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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns are known to affect alcohol consumption. This study examines drinking expectancies and contexts upon alcohol consumption of Argentinean students.Objectives: To assess within-person changes in alcohol consumption in Argentinean college students (aged 18-24), from August 2019 with a one-year follow-up during the COVID-19 lockdown, considering alcohol expectancies, drinking contexts, and main socio-demographic variables. To validate the stability of these predictors, we discuss the effects on the alcohol consumption across dependent and independent measures.Methods: We assessed one longitudinal (N = 300, 70% female) and one cross-sectional (N = 165, 78% female) sample via online surveys and applied multilevel analysis and regressions, respectively.Results: Alcohol consumption significantly increased during lockdown compared to one-year before (mean: 6.91 and 8.26 alcohol units, correspondingly). In the longitudinal sample, social facilitation (medium effect sizes [ES]: 0.21, 0.22) and parental presence (medium ES: 0.12, 0.21) significantly and stable (through time) predicted increasing effects on consumption. In the cross-sectional sample, stress control (high ES: 0.78) and parental presence (high ES: 0.42) were associated with higher consumption during lockdown.Conclusion: College students increased their alcohol consumption during lockdown, suggesting that restrictive sanitary measures may negatively affect consumption. Literature is not conclusive as both decreases and increases in alcohol consumption in students from developed countries were reported. Before and during COVID-19 lockdown, parental presence is a stable predictor of increased alcohol consumption, though unusual according to the literature. Health policies aimed at modifying the behavior of parents who promote/share alcohol consumption with their offspring may help reduce drinking in college students.
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Objective: To measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of a program for timely detection, brief intervention, and referral for treatment of alcohol consumption in health centers at the first level of care in Mexico City. Methods: The data were collected at 18 health centers in Mexico City between 2019 and 2021, as part of a larger study. A total of 287 participating health professionals measured their patients' alcohol consumption using the AUDIT-C test. The patients' demographic aspects and consumption patterns were analyzed, as well as care actions (detection, brief intervention, provision of leaflets, monitoring, and referral) at three points in time: before the COVID-19 pandemic, during confinement, and after confinement. Parametric and nonparametric tests were performed to identify the relationship and differences between the variables at the three points. Results: A total of 9090 people who consumed alcohol were identified; detection of consumption fluctuated in the three periods studied (26%, 53%, and 37%, respectively). Medium- and high-risk consumption was more frequent among young men with higher schooling during and after confinement. In the post-confinement period, monitoring and referral actions increased. Conclusions: Measuring the impact of the pandemic on the implementation of a program for timely detection of alcohol consumption, brief intervention, and referral for treatment in health centers helps to develop health policies by age, gender, schooling, and type of consumption at the first level of care.
Objetivo: Medir o efeito da pandemia de COVID-19 na implementação de um programa de detecção oportuna, intervenção breve e encaminhamento para tratamento pelo consumo de álcool em centros de saúde no nível da atenção primária na Cidade do México. Métodos: Foram coletados dados em 18 centros de saúde na Cidade do México entre 2019 e 2021, como parte de um estudo mais amplo. Participaram 287 profissionais de saúde, que mediram o consumo de álcool de seus pacientes com o teste AUDIT-C. Foram analisados aspectos demográficos e o padrão de consumo dos pacientes, bem como as medidas em termos de atendimento (triagem, intervenção breve, entrega de folhetos, monitoramento e encaminhamento) em três momentos: antes da pandemia de COVID-19, durante o confinamento e após o confinamento. Foram feitos testes paramétricos e não paramétricos para identificar a relação e as diferenças entre as variáveis nos três períodos. Resultados: Foram identificadas 9.090 pessoas com consumo de álcool, sendo que a porcentagem de consumo detectada flutuou nos três períodos estudados (26%, 53% e 37%, respectivamente). O consumo de médio e alto risco foi mais prevalente entre homens jovens e com nível maior de escolaridade durante e após o confinamento. No período posterior ao confinamento, as medidas de monitoramento e encaminhamento aumentaram. Conclusões: Medir o impacto da pandemia na implementação de um programa de detecção oportuna, intervenção breve e encaminhamento para tratamento do consumo de álcool em centros de saúde ajuda na formulação de políticas de saúde por idade, gênero, escolaridade e tipo de consumo para o primeiro nível de atenção.
