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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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Mapanga W, Craig A, Mtintsilana A, Dlamini SN, Du Toit J, Ware LJ, Norris SA. The Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns on Alcohol Consumption and Tobacco Smoking Behaviour in South Africa: A National Survey. Eur Addict Res 2023; 29:127-140. [PMID: 36934716 PMCID: PMC10627113 DOI: 10.1159/000528484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the first phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic lockdowns in South Africa (SA), both alcohol and tobacco were considered non-essential goods and their sales were initially prohibited and further restricted to certain days and timeframes. This study investigates self-reported changes in alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking behaviour in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in SA. METHODS A cross-sectional national survey was conducted in October 2021 (before the Omicron wave 4 and while SA was in low-level lockdown) among 3,402 nationally representative respondents (weighted to 39,640,674) aged 18 years and older. Alcohol consumption and tobacco use were assessed from the beginning of the lockdown towards the end of March 2020 until October 2021 using the WHO-AUDIT and the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) Global Adult Tobacco Survey questionnaires, respectively. RESULTS Among those that drank alcohol (33.2%), 31.4% were classified as having a drinking problem that could be hazardous or harmful and 18.9% had severe alcohol use disorder during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Twenty-two per cent (22.0%) of those that reported alcohol consumption reported that the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns changed their alcohol consumption habits, with 38.1% reporting a decreased intake or quitting altogether. Among the one in five respondents (19.2%) who had ever smoked, most reported smoking at the time of the survey (82.6%) with many classified as light smokers (87.8%; ≤10 cigarettes/day). Almost a third (27.2%) of those smoking reported that the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns had changed their use of tobacco products or vaping, with 60.0% reporting a reduction/quitting tobacco use. Given that sales were restricted this indicates that people could still get hold of tobacco products. Heavy smoking was associated with older age (p = 0.02), those classified as wealthy (p < 0.001), those who started or increased tobacco smoking during the pandemic lockdowns (p = 0.01) and residential provinces (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION Given restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in SA between 27 March and August 17, 2020, during the pandemic, respondents reported an overall decline in alcohol consumption and tobacco use which might suggest that the regulatory restrictive strategies on sales had some effect but may be inadequate, especially during times where individuals are likely to experience high-stress levels. These changes in alcohol consumption and tobacco use were different from what was reported in several European countries, possibly due to differences in the restrictions imposed in SA when compared to these European countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Witness Mapanga
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of the Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Strengthening Oncology Services Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ashleigh Craig
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of the Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Asanda Mtintsilana
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of the Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Siphiwe N. Dlamini
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of the Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Justin Du Toit
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lisa J. Ware
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shane A. Norris
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of the Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Global Health Research Institute, School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Perez RF, Conner KE, Erickson MA, Nabatanzi M, Huffman KJ. Alcohol and lactation: Developmental deficits in a mouse model. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1147274. [PMID: 36992847 PMCID: PMC10040541 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1147274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well documented that prenatal ethanol exposure via maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy alters brain and behavioral development in offspring. Thus, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises against maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. However, little emphasis has been placed on educating new parents about alcohol consumption while breastfeeding. This is partly due to a paucity of research on lactational ethanol exposure (LEE) effects in children; although, it has been shown that infants exposed to ethanol via breast milk frequently present with reduced body mass, low verbal IQ scores, and altered sleeping patterns. As approximately 36% of breastfeeding mothers in the US consume alcohol, continued research in this area is critical. Our study employed a novel murine LEE model, where offspring were exposed to ethanol via nursing from postnatal day (P) 6 through P20, a period correlated with infancy in humans. Compared to controls, LEE mice had reduced body weights and neocortical lengths at P20 and P30. Brain weights were also reduced in both ages in males, and at P20 for females, however, female brain weights recovered to control levels by P30. We investigated neocortical features and found that frontal cortex thickness was reduced in LEE males compared to controls. Analyses of dendritic spines in the prelimbic subdivision of medial prefrontal cortex revealed a trend of reduced densities in LEE mice. Results of behavioral tests suggest that LEE mice engage in higher risk-taking behavior, show abnormal stress regulation, and exhibit increased hyperactivity. In summary, our data describe potential adverse brain and behavioral developmental outcomes due to LEE. Thus, women should be advised to refrain from consuming alcohol during breastfeeding until additional research can better guide recommendations of safe maternal practices in early infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto F. Perez
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Kathleen E. Conner
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Michael A. Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Mirembe Nabatanzi
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Kelly J. Huffman
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Kelly J. Huffman,
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Terry-McElrath YM, Arterberry BJ, Patrick ME. Alcohol use contexts (social settings, drinking games/specials, and locations) as predictors of high-intensity drinking on a given day among U.S. young adults. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:273-284. [PMID: 36462939 PMCID: PMC10084771 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined whether variability in young adult drinking social settings, drinking games/drink price specials, and locations differentiated daily high-intensity drinking (HID) likelihood; whether contexts varied by legal drinking age and college status (attending a 4-year college full-time); and whether legal drinking age and college status moderated drinking context/intensity associations. METHODS Participants (n = 818 people, 46.3% female) were part of the Young Adult Daily Life Study in 2019 to 2022. They were originally selected because they were past 30-day drinkers from the 2018 U.S. national probability Monitoring the Future 12th grade sample and because they reported one or more days of alcohol use during 14-day data collection bursts across the following 4 years (n = 5080 drinking days). Weighted multilevel modeling was used to estimate drinking context/intensity associations. Drinking intensity was defined as moderate (females 1 to 3, males 1 to 4 drinks), binge (4 to 7, 5 to 9 drinks), or HID (8+, 10+ drinks). Models controlled for other within-person (weekend, historical time period) and between-person (sex and race/ethnicity) covariates. RESULTS Contexts differentiating HID and binge drinking days included drinking with large groups, strangers, pregaming, drinking games, and more drinking locations. Legal drinking age was associated with lower odds of free drinks but greater odds of drinking at bars/restaurants. College status was associated with lower odds of drinking alone or free drinks, but greater odds of drinking with friends, large groups, pregaming, drinking games, discounted price drinks, and at bars/restaurants, parties, and more drinking locations. Legal drinking age and college status moderated some context-intensity associations. CONCLUSIONS Social settings, pregaming, drinking games, and drinking at more locations were associated with increased risk of HID on a given day. Legal drinking age and college status were associated with specific drinking contexts and moderated some context/intensity associations. Incorporating the contexts associated with HID into interventions may help to reduce HID and related consequences in young adults.
