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2023.2177524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dominic Conroy
- Principal Lecturer in Psychology, London Metropolitan University, London, UK
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Ito T, Nguyen MH. Perspectives on the Underlying Etiology of HCC and Its Effects on Treatment Outcomes. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:413-428. [PMID: 36926055 PMCID: PMC10013586 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s347959] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to be a serious medical problem with poor prognosis worldwide. The distribution of the major etiologies of HCC is changing due to the progress of anti-viral treatments, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) suppression by nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NAs) and increased sustained virologic response (SVR) rates by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV), as well as the rising trend of nonviral liver disease. Although viral hepatitis remains the most common cause of HCC, non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) with metabolic syndrome and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) are increasing. Effective and well-tolerated NAs treatment can slow the disease progression of chronic HBV infection to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and reduce HCC risk. Treatment with NAs is also associated with significant improvement in the long-term survival of patients with HBV infection who already have HCC. DAAs have achieved viral elimination in almost all patients with HCV without significant adverse events, even in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and HCC. Similarly, DAA therapy can reduce disease progression, liver and non-liver complications, and improve the long-term survival of patients with chronic HCV infection with or without HCC. Meanwhile, NAFLD is a rapidly increasing cause of HCC along with the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes globally. NAFLD-related HCC can occur in patients without cirrhosis and is known to have a lower survival rate than viral hepatitis-related HCC. Since there is currently no specific pharmacotherapy effective for NAFLD, lifestyle modification and prevention of complications are important to improve prognosis. Additionally, ALD is the second fastest-growing cause of HCC-related deaths, especially with an accelerated trend since the COVID-19 pandemic. This review provides an overview of the epidemiologic trends in the etiologies of HCC, and the progress of treatments for each etiology and the impact on outcome in the patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Ito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Coulaud PJ, Airagnes G, McGrath K, Bolduc N, Bertrand K, Jauffret-Roustide M, Knight R. Factors Associated with Self-Reported Changes in Alcohol Use among Young Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Analysis between Canada and France. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16694. [PMID: 36554575 PMCID: PMC9778883 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted young adults' alcohol use patterns, little is known about how changes in alcohol use may differ across different settings. Our objective was to identify and compare factors associated with changes in alcohol use among young adults in Canada and France during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted an online cross-sectional survey in October-December 2020 with young adults aged 18-29 (n = 5185) in Canada and France. In each country, weighted multinomial logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with self-reported decrease and increase in alcohol use separately (reference: no change). Respectively, 33.4% and 21.4% reported an increase in alcohol use in Canada and France, while 22.9% and 33.5% reported a decrease. Being 25-29 was a predictor of decrease in Canada, while living away from family was associated with an increase in France. In both countries, participants were more likely to report an increase if they reported depressive symptoms, smoking tobacco, or cannabis use. Conversely, those who had been tested for COVID-19 and those who were highly compliant with COVID-19 preventive measures were more likely to report a decrease. Efforts are needed to develop alcohol use interventions for young adults, including in ways that prioritize those with mental health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Julien Coulaud
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Guillaume Airagnes
- AP-HP. Centre-Université Paris Cité, DMU Psychiatrie et Addictologie, 75006 Paris, France
- INSERM, Population-Based Epidemiological Cohorts, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Kai McGrath
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Naseeb Bolduc
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Karine Bertrand
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Marie Jauffret-Roustide
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Centre d’Étude des Mouvements Sociaux (EHESS/CNRS UMR8044/INSERM U1276), 75244 Paris, France
- Baldy Center on Law and Social Policy, Buffalo University, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Rod Knight
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K5, Canada
- École de Santé Publique de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
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Rehm J, Tran A, Gobiņa I, Janik-Koncewicz K, Jiang H, Kim KV, Liutkutė-Gumarov V, Miščikienė L, Reile R, Room R, Štelemėkas M, Stoppel R, Zatoński WA, Lange S. Do alcohol control policies have the predicted effects on consumption? An analysis of the Baltic countries and Poland 2000-2020. