1
|
Won NY, McCabe AJ, Cottler LB. Alcohol-related non-fatal motor vehicle crash injury in the US from 2019 to 2022. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2024; 50:252-260. [PMID: 38488589 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2024.2309336] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Background: Information on recent alcohol-related non-fatal motor vehicle crash (MVC) injuries is limited.Objectives: To analyze alcohol-related non-fatal MVC injuries, 2019-2022, considering COVID-19 and Stay-at-Home policies.Methods: State-level counts of alcohol-related non-fatal MVC injuries (involving individuals age 15+) from Emergency Medical Services data in 18 US states, chosen for comprehensive coverage, were analyzed for the annual rate. The total non-fatal MVC injury count in each state served as the denominator. We used analysis of variance to evaluate annual rate changes from 2019 to 2022 and used robust Poisson regression to compare annual mean rates to the 2019 baseline, pre-pandemic, excluding Quarter 1 due to COVID-19's onset in Quarter 2. Additional Poisson models compared rate changes by 2020 Stay-at-Home policies.Results: Data from 18 states were utilized (N = 1,487,626, 49.5% male). When evaluating rate changes of alcohol-related non-fatal MVC injuries from period 1 (Q2-4 2019) through period 4 (Q2-4 2022), the rate significantly increased from period 1 (2019) to period 2 (2020) by 0.024 (p = .003), then decreased from period 2 to period 4 (2022) by 0.016 (p = .04). Compared to the baseline (period 1), the rate in period 2 was 1.27 times higher. States with a 2020 Stay-at-Home policy, compared to those without, had a 30% lower rate (p = .05) of alcohol-related non-fatal MVC injuries. States with partial and mandatory Stay-at-Home policies had a 5.2% (p = .01) and 10.5% (p < .001) annual rate decrease, respectively.Conclusion: Alcohol-related non-fatal MVC injury rates increased initially (2019-2020) but decreased thereafter (2020-2022). Stay-at-home policies effectively reduced these rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nae Y Won
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Andrew J McCabe
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Linda B Cottler
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Holloway K, Buhociu M, Murray S, Livingston W, Perkins A. Assessing the early influence of COVID-19 in an analysis of the immediate implementation of Minimum Pricing for Alcohol on drinkers in Wales. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2024; 41:57-74. [PMID: 38356791 PMCID: PMC10863556 DOI: 10.1177/14550725231202066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The Welsh Government has commissioned a number of projects to consider the influence their implementation of Minimum Pricing for Alcohol (MPA) legislation in March 2020 had on the alcohol consumption and related behaviours of drinkers. Given the MPA's overlap with the COVID-19 pandemic and its related lockdown measures and restrictions, this rapidly became a story about the early impact of COVID-19 as it did MPA. This paper captures the core thematic messages from this specific strand of work, and in doing so reflects on (1) how early experiences of COVID-19 and the first lockdown influenced consumption and purchasing of alcohol behaviours and, in turn, (2) how relevant the introduction of MPA was for any of these. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone with 32 drinkers 9 months after the implementation of the legislation in March 2020. The sample was recruited from three sources: the National Survey for Wales; a third sector organisation offering housing support to the homeless; and through an online survey on MPA. Results: COVID-19 had more relevance than MPA to drinkers. Furthermore, when MPA did have an influence on their behaviour, it was felt most keenly by the harmful drinkers in the study. These drinkers described spending more on alcohol, switching to other potentially more harmful substances, such as crack cocaine and synthetic cannabinoids, and more involvement in acquisitive crime and begging after the price increase. While our results might be an early indication of the influence of MPA on harmful drinkers, the small sample of this group in our study limits the generalisability of the findings. Conclusion: To date, the implementation of MPA has had little influence on the drinking patterns or lives of the drinkers in our sample. It is important that future research examines the longer-term influences of MPA before any conclusions on its effectiveness can be drawn.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katy Holloway
- Centre for Criminology, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK
| | - Marian Buhociu
- Centre for Criminology, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK
| | - Shannon Murray
- Centre for Criminology, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK
| | - Wulf Livingston