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Aslam A, Kwo PY. Epidemiology and Disease Burden of Alcohol Associated Liver Disease. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:88-102. [PMID: 36647400 PMCID: PMC9840073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Consumption of alcohol in excess leads to substantial medical, economic, and societal burdens. Approximately 5.3% of all global deaths may be attributed to alcohol consumption. Moreover, the burden of alcohol associated liver disease (ALD) accounts for 5.1% of all disease and injury worldwide. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects men more than women globally with significant years of life loss to disability in low, middle and well-developed countries. Precise data on global estimates of alcohol related steatosis, alcohol related hepatitis, and alcohol related cirrhosis have been challenging to obtain. In the United States (US), alcohol related steatosis has been estimated at 4.3% based on NHANES data which has remained stable over 14 years. However, alcohol-related fibrotic liver disease has increased over the same period. In those with AUD, the prevalence of alcohol related hepatitis has been estimated at 10-35%. Globally, the prevalence of alcohol-associated cirrhosis has been estimated at 23.6 million individuals for compensated cirrhosis and 2.46 million for those with decompensated cirrhosis. The contribution of ALD to global mortality and disease burden of liver related deaths is substantial. In 2016 liver disease related to AUD contributed to 50% of the estimated liver disease deaths for age groups 15 years and above. Data from the US report high cost burdens associated with those admitted with alcohol-related liver complications. Finally, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with marked increase in alcohol consumption worldwide and will likely increase the burden of ALD.
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Key Words
- AAPC, Average annual percentage change
- ABIC, Age, Serum bilirubin, INR and serum Creatinine
- ABV, Alcohol by volume
- ALD, Alcohol-associated liver disease
- AUD, Alcohol use disorder
- BAC, Blood alcohol concentration
- CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- COVID-19, Coronavirus disease 2019
- GAHS, Glasgow alcoholic hepatitis score
- HE, Hepatic encephalopathy
- HRS, Hepatorenal syndrome
- ICD-10, International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition
- MDF, Maddrey's Discriminant Function
- MELD, Model of end-stage liver disease
- MRI, Magnetic resonance imaging
- NHANES, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
- NIAAA, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- NIS, National inpatient sample
- NSDUH, Annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- SAMHSA, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- US, United States
- USG, Ultrasonography
- WHO, World Health Organization
- YLD, Years of life lost to disability
- alcohol
- alcohol use disorder
- alcoholic cirrhosis
- alcoholic hepatitis
- alcoholic steatosis
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Aslam
- Stanford University School of Medicine, 430 Broadway, Pavilion C, 3rd Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA
| | - Paul Y. Kwo
- Stanford University School of Medicine, 430 Broadway, Pavilion C, 3rd Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA
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Luk JW, Stangl BL, Gunawan T, Schwandt ML, Morris JK, Axelowitz JC, Chawla S, Lee BA, Carraco M, Walsh S, McDuffie C, Agarwal K, Joseph PV, Momenan R, Goldman D, Diazgranados N, Ramchandani VA. Changes in Alcohol-Related Behaviors and Quality of Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact of Alcohol Use Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment History. J Clin Psychiatry 2022; 84:22br14462. [PMID: 36350598 PMCID: PMC9900600 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.22br14462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy W Luk
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
- Corresponding authors: Jeremy W. Luk, PhD, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Office of the Clinical Director, Bldg 10 - CRC, Room 1-5340, Bethesda, MD 20892 ; Vijay A. Ramchandani, PhD, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Bldg 10 - CRC, Room 2-2352, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Bethany L Stangl
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tommy Gunawan
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Melanie L Schwandt
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - James K Morris
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jared C Axelowitz
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sumedha Chawla
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Beth A Lee
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Megan Carraco
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sheila Walsh
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Christian McDuffie
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Khushbu Agarwal
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Paule V Joseph
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Reza Momenan
- Clinical NeuroImaging Research Core, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - David Goldman
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Nancy Diazgranados
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
- Equal contribution
| | - Vijay A Ramchandani
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
- Equal contribution
- Corresponding authors: Jeremy W. Luk, PhD, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Office of the Clinical Director, Bldg 10 - CRC, Room 1-5340, Bethesda, MD 20892 ; Vijay A. Ramchandani, PhD, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Bldg 10 - CRC, Room 2-2352, Bethesda, MD 20892
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Finstad J, Clausen T, Rosseland LA, Røise O, Havnes IA. Patient Experiences after Physical Trauma: The Negative Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Recovery. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12258. [PMID: 36231553 PMCID: PMC9566588 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912258] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic generated a crisis within the healthcare system, during which acute, COVID-19-related health needs were prioritized over less urgent needs, including vulnerable subgroups. This study explored experiences of recovery among survivors of physical injuries associated with severe pain during the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway. In-depth interviews were conducted among 13 participants. Findings generated by a thematic analysis revealed that the pandemic, including the contagion control measures and interrupted healthcare, were of negative consequence for the participants' recovery experiences and mental and physical health. Despite experiencing severe pain and perceived needs for support, the participants experienced being deprioritized by the healthcare system. They experienced a reduced capacity to cope with pandemic-related stress and to perform everyday tasks, which they perceived as generating an additional burden for their loved ones. Alcohol was reported to be used in an effort to relieve the associated mental distress. As suggested by this study, injury survivors constitute a vulnerable subgroup for whom the continuity of rehabilitation services during a national crisis, as well as the integration of mental health support, can be essential for mitigating the negative impact of the crisis on recovery and for promoting optimal long-term health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette Finstad
- Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Department of Research and Development, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4956, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Clausen
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1039, 0315 Oslo, Norway
| | - Leiv Arne Rosseland
- Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Department of Research and Development, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4956, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Røise