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This work analyzes the meanings attributed to alcohol consumption and the care strategies used by an indigenous group in Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil) by means of a qualitative research involving residents and leaders. The results generated three analytical axes: determinants of alcohol consumption, health care settings, and alcohol use in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was found that the use of alcohol in the community has been marked by historical movements that have altered the modes of existence and limited access to traditionally occupied lands. Alcohol consumption appeared as a naturalized phenomenon, associated with social and health problems that are aggravated by the lack of public assistance perceived by the community. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) (Portuguese) Esse trabalho analisa os sentidos atribuidos ao consumo de alcool e as estrategias de cuidado acionadas por um grupo indigena do Rio Grande do Norte, atraves de uma pesquisa qualitativa envolvendo moradores e liderancas. Os resultados geraram tres eixos analiticos: determinantes do consumo de alcool, cenario de atencao a saude e uso de alcool no contexto da pandemia da COVID-19. Constatou-se que o uso de alcool na comunidade tem sido marcado por movimentos historicos que alteraram os modos de existencia e limitaram o acesso as terras tradicionalmente ocupadas. A ingestao de alcool apareceu como fenomeno naturalizado, associado a problemas sociais e de saude que sao agravadas pela desassistencia publica percebida pela comunidade. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
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Background: Nurses are the largest profession within the health workforce. Limited available literature suggests high rates of alcohol consumption may occur among Australian nurses. Aim: To determine the prevalence of high-risk alcohol consumption among Australian nurses. Methods: A cross-sectional national survey was distributed via professional groups and social media to Australian nurses. Participants provided demographic information and completed a modified Perceptions of Work Stress Scale. The 10-item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to explore nurses' self-reported alcohol consumption. Surveys were conducted between July and October 2021. Findings: The overall prevalence of risky drinking was 36.9% among participants;26.1% at risky or hazardous levels, 5.6% at the high-risk or harmful level, and 5.1% at high-risk, almost certainly dependent levels. Correlations between work setting, stress, and risky alcohol consumption revealed nurses working in Emergency Departments were most likely to report higher perceived stress and AUDIT scores. Discussion: The prevalence of high-risk alcohol consumption among Australian nurses was higher than previously reported. The COVID-19 pandemic emerged as a potential factor contributing to increased stress and alcohol consumption among Australian nurses. Conclusion: Given the current vulnerability in the nursing workforce, tailored interventions are urgently required to address high-risk alcohol consumption. © 2023 Australian College of Nursing Ltd
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Background: Polysubstance use represents an adolescent health risk; however, large-scale studies investigating this issue during the COVID-19 pandemic are scarce. We aim to (i) characterise substance use profiles among adolescents and (ii) identify correlates of such substance use profiles. Methods: Norwegian nationwide survey data from 2021 were analysed using latent profile analysis. Participants were 97,429 adolescents aged 13-18. We assessed cigarette, e-cigarette and snus use, alcohol consumption, and cannabis and other illicit drug use. Correlates included psychosocial variables, health risk behaviours, and COVID-19-related problems. Findings: We identified three adolescent profiles; those who use no substances (n = 88,890; 91%); those who use snus and alcohol (n = 6546; 7%); and those who use multiple substances (i.e., polysubstance profile; n = 1993; 2%). Boys, older adolescents, adolescents with lower socio-economic status, and those reporting low levels of parental control, and higher parental alcohol use, mental health problems, pain-related variables, and other health risk behaviours were most likely to be in the polysubstance profile. Adolescents with social and mental health issues related to COVID-19 were more at risk of being in the polysubstance profile. Adolescents who use snus and alcohol showed similar patterns of risk factors, but on a somewhat lower level than those in the polysubstance profile. Interpretation: Adolescents who use multiple substances have an unhealthier lifestyle, are at a higher risk of experiencing psychosocial impairments, and report more problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Preventative strategies to reduce polysubstance use might help promote psychosocial well-being in adolescents across various life domains. Funding: This study was funded by two grants from the Research Council of Norway (project #: 288083 and 300816). The Norwegian Directorate of Health has funded the data collection. The Research Council of Norway and the Norwegian Directorate of Health have not had any role in study design, data collection, data analysis, interpretation, and writing of the report.