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 241:109682. [PMID: 36402051 PMCID: PMC9772294 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109682] [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: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many population-based alcohol control policies are postulated to work via changes in adult alcohol per capita consumption (APC). However, since APC is usually assessed on a yearly basis, often there are not enough data to conduct interrupted time-series or other controlled analyses. The current dataset, with 21 years of observation from four countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland), had sufficient power to test for average effects and potential interactions of the World Health Organization's (WHO) three "best buys" for alcohol control: taxation increases leading to a decrease in affordability; reduced availability (via a decrease in opening hours of at least 20 %); and advertising and marketing restrictions. We postulated that the former two would have immediate effects, while the latter would have mid- to long-term effects. METHODS Linear regression analysis. RESULTS Taxation increases and availability reductions in all countries were associated with an average reduction in APC of 0.83 litres (ℓ) of pure alcohol per year (95 % confidence interval: -1.21 ℓ, -0.41 ℓ) in the same year, with no significant differences between countries. Restrictions on advertising and/or marketing had no significant immediate associations with APC (average effect 0.04 ℓ per year; 95 % confidence interval: -0.65 ℓ, 0.73 ℓ). Several sensitivity analyses corroborated these main results. CONCLUSIONS The WHO "best buy" alcohol control policies of taxation increases and availability restrictions worked as postulated in these four northeastern European Union countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy & Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Longitudinal Studies (CELOS), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; Department of International Health Projects, Institute for Leadership and Health Management, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, the Russian Federation; Program on Substance Abuse, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Program on Substance Abuse & designated WHO CC, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexander Tran
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Inese Gobiņa
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia; Institute of Public Health, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Kinga Janik-Koncewicz
- European Observatory of Health Inequalities, Calisia University, Kalisz, Poland; Health Promotion Foundation, Nadarzyn, Poland
| | - Huan Jiang
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kawon Victoria Kim
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vaida Liutkutė-Gumarov
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Laura Miščikienė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rainer Reile
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; Department for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, National institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Robin Room
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Social Research on Alcohol and Drugs, Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mindaugas Štelemėkas
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Relika Stoppel
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; University of Potsdam, Department of Economics, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Witold A Zatoński
- European Observatory of Health Inequalities, Calisia University, Kalisz, Poland; Health Promotion Foundation, Nadarzyn, Poland
| | - Shannon Lange
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Babicki M. Use of Alcohol, Cannabinoids, Psychostimulants, and Sedatives before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Students in 40 European Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14879. [PMID: 36429598 PMCID: PMC9690623 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In March 2020, the WHO announced the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been ongoing for over 2 years. To stop the spread of the virus, the governments of many countries decided to introduce reasonable social restrictions that were suitable for pandemic waves. This led to radical changes in people's lives, especially among students, who are very active in society. Before COVID-19, being of student age was associated with the highest frequency of stimulants use. It is important to note that drugs are taken disparately in various areas. Therefore, using the Computer-Assisted Web Interview type of study, the impact of the pandemic on the use of alcohol, cannabinoids, psychostimulants (e.g., amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy) and sedatives (e.g., zolpidem, zopiclone, alprazolam, lorazepam, etc.) was assessed among students from European countries. The questionnaire included single- and multiple-answer questions. The first part concerned sociodemographic questions, while the second included questions about the use of stimulants in the last 3 months prior to participation in the study. Distribution of the survey covered the period from 31 January 2016 to 30 April 2021. A total of 17,594 European students participated in the study. The vast majority of participants were women (80.4%) and students of non-medical universities (77.2%) living in Eastern European countries (86.1%). Of all students, 15,613 (89.6%) reported alcohol drinking, 2538 (14.1%) the use of cannabinoids, 650 (3.6%) psychostimulants, and 2252 (12.5%) sedatives in the past three months. It has been shown that women are far less likely to use alcohol (OR 0.81), psychostimulants (OR 0.44) and cannabinoids (OR 0.49), while they are more likely to use sedatives (OR 1.41). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the consumption of alcohol (OR 0.55) and psychostimulants (OR 0.72) decreased and that of sleep medications increased (OR 1.17). To conclude, the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the pattern of stimulants used by students in European countries. The restriction of social interactions contributed to the decrease in the consumption of alcohol and psychostimulants but increased the use of sedatives and the frequency of their use. Women were found to use sedatives more often, while men preferred to drink alcohol and use cannabinoids or psychostimulants. It has also been shown that students of Central and Eastern Europe more often use alcohol and sedatives, while in Southern European countries psychostimulants and cannabinoids are preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland