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171, 0318 Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Trauma Registry, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4956, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid A. Havnes
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171, 0318 Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4959, 0424 Oslo, Norway
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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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9
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Heradstveit O, Sivertsen B, Lønning KJ, Skogen JC. The Extent of Alcohol-Related Problems Among College and University Students in Norway Prior to and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Public Health 2022; 10:876841. [PMID: 35719681 PMCID: PMC9204355 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.876841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To provide estimates of the distribution of alcohol-related problems in a national sample of college and university students in 2021, i.e., during the COVID-19 pandemic, in comparison with pre-pandemic data from 2018. Design Longitudinal data from linkage of two recent national health surveys from 2018 to 2021. Setting Students in higher education in Norway (the SHoT-study). Participants 8,287 fulltime students (72.5% women, 27.6% men) that were 18 years or more at the time of the first survey in 2018, and 21 years or more at the time of the second survey in 2021. Measurements The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to assess potential alcohol-related problems. Findings 37.0% of male students and 24.1% of female students reported either risky, harmful, or dependent alcohol use in 2021, compared with 55.0% of male students and 43.6% of female students in 2018. This decrease in alcohol-related problems was most pronounced for dependent alcohol use, where we observed a 57% relative reduction among male students (from 3.5% in 2018 to 1.5% in 2021) and a 64% relative reduction among female students (from 1.4% in 2018 to 0.5% in 2021). Conclusions The present study demonstrated a sharp decline in alcohol-related problems among students during the COVID-19 pandemic, that were present across gender, age groups, and geographical study locations. Universal preventive measures to limit students' alcohol use should be considered when restrictions related to the pandemic is lifted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ove Heradstveit
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- *Correspondence: Ove Heradstveit
| | - Børge Sivertsen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Research & Innovation, Helse Fonna HF, Haugesund, Norway
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kari-Jussie Lønning
- The Norwegian Medical Association, Oslo, Norway
- The Student Welfare Association of Oslo and Akershus (SiO), Oslo, Norway
| | - Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Evaluation of Public Health Measures, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Patrick ME, Terry-McElrath YM, Miech RA, Keyes KM, Jager J, Schulenberg JE. Alcohol use and the COVID-19 pandemic: Historical trends in drinking, contexts, and reasons for use among U.S. adults. Soc Sci Med 2022; 301:114887. [PMID: 35316700 PMCID: PMC8924032 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective The current study used U.S. national data to examine drinking trends prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, focusing on changes in U.S. young- and middle-adult alcohol prevalence, frequency, and drinking contexts and reasons, and whether they differed by age and college status. Methods Data from 2015 to 2020 from 16,987 young adults (ages 19–30) and 23,584 middle adults (ages 35–55) in the national Monitoring the Future study were used to model historical trends and potential 2020 shifts (data collection April 1 to November 30, 2020) in prevalence (30-day, daily, binge drinking) and frequency (30-day, binge drinking). For young adults, data on drinking contexts and negative affect reasons for drinking were examined. Moderation by age and college status was also tested. Results 2020 was associated with (1) downward deviation in 30-day (young and middle adults) and binge drinking (young adults) prevalence; (2) upward deviation in daily drinking prevalence (middle adults); (3) among drinkers, upward deviation in frequency of 30-day (young and middle adults) and binge drinking (young adults); and (4) changes in drinking contexts and reasons among drinkers. Among college students, in particular, 2020 was associated with a downward deviation from expected historical trends in drinking prevalence. Upward deviations in daily prevalence and both binge and 30-day drinking frequency were stronger at ages 25–30 (vs. 19–24) and 35–45 (vs. 50–55). Conclusions Among U.S. young and middle adults, deviations from expected historical trends in population alcohol use that occurred during the pandemic included decreases in alcohol use prevalence, increases in alcohol use frequency, and increases in the use of alcohol to relax/relieve tension and because of boredom. These shifts were likely due, in part, to drinking while alone and at home—which increased during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Patrick
- University of Michigan, Institute for Social Research, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | | | - Richard A Miech
- University of Michigan, Institute for Social Research, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Katherine M Keyes
- Columbia University, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Justin Jager
- Arizona State University, T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - John E Schulenberg
- University of Michigan, Institute for Social Research, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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11
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Koeger M, Schillok H, Voss S, Coenen M, Merkel C, Jung-Sievers C. Alcohol Use of German Adults during Different Pandemic Phases: Repeated Cross-Sectional Analyses in the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring Study (COSMO). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095489. [PMID: 35564883 PMCID: PMC9099585 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is little evidence on how different COVID-19 pandemic phases influence the alcohol use behaviour of adults. The objective of this study is to investigate alcohol use frequency over different COVID-19 pandemic phases and to identify vulnerable subgroups for risky use behaviour in the German adult population. Survey waves of 14/15 April 2020 (n = 1032), 23/24 June 2020 (n = 993), and 26/27 January 2021 (n = 1001) from the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO) were analysed. The mean age was 46 ± 15.3 years in April, 46 ± 15.5 years in June, and 45 ± 15.5 years in January. The gender ratio was mostly equal in each survey wave. Descriptive analyses and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses for individuals with increased alcohol use frequency (AUF) were performed. 13.2% in April (lockdown), 11.3% in June (easement), and 8.6% in January (lockdown) of participants showed an increased AUF. Individuals with perceived burden, high frustration levels due to protective measures, and young to middle-aged adults were more likely to increase their AUF during different pandemic phases. In conclusion, unfavourable alcohol behaviour might occur as a potentially maladaptive coping strategy in pandemics. Because of potential negative long-term consequences of problematic alcohol use behaviour on health, public health strategies should consider mental health consequences and target addictive behaviour, while also guiding risk groups towards healthy coping strategies such as physical activities during pandemics/crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Koeger
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology—IBE, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany; (M.K.); (H.S.); (S.V.); (M.C.)