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There have been concerns about the psychological impact of COVID-19-related stressors on young adults. However, there remains limited information regarding how psychosocial factors and coping strategies correlate with suicidal ideation in young adults during the pandemic. We studied a cross-sectional, observational online survey using a probability-based, nationally representative sample of U.S. young adults aged 18 to 29 (N = 1077). We performed weighted logistic regression to evaluate how self-isolation, social support and coping strategies (exposures) were associated with depression and suicidal ideation (outcomes), adjusting for age, gender, race, educational level and sexual orientation. The method of multiple imputations for addressing missing data was executed through chained equations. A total of 296 participants had depression, while 323 had suicidal ideation. Individuals who consistently self-isolated exhibited nearly threefold higher odds of depression compared to those without self-isolation. Social support was consistently protective against depression and suicidal ideation. Coping through positive reframing was protective against depression and suicidal ideation, whereas substance use, self-blame and behavioural disengagement had the opposite impact. Providing social support may help prevent suicidal ideation among young adults during the pandemic. Interventions that focus on developing young adults' coping strategies, such as through positive reframing, are recommended to develop positive and healthy relationships. Healthcare providers should advise against substance use, self-blame and behavioural disengagement.
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COVID-19 , Substance-Related Disorders , Humans , Male , Female , Young Adult , Suicidal Ideation , Depression/epidemiology , Depression/psychology , Pandemics , Cross-Sectional Studies , COVID-19/prevention & control , Adaptation, Psychological , Social Support , Social Isolation , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Understanding health behaviour changes during the COVID-19 pandemic can assist in developing strategies to promote healthy lifestyles at such times. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine whether the frequency of consuming unhealthy foods and beverages changed during lockdown and whether certain population subgroups were more likely to make such changes. METHOD: An online survey was administered to a national sample of 4022 Australian adults (51% female, mean age 48 years). Generalised linear models with generalised estimating equations were used to identify whether demographic characteristics (age, gender, education, presence of children in the household, number of people in the household) and beliefs related to COVID-19 were associated with changes in the frequency of consuming alcohol, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and sugary beverages from pre to during lockdown. RESULTS: Overall, the frequency of consuming the four assessed unhealthy products did not change during lockdown. However, being male and having children at home were consistently associated with unhealthy changes, whereas believing that alcohol or unhealthy diets would exacerbate COVID-19 severity was linked to a decreased frequency of consuming these products respectively. Age, education, and living with more people were also associated with changes in the frequency of consuming some product categories. CONCLUSION: During lockdown, certain population subgroups appeared to be at increased risk of more frequent consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages. Believing certain consumption habits are linked to adverse health impacts of COVID was found to reduce frequency of consumption of related products, presenting a potential focus for future public health actions.
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The present study aimed to identify the presence of depression in older adults and the affecting factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted online with 1320 deliberately recruited older adults in Turkey between February and May 2021. The variables were depression, loneliness, fear of COVID-19, and other sociodemographic health variables. In the study, we used the Geriatric Depression Scale, Loneliness Scale, and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and RLa form including items inquiring information about sociodemographic and COVID-19 related characteristics and health conditions of the participants. In this study, we detected probable-definite depression in 73.8% of the participants. According to the results of multiple logistic regression analysis, we concluded that social and emotional loneliness, increased fear of COVID-19, perceived insufficient income, presence of chronic disease, managing activities of daily living only with assistance, irregular sleep and diet patterns, future anxiety, alcohol use, perception of mental health being negatively affected by the pandemic, and living in regions outside the Mediterranean Region affected the state of probable-definite depression in the participants. Depression was high in older adults during the pandemic. Psychosocial and health promotion interventions for depression risk factors determined from multivariate regression analysis, may enable older adults, who have become more vulnerable due to the restriction measures applied during the COVID-19 pandemic, to be less affected by this period.
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Background: We aimed to assess whether stress, boredom, drinking motives, and/or inhibitory control were related to alcohol use during a period of social isolation. Method: Analyses were carried out on questionnaire data (N = 337) collected during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (7 April–3 May 2020). We first assessed changes in drinking behavior, stress and boredom. We then regressed drinking behavior on drinking motives, inhibitory control, stress, and boredom. We also investigated interactions between change in stress/boredom and inhibitory control. Results: A minority of respondents reported increased alcohol use (units = 23.52%, drinking days = 20.73%, heavy days = 7.06%), alcohol-related problems (9.67%), and stress (36.63%). Meanwhile, most respondents reported increased boredom (67.42%). Similarly, boredom significantly increased (B = 21.22, p <.001), on average, while alcohol-related problems decreased (B = −1.43 p <.001). Regarding drinking motives, decreased alcohol-related problems were associated with social drinking motives (B = −0.09, p =.005). Surprisingly, risk-taking was associated with decreased alcohol-related problems (B = −0.02, p =.008) and neither stress nor boredom independently predicted changes in alcohol use. Finally, several significant interactions suggested that those who were more impulsive and less bored were more likely to report increased alcohol use and vice versa. Conclusions: These data provide a nuanced overview of changes in drinking-related behavior during the COVID-19-induced period of social isolation. While most people reduced their drinking, there was evidence of complex interactions between impulsivity and boredom that may be explored in future studies.