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Cedrone F, Buomprisco G, Nicola M, La Torre G, Nieto H, Perri R, Montagna V, Greco E, De Sio S. Alcohol Use during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey among Healthcare and Office Workers in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191912587. [PMID: 36231887 PMCID: PMC9566002 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of our study of a sample of Italian healthcare (HCWs) and office workers (OWs) carried out during the pandemic period was to understand alcohol consumption patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A web-based cross-sectional survey based on Google Forms was developed. Harmful alcohol use was assessed through a validated questionnaire (AUDIT-C). Three multivariate logistic regression models were implemented for the overall sample of HCWs and OWs. The presence of harmful alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C score) was considered as a dependent variable. RESULTS A total of 1745 workers answered the survey. A lower risk of harmful drinking behavior among men overall and in both working groups was found (aOR 0.42, CI 95% 0.33-0.53), but also for both HCWs (aOR 0.62, CI 95% 0.46-0.84) and OWs (aOR 0.17, CI 95% 0.11-0.27). Comparing OWs and HCWs, we found a higher risk of harmful drinking in the first group (aOR 1.62, CI 95% 1.20-2.18). CONCLUSIONS The results of the survey indicate that unhealthy behaviors were elevated during the pandemic. It is urgent to implement company policies managed by an occupational doctor to raise workers' awareness of alcohol-related dangers and provide educational tools that have the task of preventing the damage caused by alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Cedrone
- Hospital Management, Local Health Authority of Pescara, 65122 Pescara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Buomprisco
- R.U. of Occupational Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mucci Nicola
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Torre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Hector Nieto
- Occupational Medicine School, University of Business and Social Sciences, Buenos Aires C1061 ABA, Argentina
| | - Roberto Perri
- R.U. of Occupational Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Montagna
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, School of Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Emilio Greco
- Faculty of Innovative Technologies for Digital Communication, Link Campus University, Via del Casale di San Pio V 44, 00165 Roma, Italy
| | - Simone De Sio
- R.U. of Occupational Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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McAloney-Kocaman K, McPherson KE, McGlinchey E, Armour C. Factors associated with changing alcohol consumption during the first UK lockdown. Eur J Public Health 2022; 32:766-772. [PMID: 36094148 PMCID: PMC9494400 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In response to COVID-19 there have been lockdowns and restrictions to hospitality services. Drinking behaviours often change in response to traumatic events and changes in the drinking environment, and this is influenced by a range of factors. This study explores self-reported changes in alcohol consumption in the third month of the UK lockdown, associations with socio-demographics factors and with COVID-19-related concerns, and mental health and wellbeing. Methods The COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study was a longitudinal, online, three-wave survey of 1958 UK adults. Data were collected during the first UK lockdown; wave 1 launched 23 March 2020, wave 2 was 1 month after and wave 3 2 months after completion of wave 1A hierarchical multinomial regression model was estimated to investigate factors associated with changes in perceived alcohol consumption in the third month of the lockdown. Results The majority of participants reported changes in drinking (62%) with over one-third indicating increased consumption. Student status and worries about the financial implications of COVID-19 were associated with lower odds of decreased alcohol consumption. Those with above average income and those with children in the household had lower odds of increased alcohol consumption, while younger adults had higher odds of increased alcohol consumption. Conclusions This study adds to the growing body of research showing changes in alcohol consumption behaviours during the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, and identifies risk and protective factors which can aid in targeting intervention at those most in need of support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kerri E McPherson
- Department of Psychology, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
| | - Emily McGlinchey
- Stress Trauma and Related Conditions (STARC) Research Lab, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5BN, UK
| | - Cherie Armour
- Stress Trauma and Related Conditions (STARC) Research Lab, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5BN, UK
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COVID-19 Lockdown Effects on Mood, Alcohol Consumption, Academic Functioning, and Perceived Immune Fitness: Data from Young Adults in Germany. DATA 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/data7090125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, a study was conducted in the Netherlands to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and its associated lockdown periods on academic functioning, mood, and health correlates, such as alcohol consumption. The Dutch study revealed that lockdowns were associated with significantly poorer mood and reductions in perceived immune fitness. Overall, a reduction in alcohol consumption during lockdown periods was shown. Academic functioning in terms of self-reported performance was unaffected. However, a significant reduction in interactions with other students and teachers was reported. However, there was considerable variability among students; both increases and reductions in alcohol consumption were reported, as well as both improvements and poorer academic functioning during periods of lockdown. The aim of the current online study was to replicate these findings in Germany. To achieve this, a slightly modified version of the survey was administered among young adults (aged 18 to 35 years old) in Germany. The survey assessed possible changes in self-reported academic functioning, mood, and health correlates, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, perceived immune functioning, and sleep quality during periods of lockdown as compared to periods with no lockdowns. Retrospective assessments were made for five periods, including (1) ‘BP’ (the period before the COVID-19 pandemic), (2) ‘L1’ (the first lockdown period, March–May 2020), (3) ‘NL1’ (the first no-lockdown period, summer 2020), (4) ‘L2’ (the second lockdown, November 2020 to May 2021), and (5) ‘NL2’ (the second no-lockdown period, summer 2021). This article describes the content of the survey and the corresponding dataset. The survey was completed by 371 participants.