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Hannah Schillok
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology—IBE, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany; (M.K.); (H.S.); (S.V.); (M.C.)
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Voss
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology—IBE, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany; (M.K.); (H.S.); (S.V.); (M.C.)
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Michaela Coenen
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology—IBE, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany; (M.K.); (H.S.); (S.V.); (M.C.)
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Merkel
- Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA), Maarweg 149-161, 50825 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Caroline Jung-Sievers
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology—IBE, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany; (M.K.); (H.S.); (S.V.); (M.C.)
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence:
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12
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Thielmann B, Böckelmann I, Schumann H. [Drinking behavior at the beginning and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: results of a literature review]. Notf Rett Med 2022; 26:1-7. [PMID: 35506007 PMCID: PMC9051819 DOI: 10.1007/s10049-022-01031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background and objective It is well known that alcohol consumption and abuse, as well as alcohol-induced problems, increase during difficult economic times. Previous studies showed increased alcohol consumption in the 2003 SARS outbreak in China. The review examines global changes in alcohol consumption under current SARS-CoV‑2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic. Materials and methods The databases PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Library, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science with a cut-off date of 11 January 2022 were used. An initial hit count of 791 publications was found. After reading the title and abstract, 62 texts were still eligible. After reviewing the full text, 40 studies were included in this review. Results Study results were available from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. Increases as well as reductions in alcohol consumption were shown. Studies examining multiple waves of the pandemic found that alcohol consumption increased with duration of the pandemic. Binge drinking played a large role in this. There were very large regional differences in the increase in alcohol consumption: from about 10% of respondents to > 45%. In most studies, alcohol consumption was about the same for 40-50% of respondents and decreased for 30-40%. Conclusions Further study follow-ups under the continuing pandemic are relevant. Since the populations studied were predominantly of working age, occupational prevention measures of elevated stress levels for some of the respondents with increased alcohol consumption seem reasonable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Thielmann
- Bereich Arbeitsmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Deutschland
| | - Irina Böckelmann
- Bereich Arbeitsmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Deutschland
| | - Heiko Schumann
- Bereich Arbeitsmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Deutschland
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13
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Brunborg GS, Halkjelsvik TB, Moan IS. Sports participation and alcohol use revisited: A longitudinal study of Norwegian postmillennial adolescents. J Adolesc 2022; 94:587-599. [DOI: 10.1002/jad.12048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Geir Scott Brunborg
- Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs Norwegian Institute of Public Health Oslo Norway
| | | | - Inger Synnøve Moan
- Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs Norwegian Institute of Public Health Oslo Norway
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14
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Leonhardt M, Brodahl M, Cogan N, Lien L. How did the first COVID-19 lockdown affect persons with concurrent mental health and substance use disorders in Norway? A qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:179. [PMID: 35287637 PMCID: PMC8919911 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03812-7] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outbreak of COVID-19 with its severe social restrictions touched the daily life of most people. While everyday social life becomes difficult for citizens with economic and cultural capital, it becomes even worse for vulnerable groups such as persons with mental health and substance use disorders, who are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion. The aim of this study is to investigate how the first COVID-19 lockdown affected the everyday life and health of persons with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. METHODS This qualitative study reports data from 17 individual interviews and one focus group of five participants, all with a self-reported mental health and substance use disorder. Interviews were conducted based on a semi-structured interview guide in September and October 2020 in a medium-sized local authority in Norway. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. A reference group of people with varied knowledge and experiences of the phenomenon were involved in study design, recruitment, data generation and analysis. RESULTS The analysis identified four interrelated main themes, describing how the first lockdown affected the everyday life and health of persons suffering from a mental health and substance use disorder: (1) The COVID-19 outbreak as a perceived challenge, (2) A decline in mental health and well-being, (3) Increased substance use challenges, and (4) Diverse experiences with health and social services. The results show that people with a co-occurring disorder have challenges with digital tools and/or do not have the appropriate equipment. Further, participants were not concerned about becoming infected themselves, but infecting others. CONCLUSIONS Persons with a mental health and substance use disorder face major challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to maintain continuous low-threshold services especially directed towards persons with co-occurring disorders during the pandemic. Furthermore, it is important to improve the digital skills of every service user or offer alternatives to digital consultations and meetings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marja Leonhardt
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Post Box 104, 2381, Brumunddal, Norway. .,Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Morten Brodahl
- grid.412929.50000 0004 0627 386XNorwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Post Box 104, 2381 Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Nicola Cogan
- grid.11984.350000000121138138School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, 40 George Street, G1 1QE Glasgow, UK
| | - Lars Lien
- grid.412929.50000 0004 0627 386XNorwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Post Box 104, 2381 Brumunddal, Norway ,grid.477237.2Department of Health and Social Science, Inland Norway University of Applied Science, Elverum, Norway
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15
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de Vargas D, Ramirez EGL, Pereira CF, Jacinto Volpato R, de Oliveira SR. Alcohol Use and Anxiety in Primary Health Care Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Phone-Based Study. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022; 21:1-16. [PMID: 35250404 PMCID: PMC8884088 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00785-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In March 2020, physical distancing and quarantine measures were implemented in Brazil, which may have affected the physical and mental health of the population. This cross-sectional study used a convenience sample and telephone-based interviews to identify anxiety symptoms and alcohol use patterns among 1,264 Brazilian primary health care (PHC) patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State 6 and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) questionnaires were used to assess anxiety symptoms and alcohol use patterns, respectively. According to the AUDIT-C results, the prevalence of harmful drinking was 38.5%. Those who reported that their alcohol consumption decreased during the pandemic had high scores on the AUDIT-C, indicating a moderate/severe risk of drinking. Moderate or severe anxiety was observed in 60.1% of participants. These results highlight the needs to assess the pandemic's consequences on the mental health of the population and to encourage the implementation of preventive approaches in PHC settings to address anxiety and harmful alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divane de Vargas