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How did cultural consumption change during the Covid-19 pandemic? Whilst the impact of the pandemic on cultural production has been given significant attention, work on consumption has seen less attention. This paper addresses this gap in the literature by presenting a comparative analysis of two, nationally representative, surveys of cultural activity in England. The analysis demonstrates that, when cultural consumption moved online and to digital modes of delivery and engagement as a result of the pandemic, there was no discernible transformation in the stratification of cultural participation in England. The majority of the population, characterised by the absence of participation in formal, and often state-funded, cultural forms, saw no change to their patterns of engagement. Where cultural consumption did increase, this was among the small minority of people who were already highly engaged. This minority maps closely onto pre-existing inequalities identified by existing research on cultural consumption, in England and beyond. For cultural consumption and the stratification of taste, it seems that the 'new normal' of pandemic life was much like the 'old normal' of an art and cultural audience characterised by significant inequality. [ FROM AUTHOR]
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BACKGROUND & AIMS: Transitioning into higher education (HE) impacts health behaviours. Poor dietary and lifestyle behaviours may correlate and increase risk of co-morbidities. The introduction of the Okanagan Charter detailed the important role of health promotion within a HE setting. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between dietary quality and lifestyle behaviours of students attending HE. METHODS: Full-time students, aged 18+, were eligible to participate in this online cross-sectional study. Self-reported questions were asked in relation to demographics, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and COVID-19. A food frequency questionnaire measured dietary quality along with tools assessing alcohol use, sleep quality, perceived stress, and physical activity. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square, one-way ANOVA, independent sample t-tests, Pearson's correlation, and multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: Evidence of a correlation between poor diet quality and having a higher BMI (p = 0.040), higher alcohol consumption (p = <0.001), poorer sleep quality (p = 0.003), higher stress levels (p = 0.006) and smoking (p = 0.001) was found. Low fruit and vegetable consumption were associated with higher BMI (p = 0.013), higher alcohol consumption (p = <0.001), lower physical activity levels (p = 0.006), higher stress levels (p = <0.001), smoking (p = <0.001) and being male (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides data on the association between dietary quality and lifestyle behaviours among HE students and will inform healthy campus initiatives.
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COVID-19 , Health Behavior , Male , Humans , Female , Cross-Sectional Studies , COVID-19/epidemiology , Diet , Life Style , StudentsABSTRACT
Most of the studies that examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health have been restricted to pandemic mental health data alone. The aim of the current study was to estimate the pandemic's effect on young Swiss adults' mental health by comparing pandemic to pre-pandemic mental health. Longitudinal data of 1175 young Swiss adults who participated in the S-YESMH study in 2018 and were followed-up in 2020 and 2021 were analyzed. The study outcomes were self-reported symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), thoughts about death or self-harm, and risky single-occasion drinking (RSOD). Generalized estimation equations, logistic regression and statistical mediation analysis were used to analyze the data. Evidence was found of increased depression, GAD, and ADHD among young women and increased depression among young men, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Uncertainty about the future predicted young women's depression and anxiety in 2021. COVID-19 stress in 2021 fully mediated the effect of COVID-19 stress in 2020 on depression and GAD in 2021. Young Swiss women's and men's mental health appears to have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the second pandemic year. Uncertainty about the future and stress becoming chronic in 2021 likely explain some of the adverse effects.
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COVID-19 , Male , Humans , Young Adult , Female , Longitudinal Studies , COVID-19/epidemiology , Switzerland/epidemiology , Pandemics , Mental Health , Cohort Studies , Anxiety/epidemiology , Anxiety/psychology , Depression/epidemiology , Depression/psychologyABSTRACT
It is widely accepted that there will be long-term adverse consequences to health and health services in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic. We are experiencing one of the biggest global recessions, in large part as a consequence of the pandemic, that will also contribute further major negative impact on our health and wellbeing. The short and long-term impact of the Covid pandemic and the recession on our future health and health services is uncertain, but it will certainly trigger an increase in mental health and other long-term health conditions, especially amongst vulnerable groups. [Extracted from the article]
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The article explores the effectiveness of public health campaigns in Great Britain, highlighting the need to identify the target market for the campaign along with guidance on public perception and wording changes to ensure a negative reaction.