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Mallet J, Massini C, Dubreucq J, Padovani R, Fond G, Guessoum SB. Santé mentale et Covid : toutes et tous concernés. Une revue narrative. ANNALES MÉDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES, REVUE PSYCHIATRIQUE 2022; 180:707-712. [PMID: 35959286 PMCID: PMC9356619 DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2022.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
La pandémie de COVID-19 (due au coronavirus SARS-CoV-2) a apporté des défis sans précédent en termes de santé publique, système de soins et vie quotidienne (incluant le travail et l’éducation), particulièrement lors de la première vague pandémique au début de l’année 2020. Afin de limiter la propagation du virus, de nombreux pays ont imposé des mesures restrictives pour favoriser la distanciation sociale, allant des couvre-feux et fermetures d’écoles à un confinement généralisé. Début 2022, on recense 135 000 décès dus au virus SARS-CoV-2 en France et près de 6 millions dans le monde. Au-delà de l’impact possible du SARS-CoV-2 sur le cerveau, la pandémie a été à l’origine de difficultés humaines complexes, avec un retentissement possible sur la santé mentale des populations. Dans cette revue narrative, nous résumons les données actuelles concernant l’impact de la pandémie sur la santé mentale en s’intéressant aux troubles psychiatriques en population générale et parmi les groupes vulnérables. L’objectif est de promouvoir une prévention ciblée sur ces populations. Notre revue a identifié plusieurs sous-groupes de sujets plus à risque de troubles psychiques dans le contexte de la pandémie de COVID-19 : les endeuillés par la COVID-19, les adolescents, les étudiants, les personnes atteintes par le virus (avec une atteinte potentiellement directe sur le cerveau) et enfin, le personnel de santé. Les disparités de genre ont également été accentuées, en défaveur des femmes. Des mesures de dépistage et de prévention doivent être prises pour limiter l’impact de cette pandémie sur la santé mentale. D’une façon plus générale, l’approche « une santé/one health » qui place la santé humaine (et donc mentale) à l’interface de la santé environnementale et animale semble indispensable pour éviter la survenue de ce type de pandémie et ses conséquences à l’avenir.
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Cantero-García N, Flores-Burgess A, Pineda-Gómez JP, Orio L, Serrano A, Díaz-Cabiale Z, Millón C. Galanin N-terminal fragment (1−15) reduces alcohol seeking and alcohol relapse in rats: Involvement of mesocorticolimbic system. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113508. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Reichl D, Enewoldsen N, Müller A, Steins-Loeber S. Pilot testing of an adaptive, individualized inhibitory control training for binge drinking: first evidence on feasibility, acceptance, and efficacy. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2022; 87:1267-1283. [PMID: 35994096 PMCID: PMC9395788 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01725-4] [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: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Deficits in inhibitory control seem to promote habit behavior and therefore play an important role in the development and maintenance of addictive diseases. Although several training approaches have been suggested, there is a considerable lack of knowledge about the best way to improve inhibitory control. Based on a literature review regarding shortcomings of existing trainings, an individualized, adaptive inhibitory control training was developed. We aimed to assess feasibility and acceptance of this training and to provide preliminary results on its efficacy regarding inhibitory control and binge drinking. Methods Sixty-one individuals (30 female) with binge drinking behavior were randomly allocated to either an experimental group receiving three sessions of the inhibitory control training or a waitlist control group receiving no training. Before and after the training, the participants performed a Go/NoGo task to assess inhibitory control (commission errors and false reaction time), completed a questionnaire on drinking-related self-control, and reported drinking behavior. Results Although the training was feasible and accepted by participants, it did not affect self-control over drinking, inhibitory control or drinking behavior. The relationship between session number and false reaction time was linear for alcohol stimuli, but squared for neutral stimuli. Conclusion Although our findings have to be interpreted in the light of some shortcomings, they demonstrate that further research is needed to enhance our understanding of how to improve inhibitory control and which factors might moderate this process. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00426-022-01725-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Reichl
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Otto-Friedrich University Bamberg, Markusplatz 3, 96047, Bamberg, Germany.