- São Paulo University, School of Nursing, Av. Dr Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 419, São Paulo, SP 05403-000 Brazil
| | - Erika Gisset Leon Ramirez
- São Paulo University, School of Nursing, Av. Dr Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 419, São Paulo, SP 05403-000 Brazil
| | - Caroline Figueira Pereira
- São Paulo University, School of Nursing, Av. Dr Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 419, São Paulo, SP 05403-000 Brazil
| | - Rosa Jacinto Volpato
- São Paulo University, School of Nursing, Av. Dr Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 419, São Paulo, SP 05403-000 Brazil
| | - Sheila Ramos de Oliveira
- São Paulo University, School of Nursing, Av. Dr Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 419, São Paulo, SP 05403-000 Brazil
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16
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Gavurova B, Khouri S, Ivankova V, Kubak M. Changes in Alcohol Consumption and Determinants of Excessive Drinking During the COVID-19 Lockdown in the Slovak Republic. Front Public Health 2022; 9:791077. [PMID: 35178372 PMCID: PMC8843933 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.791077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, countries have been forced to adopt strong restrictions, such as lockdown, which can lead to serious consequences for public health, including the problematic use of addictive substances. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine changes in alcohol consumption and to identify determinants against the background of excessive drinking during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Slovak Republic. The research included 445 respondents (33% males and 67% females), and the data collection through the questionnaire took place from April 29, 2020 to July 1, 2020. Measures such as drinking frequency, amount of alcohol and excessive drinking were used to examine alcohol consumption. Descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression were used to meet the main aim. The findings provide a closer look at the situation in the Slovak Republic and contribute to comprehensive international knowledge. The frequency of excessive drinking did not change in about half of respondents (53% of males and 69% of females). More respondents decreased their excessive drinking than increased, both among males (31 and 16%, respectively) and females (25 and 6%, respectively). Similar results were found for drinking frequency and amount of alcohol. Amongst Slovak respondents, an increase in excessive drinking was more common among males, younger people, smokers, and smokers who increased smoking during the lockdown. Especially in the case of vulnerable populations, public policies should consider a response to impending problems. The findings of this study encourage the implementation of effective and evidence-based prevention programs, which are more than necessary in the Slovak Republic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Gavurova
- Institute of Earth Resources, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Samer Khouri
- Institute of Earth Resources, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Viera Ivankova
- Institute of Earth Resources, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Matus Kubak
- Department of Regional Sciences and Management, Faculty of Economics, Technical University of Košice, Košice, Slovakia
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17
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Chauhan A, Sinha R, Kanungo S, Nayak S, Samantaray K, Chokshi M, Mokashi T, Nair A, Mahapatra P, Pati S. Assessment of the Teaching on Alcohol Use and Management in Current Health Professional Curricula in India. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/09720634221078068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption is globally a serious public health challenge, and it is rampant across all parts of India. The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the overall burden of alcoholism due to long working hours, increased mental stress, depression, and so on. Primary care physicians have an important role in assessing risk and providing counselling, intervention and treatment of alcohol misuse. Studies have demonstrated primary health care facilities to be ideally suited for alcohol prevention and cessation interventions as most patients with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) seek treatment from facilities in the primary care setting in India. Thus, the training of healthcare professionals is vital in addressing AUDs in India. The Indian government is setting up Health and Wellness Centres across the country intended to address long-term care and holistic health promotion. At the same time, healthcare providers have expressed their limited competence in cessation and counselling practices related to AUDs. One of the attributing factors for these limitations is the paucity of exposure during the formative years. With this background, a review was undertaken of the current prescribed undergraduate professional curricula (medical, nursing, dentistry and physiotherapy) in India to assess its current status and preparedness in addressing alcohol misuse. The study findings emphasise the need to bolster the continuing education of health professionals aimed at health promotion and preventive strategies by hands-on training, brief workshops, supervised clinical experience by extramural faculty such as addiction psychiatrists, use of standardised patients, role play, and other similar methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Srikanta Kanungo
- Regional Resource Hub, Health Technology Assessment in India, ICMR Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Subhasish Nayak
- Division of Public Health, Department of Health Research, ICMR Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Kajal Samantaray
- Division of Public Health, Department of Health Research, ICMR Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | | | | | - Arun Nair
- ACCESS Health International, Delhi, India
| | - Pranab Mahapatra
- Department of Psychiatry, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sanghamitra Pati
- Department of Health Research, ICMR Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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18
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Kilian C, O'Donnell A, Potapova N, López‐Pelayo H, Schulte B, Miquel L, Paniello Castillo B, Schmidt CS, Gual A, Rehm J, Manthey J. Changes in alcohol use during the
COVID
‐19 pandemic in Europe: A meta‐analysis of observational studies. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:918-931. [PMID: 35187739 PMCID: PMC9111882 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Issues Numerous studies have examined the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on alcohol use changes in Europe, with concerns raised regarding increased use and related harms. Approach We synthesised observational studies published between 1 January 2020 and 31 September 2021 on self‐reported changes in alcohol use associated with COVID‐19. Electronic databases were searched for studies evaluating individual data from European general and clinical populations. We identified 646 reports, of which 56 general population studies were suitable for random‐effects meta‐analyses of proportional differences in alcohol use changes. Variations by time, sub‐region and study quality were assessed in subsequent meta‐regressions. Additional 16 reports identified were summarised narratively. Key Findings Compiling reports measuring changes in overall alcohol use, slightly more individuals indicated a decrease than an increase in their alcohol use during the pandemic [3.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00–7.6%]. Decreases were also reported more often than increases in drinking frequency (8.0%, 95% CI 2.7–13.2%), quantity consumed (12.2%, 95% CI 8.3–16.2%) and heavy episodic drinking (17.7%, 95% CI 13.6–21.8%). Among people with pre‐existing high drinking levels/alcohol use disorder, high‐level drinking patterns appear to have solidified or intensified. Implications Pandemic‐related changes in alcohol use may be associated with pre‐pandemic drinking levels. Increases among high‐risk alcohol users are concerning, suggesting a need for ongoing monitoring and support from relevant health‐care services. Conclusion Our findings suggest that more people reduced their alcohol use in Europe than increased it since the onset of the pandemic. However high‐quality studies examining specific change mechanisms at the population level are lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Kilian