- School of Social and Life Sciences, Wrexham Glyndwr University, Wrexham, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chavez SJ, Merrill JE, Barnett NP, Carey KB. Low levels of fitting in on campus moderates the relationship between enhancement drinking motives and drinks per week among college students. Addict Behav 2023; 147:107831. [PMID: 37573831 PMCID: PMC10528142 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107831] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The first year of college is often marked by increased levels of alcohol consumption; first-year students also vary in their sense of fitting in on campus. Research has amply documented the links between social and enhancement drinking motives with various alcohol outcomes among college students. However, it is unclear how perceived levels of fitting in on campus potentially buffers or amplifies the relationship between drinking motives and drinking behavior. We explored whether perceptions of fitting in on campus moderated effects of social and/or enhancement drinking motives on drinks per week. A sample of 121 heavy drinking first year college students (50 % female, 58 % non-Latinx White, M = 18 years of age) were assessed twice in their first semester (baseline, 3 months) in the context of an alcohol-specific intervention. Hierarchical linear regressions were conducted to test whether drinking motives (social and enhancement) at baseline prospectively predicted drinks per week at 3 months. We hypothesized a positive association between both drinking motives and drinks per week; whether fitting in moderates these relationships was exploratory. Regression analyses yielded non-significant main effects of social motives, enhancement motives, and feelings of fitting in on drinks per week. There was no significant interaction for social motives, but the interaction between enhancement motives and fitting in was significant. Participants with a low sense of fitting in had a strong positive relationship between enhancement motives and drinks per week. Improving perceptions of fitting in for first-year college students may potentially reduce the association between enhancement drinking motives and drinks per week.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Chavez
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, United States.
| | - Jennifer E Merrill
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, United States.
| | - Nancy P Barnett
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, United States.
| | - Kate B Carey
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Delaney K, Dietrich MS, Corte C, Akard TF, Piano MR. Hazardous alcohol use, drinking motives and COVID-19-related anxiety in college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37052579 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2198022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the associations of anxiety and drinking motives with hazardous and binge alcohol use among young adults. PARTICIPANTS We recruited young adults (N = 182, mean age 25) between November 2020 and December 2020. METHODS Linear regressions were used to evaluate relationships among hazardous alcohol use (US Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-C [USAUDIT-C]), binge drinking (Alcohol Intake Questionnaire [AIQ]), PROMIS-Anxiety, COVID-19 related anxiety (CAS), and the drinking to cope with depression and anxiety subscales of the Modified Drinking Motives Questionnaire. RESULTS Sixty-two percent of participants reported hazardous drinking (USAUDIT-C score > 4). PROMIS Anxiety and CAS scores were 63.7 and 1.0, respectively. Scores were positively associated with drinking patterns. However, the drinking to cope with depression motive significantly mediated these associations. CONCLUSIONS After the onset of the pandemic, hazardous and binge drinking patterns among young adults were associated with drinking to cope with depression rather than anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kendra Delaney
- Center for Research Development and Scholarship, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mary S Dietrich
- Center for Research Development and Scholarship, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Collen Corte
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Terrah Foster Akard
- Center for Research Development and Scholarship, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mariann R Piano
- Center for Research Development and Scholarship, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lake S, Assaf RD, Gorbach PM, Cooper ZD. Changes in secondary substance use after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic among people who use cannabis: Findings from a web-based sample of adults in the United States. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2023; 31:482-490. [PMID: 35467920 PMCID: PMC9592680 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000572] [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] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had widespread impacts on mental health and substance use. Increases in cannabis use have been documented in the United States, but little is known about how other substance use has changed among people who use cannabis. We sought to examine changes in alcohol, tobacco, opioid, and stimulant use during COVID-19 and explore how these changes relate to patterns of cannabis use. Data were obtained from a web-based survey of adults in the United States who use cannabis (n = 1,471) administered in September 2020. Using data reported in retrospective (prepandemic) and time-of-survey assessment periods, we explored changes in the prevalence of regular (≥ weekly) alcohol, tobacco, opioid, and stimulant use during COVID-19 among respondents who used medical and nonmedical cannabis. We used modified Poisson regression to examine cannabis-related correlates of increasing or decreasing secondary substance use during the pandemic. There was a slight but significant increase in ≥weekly alcohol use in the medical use group only (41.4%-47.0%, p = .034). ≥ Weekly tobacco, opioid, and stimulant use did not change significantly. Pandemic-concurrent shifts in secondary substance use depended on interacting cannabis-related factors including medical cannabis use, prepandemic cannabis frequency, and pandemic-concurrent frequency changes. For example, ≥ weekly prepandemic cannabis use was significantly and positively associated with decreasing opioid use frequency among the medical cannabis use group only. Assessments of the pandemic's effects on substance use should consider relationships between cannabis and other substances, which may differ according to cannabis-specific behaviors, motives, and contexts of use. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Lake