| | - Niklas Enewoldsen
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Otto-Friedrich University Bamberg, Markusplatz 3, 96047, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Astrid Müller
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sabine Steins-Loeber
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Otto-Friedrich University Bamberg, Markusplatz 3, 96047, Bamberg, Germany
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Kawano Y, Matsumoto R, Motomura E, Shiroyama T, Okada M. Bidirectional Causality between Spreading COVID-19 and Individual Mobilisation with Consumption Motives across Prefectural Borders in Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159070. [PMID: 35897432 PMCID: PMC9332297 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
A combination of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions as well as social restrictions has been recommended to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, social contact surveys play an essential role as the basis for more effective measures. This study attempts to explore the fundamental basis of the expansion of COVID-19. Temporal bidirectional causalities between the numbers of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases (NCCC) and individual mobilisations with consumption motives across prefecture borders in three metropolitan regions in Japan were analysed using vector autoregression models. Mobilisation with consumption in pubs from Kanto to Tokai contributed to the spread of COVID-19 in both regions. Meanwhile, causal mobilisation with consumption motives in Kansai also contributed to the expansion of COVID-19; however, the pattern was dependent on the industrial characteristics of each prefecture in Kansai. Furthermore, the number of pub visitors in Kanto immediately decreased when NCCC increased in Kanto. In contrast, the causal mobilisations for the expansion of COVID-19 in the Tokai and Kansai regions were unaffected by the increasing NCCC. These findings partially proved the validity of the conventional governmental measures to suppress pub visitors across prefectural borders. Nevertheless, the individual causal mobilisations with consumption motives that contributed to the increasing COVID-19 cases are not identical nationwide, and thus, regional characteristics should be considered when devising preventive strategies.
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Kyprianidou M, Chrysostomou S, Christophi CA, Giannakou K. Change of Dietary and Lifestyle Habits during and after the COVID-19 Lockdown in Cyprus: An Analysis of Two Observational Studies. Foods 2022; 11:foods11141994. [PMID: 35885238 PMCID: PMC9319624 DOI: 10.3390/foods11141994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: People’s dietary and lifestyle habits appeared to be influenced by restrictive measures imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the differences in dietary and lifestyle habits during and after the lockdown measures in Cyprus. Methods: Two online cross-sectional surveys were conducted, using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire to collect information on sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, smoking habits, physical activity, and dietary habits. The first survey was conducted between 6 April 2020 and 20 June 2020 (during national lockdown) while the second survey was conducted between 27 October 2021 and 20 January 2022 (post-lockdown). Results: A total of 2503 individuals participated in the study. A higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes/pulses, fish, and poultry was identified during lockdown compared to the period after the lockdown. Moreover, a greater daily intake of olive oil and a lower consumption of alcohol was found during the confinement period compared to the post-confinement period. During lockdown, most participants (43.0%) never or rarely used delivery services, while the largest proportion of the participants after lockdown used delivery services 1−3 times per month (37.0%) (p < 0.001). During lockdown, around 66% of the participants were physically active, compared to 55.5% after lockdown (p < 0.001). Furthermore, when compared to those with a normal BMI, more overweight and obese respondents ordered food 1−2 times per week in both periods (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Dietary and lifestyle habits of the participants were healthier throughout the lockdown period than after the end of the restrictive measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical to encourage the Cypriot population to maintain the healthy dietary and lifestyle habits established during the lockdown in their daily lives after the confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kyprianidou
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus;
| | - Stavri Chrysostomou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus;
| | - Costas A. Christophi
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus;
| | - Konstantinos Giannakou
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +357-22559656
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Tholen R, Ponnet K, Van Hal G, De Bruyn S, Buffel V, Van de Velde S, Bracke P, Wouters E. Substance Use among Belgian Higher Education Students before and during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074348. [PMID: 35410029 PMCID: PMC8998911 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many countries to issue far-reaching policy measures that may have led to increased substance use. Higher education students may have been disproportionally affected due to the rearrangement of educational life and their susceptibility to psychosocial distress and substance use. The current study examined associations between pandemic-related stressors, psychosocial distress, and self-reported alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use before and during the first wave of the pandemic. Data were collected in Belgium as part of the COVID-19 International Student Well-being Study (C19 ISWS) and analyzed using multinomial logistic regression analyses. The sample contained 18,346 higher education students aged 17 to 24 (75% women). Overall use of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis as well as binge drinking decreased during the pandemic, perhaps due to limited social gatherings. Moving back to the parental home was associated with decreased substance use, while depressive symptoms were associated with increased substance use. Perceived threat and academic stress were associated with increased binge drinking among heavy bingers and increased tobacco use. Decreases among students who moved back to their parental home may be explained by increased informal social control. Increased substance use was associated with a number of stressors and psychosocial distress, which suggests that some students may have been self-medicating to manage their mental health amidst the pandemic. Public health policy concerning substance use may prove to be less effective if not tailored to particular subgroups within the student population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Tholen
- Center for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (S.D.B.); (V.B.); (S.V.d.V.); (E.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Koen Ponnet
- Department of Communication Studies, imec-mict, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Guido Van Hal
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Social Epidemiology and Health Policy, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Sara De Bruyn
- Center for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (S.D.B.); (V.B.); (S.V.d.V.); (E.W.)