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Technische Universität Dresden Dresden Germany
| | - Amy O'Donnell
- Population Health Sciences Institute Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Nina Potapova
- Grup de Recerca en Addiccions Clinic Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Unitat Conductes Addictives Hospital Clínic Barcelona Spain
| | - Hugo López‐Pelayo
- Grup de Recerca en Addiccions Clinic Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Unitat Conductes Addictives Hospital Clínic Barcelona Spain
| | - Bernd Schulte
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf, Department of Psychiatry Hamburg Germany
| | - Laia Miquel
- Grup de Recerca en Addiccions Clinic Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Unitat Conductes Addictives Hospital Clínic Barcelona Spain
| | - Blanca Paniello Castillo
- Grup de Recerca en Addiccions Clinic Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Unitat Conductes Addictives Hospital Clínic Barcelona Spain
- Department of Global Public Health (student) Karolinska Institute Stockholm Sweden
| | - Christiane Sybille Schmidt
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf, Department of Psychiatry Hamburg Germany
| | - Antoni Gual
- Grup de Recerca en Addiccions Clinic Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Unitat Conductes Addictives Hospital Clínic Barcelona Spain
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Technische Universität Dresden Dresden Germany
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf, Department of Psychiatry Hamburg Germany
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Toronto Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto Toronto Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building Toronto Canada
| | - Jakob Manthey
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Technische Universität Dresden Dresden Germany
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf, Department of Psychiatry Hamburg Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty University of Leipzig Leipzig Germany
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19
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Acuff SF, Strickland JC, Tucker JA, Murphy JG. Changes in alcohol use during COVID-19 and associations with contextual and individual difference variables: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2022; 36:1-19. [PMID: 34807630 PMCID: PMC8831454 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study meta-analyzed studies examining changes in alcohol consumption during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and systematically reviewed contextual and individual difference factors related to these changes. METHOD Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocol, studies were gathered via PsycINFO, PubMed/MEDLINE, and preprint databases (published April 29, 2021) that examined individual-level changes in consumption during the initial COVID-19 mitigation measures (before October 2020). Next, sample proportion increases and decreases in consumption, in addition to mean change in consumption variables from pre- to during-COVID, were meta-analyzed, and contextual and individual difference variables related to consumption changes during the pandemic were summarized. RESULTS One hundred and twenty-eight studies provided data from 58 countries (M n = 3,876; Mdn n = 1,092; aggregate sample n = 492,235). The average mean change in alcohol consumption was nonsignificant (Cohen's d = -0.01, p = .68); however, meta-analysis revealed that 23% of participants reported increases in consumption and 23% reported decreases. These changes were moderated by per capita gross domestic product and country. Narrative synthesis revealed multiple predictors of increased drinking, including contextual changes (e.g., children at home, income loss, working remotely), individual difference variables (being female, a young-to-middle aged adult, or Black), and mental health/alcohol-related risk factors (e.g., depression). CONCLUSIONS The identified factors associated with increased alcohol consumption should be considered in planning behavioral health services during future crisis events that abruptly alter everyday environments in ways that increase stress and decrease access to naturally occurring rewards. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justin C Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Jalie A Tucker
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, Center for Behavioral Economic Health Research, University of Florida
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20
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Grau-López L, Daigre C, Palma-Alvarez RF, Sorribes-Puertas M, Serrano-Pérez P, Quesada-Franco M, Segura L, Coronado M, Ramos-Quiroga JA, Colom J. COVID-19 Lockdown and Consumption Patterns among Substance Use Disorder Outpatients: A Multicentre Study. Eur Addict Res 2022; 28:243-254. [PMID: 35038702 PMCID: PMC8805052 DOI: 10.1159/000521425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 has had a great impact on mental health in the general population. However, few studies have focused on patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). This research aimed to compare the clinical status and substance use patterns of SUD outpatients, before and during confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This multicentre study recruited 588 patients (29.2% women; M age = 47.4 ± 11.7 years) in thirteen centres for addiction treatment in Catalonia, Spain. All subjects were evaluated with validated instruments and ad hoc questionnaires. The sample was divided into 3 groups according to how the substance consumption pattern changed during lockdown (maintained pattern, worsened pattern, and improved pattern). RESULTS More than 62% of the patients maintained or worsened their consumption pattern during confinement, and about 38% improved throughout this time. Diverse factors were associated with the changes in pattern like age, addiction severity, psychological distress during lockdown, social and familial issues, and therapeutic variables. CONCLUSION The home lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with major implications for substance consumption and psychiatric distress among SUD outpatients. Considering this, the need to plan appropriate interventions in cases of similar health crises is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Grau-López
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Section, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychiatry Group, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Constanza Daigre
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Section, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychiatry Group, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl Felipe Palma-Alvarez
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Section, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychiatry Group, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Sorribes-Puertas
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Section, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychiatry Group, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Serrano-Pérez
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Section, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychiatry Group, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Quesada-Franco
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Section, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychiatry Group, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lidia Segura
- Subdirecció general de Drogodependències, Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Coronado
- Subdirecció general de Drogodependències, Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Section, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychiatry Group, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Colom