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Ryan D. Assaf
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
- Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Pamina M. Gorbach
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
- Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Ziva D. Cooper
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cho J, Sussman S, Kechter A, Vogel EA, Barrington-Trimis JL, Unger JB, Leventhal AM. Alcohol use and life stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study of young adults. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2023.2183909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Junhan Cho
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steve Sussman
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Afton Kechter
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Erin A. Vogel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jessica L. Barrington-Trimis
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jennifer B. Unger
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Adam M. Leventhal
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
aan het Rot M, Baltariu IC, Enea V. Increased alcohol use to cope with COVID-19-related anxiety one year into the coronavirus pandemic. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2023; 40:146-159. [PMID: 37063818 PMCID: PMC10101168 DOI: 10.1177/14550725221147111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: An increase in drinking to cope with anxiety provoked by the coronavirus was observed during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: In the present study, we examined the role of drinking motives in the anxiety–alcohol link one year into the pandemic. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we collected data between April and May 2021: 678 participants located in Romania or the Netherlands completed an online survey on alcohol consumption in the past month (assessed using a simple quantity-frequency measure), change in drinking during the past year (assessed using a single item asking whether there had been an increase, decrease or no change), drinking motives (assessed using the Revised Drinking Motives Questionnaire), drinking-related problems (assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test), and COVID-19-related anxiety (assessed using the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale). Results: Compared to before the pandemic, while 42% of participants had decreased their alcohol consumption, 15% reported an increase. Participants with clinically relevant COVID-19-related anxiety (11%) were more likely to drink to cope with negative affect, enhance positive affect, and conform to others. The association between COVID-19-related anxiety and drinking-related problems was specifically moderated by drinking to cope, such that the anxiety–alcohol link was stronger in participants who endorsed this drinking motive more. Conclusion: Drinking is a maladaptive coping strategy for individuals with high levels of COVID-19-related anxiety. These individuals might benefit from interventions involving the learning of healthier skills to deal with the ongoing pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marije aan het Rot
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Isabelle C. Baltariu
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
| | - Violeta Enea
- Department of Psychology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alcohol Consumption During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States: Results From a Nationally Representative Longitudinal Survey. J Addict Med 2023; 17:e11-e17. [PMID: 35861345 PMCID: PMC9897121 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol consumption and risky drinking behavior increased in the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, but it is not known if and for whom those changes were sustained over the longer term. This study analyzes longitudinal data on drinking patterns during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. METHODS A nationally representative longitudinal survey was used to assess alcohol consumption patterns among respondents 21 years and older who reported drinking between February and November 2020 (N = 557) overall and by subgroups. RESULTS Compared with February, drinks per month in April and November 2020 significantly ( P ≤ 0.01) increased by 36% and 38%, respectively. The proportion exceeding drinking guidelines significantly increased by 27% and 39%, and increases for binge drinking were 26% and 30% (both P = 0.01). February to November increases in proportion exceeding drinking guidelines were significantly larger for women (54% increase) than for men (32%), and for Black (508%) than for White respondents (16%). Drinks per month significantly increased more for respondents with children in the household (64%) than for those without children (20%). There also was a significantly larger increase in drinks per month for those who reported drinking to cope (57% increase) and those who reported drinking for enhancement (40%) than for those who did not. CONCLUSIONS Self-reported alcohol consumption and risky drinking patterns increased during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Monitoring alcohol consumption changes, with a focus on marginalized groups, is warranted to plan behavioral health services and inform prevention for future pandemics.