| | - Veerle Buffel
- Center for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (S.D.B.); (V.B.); (S.V.d.V.); (E.W.)
| | - Sarah Van de Velde
- Center for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (S.D.B.); (V.B.); (S.V.d.V.); (E.W.)
| | - Piet Bracke
- Department of Sociology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Edwin Wouters
- Center for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (S.D.B.); (V.B.); (S.V.d.V.); (E.W.)
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Lommer K, Schurr T, Frajo-Apor B, Plattner B, Chernova A, Conca A, Fronthaler M, Haring C, Holzner B, Macina C, Marksteiner J, Miller C, Pardeller S, Perwanger V, Pycha R, Schmidt M, Sperner-Unterweger B, Tutzer F, Hofer A. Addiction in the time of COVID-19: Longitudinal course of substance use, psychological distress, and loneliness among a transnational Tyrolean sample with substance use disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:918465. [PMID: 35982932 PMCID: PMC9380400 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.918465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Next to an increased use of alcohol, the current pandemic has been associated with increased psychological distress among the general population. Research on its effects on individuals suffering from substance use disorders (SUD) is scarce. This study aimed at expanding the existing literature on this topic with a focus on the impact of loneliness and perceived social support. METHODS Sixty-eight people diagnosed with SUD according to ICD-10 from the Austrian state of Tyrol and from the Italian Province of South Tyrol who had been treated in a psychiatric hospital in 2019 and one hundred and thirty-six matched reference subjects of the same regional background participated in an online survey. Sociodemographic variables and scores on the Brief Symptom Checklist, the Three-Item Loneliness Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were collected at baseline and 5 months thereafter. Baseline took place after the first wave, while follow-up largely coincided with the second wave of the pandemic. RESULTS Among both patients and the matched reference group, substance use as a means to feel better facing the pandemic rose and predicted higher levels of psychological distress. Patients were less likely to receive specific care at follow-up than at baseline and presented with a significantly higher prevalence of clinically relevant psychological distress and loneliness than the matched reference group at both assessment times. Among both groups, psychological burden remained unchanged over time. Perceived social support was generally significantly higher in the matched reference group than in patients. Loneliness and, to a lesser degree, low perceived social support predicted psychological distress. CONCLUSION These findings emphasize the need of preventive and educational measures regarding substance use behavior for both individuals suffering from SUD and those without mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian Lommer
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Timo Schurr
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Beatrice Frajo-Apor
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Barbara Plattner
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Bolzano, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Anna Chernova
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Conca
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Bolzano, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Martin Fronthaler
- Therapy Center Bad Bachgart, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Rodengo, Italy
| | - Christian Haring
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy B, State Hospital Hall in Tyrol, Hall in Tyrol, Austria
| | - Bernhard Holzner
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Macina
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Brunico, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Brunico, Italy
| | - Josef Marksteiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy A, State Hospital Hall in Tyrol, Hall in Tyrol, Austria
| | - Carl Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, County Hospital Kufstein, Kufstein, Austria
| | - Silvia Pardeller
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Verena Perwanger
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Merano, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Merano, Italy
| | - Roger Pycha
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Bressanone, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Bressanone, Italy
| | - Martin Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry, County Hospital Lienz, Lienz, Austria
| | - Barbara Sperner-Unterweger
- Division of Psychiatry II, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Franziska Tutzer
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alex Hofer
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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