- Subdirecció general de Drogodependències, Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Bloomfield K, Kilian C, Manthey J, Rehm J, Brummer J, Grittner U. Changes in Alcohol Use in Denmark during the Initial Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Further Evidence of Polarization of Drinking Responses. Eur Addict Res 2022; 28:297-308. [PMID: 35545059 PMCID: PMC9254281 DOI: 10.1159/000524379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The year 2020 was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Policy responses to COVID-19 affected social and economic life and the availability of alcohol. Previous research has shown an overall small decrease in alcohol use in Denmark in the first months of the pandemic. The present paper focused on identifying which subgroups of individuals had decreased or increased their consumption. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were collected between May and July 2020 (n = 2,566 respondents, convenience sample). Weights were applied to reflect the actual Danish general population. Variables included the pre-pandemic alcohol consumption, change in alcohol consumption in the past month, socio-demographics, and reported economic consequences. Responses to a single item assessing changes in alcohol consumption in the past month were classified as no change, increase, or decrease in consumption. Regression models investigated how changes in consumption were linked to pre-pandemic drinking levels, socio-demographics (gender, age groups, education), and reported economic consequences. RESULTS While 39% of participants reported decreased consumption levels and 34% had stable levels, 27% increased consumption. Characteristics associated with changes in consumption were associated with both increases and decreases in consumption: younger people, those with higher consumption levels before the pandemic, and those with lower education more often both reported increases as well as decreases in consumption. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS We confirmed that more people decreased rather than increased their alcohol consumption in the first few months of the pandemic in Denmark. Characteristics associated with changes in consumption such as younger age, higher consumption levels, and lower education demonstrated a polarization of drinking since these were associated with both increases and decreases in consumption. Public health authorities should monitor alcohol use and other health behaviours for increased risks during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Bloomfield
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Copenhagen, Denmark,Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Unit for Health Promotion Research, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark,Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - Carolin Kilian
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jakob Manthey
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 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 Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany,Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 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,I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Julie Brummer
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulrike Grittner
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,*Ulrike Grittner,
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22
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Hwang CL, Phillips SA, Tu MH, Piano MR. Time to Promote the Awareness of Unhealthy Alcohol Use Among Women. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2022; 31:1-3. [PMID: 34935470 PMCID: PMC8785765 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chueh-Lung Hwang
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Shane A. Phillips
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Min-Hsuan Tu
- Department of Organization and Human Resources, School of Management, State University of New York—University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Mariann R. Piano
- Center for Research Development and Scholarship, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Address correspondence to: Mariann R. Piano, PhD, Center for Research Development and Scholarship, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, 415 Godchaux Hall 461 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240-1119, USA
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23
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Burdzovic Andreas J, Brunborg GS. Adolescents' Alcohol Use and Related Expectancies before and during the Early COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from the Nationwide MyLife Study. Eur Addict Res 2022; 28:471-480. [PMID: 36195067 PMCID: PMC9747729 DOI: 10.1159/000526584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We examined a range of alcohol use indicators among Norwegian adolescents before and during the early COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We examined two cohorts of Norwegian 16-year-olds from the nationwide MyLife study who entered high school in fall 2020 (i.e., COVID-19 pandemic cohort; n = 915) and fall 2019/18 (i.e., prepandemic cohort; n = 1,621). Through e-surveys, adolescents reported their past year drinking frequencies and quantities (generating the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Concise; AUDIT-C scores) and completed Social Facilitation (SF) and Tension Reduction (TR) subscales of the Alcohol Outcome Expectancies Scale. Cohort differences across these outcomes were examined with linear and modified Poisson regression models. RESULTS There were no cohort differences in the proportion of adolescents who reported drinking in the past year or in drinking/binge drinking frequencies. However, alcohol quantities consumed on a typical drinking day were 1/3 of a drink greater in the COVID-19 cohort than in the prepandemic cohort; aIRR (95% CI) = 1.13 (1.02-1.25). These consumption differences compounded into significantly greater AUDIT-C scores (aIRR [95% CI] = 1.16 [1.02-1.32]) and positive AUDIT-C screens (31.2% vs. 26.4%; aRR [95% CI] = 1.21 [1.07-1.36]) in the COVID-19 cohort. In terms of alcohol-related expectancies, there were no SF differences, but the COVID-19 cohort reported significantly greater TR expectancies; b (95% CI) = 0.11 (0.02-0.20). CONCLUSION Despite the 2020 lockdown, Norwegian adolescents who started high school during the first pandemic year did not differ from their prepandemic peers in terms of how many of them drank, how often they drank, or in prosocial expectations they had of alcohol use. However, they consumed greater alcohol quantities per drinking day, had greater AUDIT-C scores, and reported greater tension reduction expectations of alcohol use. These results underscore the value of examining adolescents' alcohol-related behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic above and beyond the basic drinking prevalence and frequencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Burdzovic Andreas
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,*Jasmina Burdzovic Andreas,
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24
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Oksanen A, Oksa R, Savela N, Celuch M, Savolainen I. Drinking and Social Media Use Among Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions: Five-Wave Longitudinal Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e33125. [PMID: 34662290 PMCID: PMC8641700 DOI: 10.2196/33125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic restricted everyday life during 2020-2021 for many people worldwide. It also affected alcohol consumption patterns and leisure activities, including the use of social media. Objective The aim of this study was to analyze whether social media use predicts increased risky drinking over time and during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in particular. Methods This 5-wave longitudinal survey study, based on a nationwide sample of workers, was conducted in Finland in 2019-2021. A total of 840 respondents (male: 473/840, 56.31%; age range 18-64 years; mean age 43.90, SD 11.14 years) participated in all 5 waves of the study. The outcome variable was risky drinking, measured using the 3-item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C). Multilevel linear hybrid modeling enabled the investigation of both within-person and between-person effects. Predictors included social media use and communication, involvement in social media identity bubbles, psychological distress, and remote working. Controls included sociodemographic factors and the Big Five personality traits. Results Increased involvement in social media identity bubbles was associated with an increase in risky drinking behavior. Of all social media platforms examined, online dating app use was associated with riskier use of alcohol over time during the COVID-19 crisis. Daily social media communication with colleagues about nonwork topics was associated with risky drinking. Female gender, younger age, university education, nonindustrial occupational field, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism were associated with lower levels of risky drinking. Conclusions Social media use during a pandemic carries some risks for alcohol consumption. Involvement in social media identity bubbles and online dating are risk factors for excessive drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atte Oksanen
- Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere, Finland
| | - Reetta Oksa
- Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere, Finland
| | - Nina Savela
- Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere, Finland
| | - Magdalena Celuch
- Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere, Finland
| | - Iina Savolainen
- Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere, Finland
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25
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Mäkelä P, Rossow I, Moan IS, Bye EK, Kilian C, Raitasalo K, Allebeck P. Measuring changes in alcohol use in Finland and Norway during the COVID-19 pandemic: Comparison between data sources. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2021; 30:e1892. [PMID: 34449127 PMCID: PMC8633923 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine (1) how a rapid data collection using a convenience sample fares in estimating change in alcohol consumption when compared to more conventional data sources, and (2) how alcohol consumption changed in Finland and Norway during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Three different types of data sources were used for the 2nd quarter of 2020 and 2019: sales statistics combined with data on unrecorded consumption; the rapid European Alcohol Use and COVID-19 (ESAC) survey (Finland: n = 3800, Norway: n = 17,092); and conventional population surveys (Finland: n = 2345, Norway: n1 = 1328, n2 = 2189, n3 = 25,708). Survey measures of change were retrospective self-reports. RESULTS The statistics indicate that alcohol consumption decreased in Finland by 9%, while little change was observed in Norway. In all surveys, reporting a decrease in alcohol use was more common than reporting an increase (ratios 2-2.6 in Finland, 1.3-2 in Norway). Compared to conventional surveys, in the ESAC survey fewer respondents reported no change and past-year alcohol consumption was higher. CONCLUSION The rapid survey using convenience sampling gave similar results on change in drinking as conventional surveys but higher past-year drinking, suggesting self-selection effects. Aspects of the pandemic driving alcohol consumption down were equally strong or stronger than those driving it up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Mäkelä
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | - Elin K Bye
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Carolin Kilian
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Peter Allebeck
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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26
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Changes in Alcohol Consumption during the COVID-19 Pandemic Are Dependent on Initial Consumption Level: Findings from Eight European Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910547. [PMID: 34639847 PMCID: PMC8508389 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that changes in alcohol consumption during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic were unevenly distributed over consumer groups. We investigated possible inter-country differences in how changes in alcohol consumption are contingent on initial consumption (before or at the start of the pandemic), and how changes in consumption translate into possible changes in the prevalence of heavy drinking. We used data from the European Survey on Alcohol use and COVID-19 (ESAC) conducted in Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Poland, Spain, and the UK (N = 31921). Past-year alcohol consumption and changes in consumption were measured by AUDIT-C. Drinking habits were compared according to percentiles of pre-pandemic consumption levels, below versus above the 90th percentile. Across countries, drinkers in the highest 10% for pre-pandemic consumption increased their drinking during the pandemic, whereas absolute changes among those initially drinking below this level were modest. The percentage of people reporting >28 alcohol units/week increased significantly in seven of eight countries. During the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol consumption in the upper decile of the drinkers increased as did the prevalence of heavy drinkers, in contrast with a declining consumption in other groups in the sample.
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27
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Working at home and alcohol use. Addict Behav Rep 2021; 14:100377. [PMID: 34549078 PMCID: PMC8444538 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2021.100377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of own home as a workplace is increasing. Working at home is associated with higher alcohol consumption. Working at home may facilitate alcohol use that otherwise would not happen.
Working at home has become a frequent work arrangement following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about how working at home influence alcohol use among employees. This study examines associations between working at home at least 15 h per week and alcohol consumption using data from a pre-COVID-19 sample. Self-reported questionnaire data on working at home and alcohol use from a large cross-sectional sample of Norwegian employees (N = 14,728). Data were collected between 2004 and 2019 and were analyzed by ordinal logistic regressions. Working at home for >15 h per week was significantly associated with alcohol use (OR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.30 – 2.16). The association remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, leadership position, and educational level. Working at home may facilitate alcohol use that otherwise would not happen. Organizations must ensure that policies and procedures are in place to prevent alcohol use during working hours among employees working at home.
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28
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Rossow I, Bye EK, Moan IS, Kilian C, Bramness JG. Changes in Alcohol Consumption during the COVID-19 Pandemic-Small Change in Total Consumption, but Increase in Proportion of Heavy Drinkers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4231. [PMID: 33923567 PMCID: PMC8073387 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about possible changes in alcohol consumption distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. We estimated how individual changes in alcohol consumption during the pandemic translated into changes in: (i) mean consumption; (ii) dispersion of consumption distribution; and (iii) prevalence of heavy drinkers. We employed data from two independent web-surveys of Norwegian adults collected between April and July 2020 and limited to those reporting past year alcohol consumption (N1 = 15,267, N2 = 1195). Self-reports of changes in drinking behavior were quantified, assuming change being relative to baseline consumption level. During the pandemic, we found a small increase (Survey 1) or no change (Survey 2) in estimated mean alcohol consumption (which parallels to total consumption). However, in both surveys, the dispersion of the distribution increased significantly (p < 0.001). For most respondents, an average modest decline in consumption was found. However, the small fraction with the highest baseline consumption increased their consumption substantially, and in effect, the proportion of heavy drinkers increased markedly (p < 0.001). In conclusion, quantifications of reported changes in alcohol consumption during the pandemic suggest that the upper 5 to 10% of the drinkers increased their consumption and hence the prevalence of heavy drinkers increased, despite little or no change in total alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingeborg Rossow
- Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway; (E.K.B.); (I.S.M.); (J.G.B.)
| | - Elin K. Bye
- Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway; (E.K.B.); (I.S.M.); (J.G.B.)
| | - Inger Synnøve Moan
- Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway; (E.K.B.); (I.S.M.); (J.G.B.)
| | - Carolin Kilian
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, 01187 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Jørgen G. Bramness
- Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway; (E.K.B.); (I.S.M.); (J.G.B.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, UiT—The Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, 2381 Brumunddal, Norway
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