Collapse
|
9
|
Shircliff K, Liu M, Prestigiacomo C, Fry M, Ladd K, Gilbert MK, Rattermann MJ, Cyders MA. Mixed methods prospective findings of the initial effects of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic on individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270582. [PMID: 35776699 PMCID: PMC9249176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The beginning of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic interrupted integral services and supports for those in recovery from substance use disorders. The current study used qualitative and quantitative data to identify 1) pandemic-related barriers/stressors, 2) coping strategies employed, and 3) how the stressors and strategies predicted subsequent substance use frequency. Participants were 48 adults (40.5% female; 90.2% White) between 26 and 60 years old (M = 42.66, SD = 8.44) who were part of a larger, multi-year longitudinal study of individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Individuals completed two interviews, one during the six weeks of initial stay-at-home orders in the state in which data were collected and the second within six to twelve months of their initial interview. Common barriers to recovery included cancelled support meetings, changes in job format (i.e., being fired or furloughed), and lack of social support. Common coping strategies included self-care, leisure activities/hobbies, taking caution against exposure, and strengthening personal relationships. The relationship between cravings at baseline and substance use at follow up was stronger for those who experienced worsening of their mental health (B = 21.80, p < .01) than for those who did not (B = 5.45, p = 0.09), and for those who were taking caution against exposure (B = 24.57, p < .01) than for those who were not (B = 1.87, p = 0.53). Those who engaged in self-care (B = 0.00, p>.99) had lower rates of substance use at follow-up than those who did not employ self-care as a coping mechanism (B = 16.10, p < .01). These findings inform research priorities regarding prospective effects of the pandemic on treatment endeavors, particularly emphasizing treating mental health and encouraging self-care strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Shircliff
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Melissa Liu
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Christiana Prestigiacomo
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Melissa Fry
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University Southeast, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Kevin Ladd
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University South Bend, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | | | - Mary Jo Rattermann
- Research & Evaluation Resources LLC, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Community Fairbanks Recovery Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Melissa A. Cyders
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sandell C, Saltychev M. Change in alcohol consumption and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic amongst 76 medical students. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12580. [PMID: 34966589 PMCID: PMC8667719 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate whether the COVID-19 pandemic has affected physical activity and alcohol consumption among medical students. Methods Cross-sectional survey study among 76 students in their second year of medical school. The Wilcoxon sign-rank test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to assess the difference between groups. Results Of 76 respondents, 68% were women, 66% were single and 34% were co-habiting. The median age was 21 years. Overall alcohol consumption decreased during the pandemic year by 12 g/week. Overall physical activity did not significantly change. The decrease in alcohol consumption was mostly caused by a change seen in a high tertile, change was −96 g/week. Alcohol consumption decreased more in women than in men, p = 0.0001. Conclusions It seems that alcohol consumption among medical students has decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic probably due to reduced social contacts and negative effect of social isolation. This decrease was seen especially among women and among students with higher alcohol consumption before the pandemic. Also, it seems that students had found their ways to remain active during the pandemic since the amount of leisure-time physical activity had not changed significantly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sandell
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Mikhail Saltychev
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Effects of the COVID-19 Mitigation Measures on Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking in College Students: A Longitudinal Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189822. [PMID: 34574745 PMCID: PMC8464960 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
To "flatten the curve" of COVID-19 contagion, several countries ordered lockdowns amid the pandemic along with indications on social distancing. These social isolation measures could potentially bring alterations to healthy behavior, including to alcohol consumption. However, there is hardly any scientific evidence of the impact of such measures on alcohol consumption and binge drinking (BD) among young adults, and how they relate to alcohol craving, stress, anxiety, and depression levels. We addressed these questions by conducting a longitudinal study with 146 Portuguese college students-regular binge drinkers (regular BDs), infrequent binge drinkers (infrequent BDs) and non-binge drinkers (non-BDs)-in three moments: before the pandemic (Pre-Lockdown), during lockdown (Lockdown) and 6 months after (Post-Lockdown). Results revealed that regular BDs decreased alcohol use during Lockdown, a change in behavior that was even greater during Post-Lockdown, when regular BDs displayed similar levels of consumption to infrequent/non-BDs. Additionally, alcohol craving and living with friends were predictive of alcohol use during Lockdown, whereas stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms did not contribute to explain changes in drinking behavior. Collectively, the results suggest that BD in young Portuguese college students can be stopped when the contexts in which alcohol intake usually takes place are suppressed, which may have important implications for future prevention and intervention strategies.
Collapse
|