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This work analyzes the meanings attributed to alcohol consumption and the care strategies used by an indigenous group in Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil), through qualitative research involving residents and leaders. The results generated three analytical axes: determinants of alcohol consumption, health care settings and alcohol use in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was found that the use of alcohol in the community has been marked by historical movements that have altered the modes of existence and limited access to traditionally occupied lands. Alcohol consumption appeared as a naturalized phenomenon, associated with social and health problems that are aggravated by the lack of public assistance perceived by the community. © 2022, Psicologia: Teoria e Pesquisa. All Rights Reserved.
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BACKGROUND: Slovenia ranks amongst the countries with the highest recorded alcohol consumption. The mortality rate attributed to alcohol-related causes of death in Slovenia also exceeds the EU average. The aim of our research was to confirm the changes in alcohol consumption in Slovenia during the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic on a representative sample and to identify vulnerable groups at higher risk of increasing alcohol consumption. METHODS: Two consecutive data collections of the National Survey on the Impact of the Pandemic on Life, each in different epidemiological situations, were conducted. A structured questionnaire was used to monitor the number of alcoholic beverages consumed during the pandemic, compared to the time before the pandemic. RESULTS: The majority of the population did not change the number of alcoholic beverages consumed, and among those with changes, there were significantly more of those who drank less than those who drank more. Among respondents who drank a greater number of alcoholic beverages, statistically significantly higher proportions were found in younger age groups, people with post-secondary vocational education or higher, and people with a higher probability of mental health problems. CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic crisis, we need to pay special attention to vulnerable groups that are at higher risk of increasing alcohol use.
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COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , Pandemics , Cross-Sectional Studies , Population Groups , COVID-19/epidemiology , Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology , Alcohol Drinking/psychologyABSTRACT
The present study primarily aimed to (a) determine the effects of environmental context and the expectancy of alcohol consumption on changes in reflection-impulsivity (R-I), a state behavioral aspect of impulsivity and (b) test R-I as a mediator of the association between environment, expectancy of alcohol consumption, and subjective craving for alcohol in a sample of college-aged heavy drinkers. Participants were 81 (76.5% female) college students between the ages of 21 and 29 (M = 21.86, SD = 1.87) who were classified as heavy drinkers. Participants first completed measures of alcohol use, trait impulsivity, behavioral R-I, and subjective craving for alcohol in a neutral location prior to being randomized into one of four conditions: (1) a neutral environment without the expectancy of alcohol consumption, (2) a neutral environment with the expectancy of alcohol consumption, (3) a simulated bar without the expectancy of alcohol consumption, and (4) a simulated bar with the expectancy of alcohol consumption. Participants completed post-condition exposure assessments of R-I and subjective craving. Post hoc analyses determined that statistical tests for both aims were underpowered. As such, significant findings may not have been detected due to a high probability of Type II error and thus, null findings should be considered with caution. Findings revealed that environment nor expectancy of alcohol consumption elicited changes in R-I or subjective craving. There was a significant effect of time on R-I, whereby R-I improved over time. Such improvement may suggest the potential presence of a testing effect. Further, the association between condition and subjective craving for alcohol was not mediated by R-I. Trait impulsivity was found to positively associate with subjective craving at baseline and post-condition exposure. Thus, alcohol-related cues in one's environment and the priming of future alcohol consumption were not found to elicit changes in R-I or subsequent increases in subjective craving for alcohol. Future research may benefit from replication, as the COVID-19 pandemic may impacted the internal and external validity of this study. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
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This present study aims to examine the individual and social factors, the predictors and moderators of alcohol consumption during COVID-19 lockdown in Romania. In a community sample of 262 participants, we found gender and age differences on the alcohol consumption during the first two months of the outbreak. In addition, we also found that gender, age, and social influence positively predicted alcohol consumption during the lockdown. The research also explored the moderating role of age and gender in predicting the alcohol consumption during COVID-19 lockdown. The results revealed that only gender moderates the link between social influence and alcohol consumption during the outbreak. These results have practical implications by suggesting the need of designing prevention actions or interventions for this at-risk group. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) (Romanian) Obiectivul principal al articolului de fata a fost de a examina factorii individuali si de mediu, predictorii si moderatorii consumului de alcool pe parcursul carantinei instituite din cauza pandemiei de COVID-19. Utilizand un esantion de 262 de participanti, din comunitate (75% femei, M = 27,21, SD = 9,28), am gasit diferente la nivelul varstei si genului in ceea ce priveste consumul de alcool pe parcursul primelor doua luni de carantina. In plus, rezultatele au aratat ca genul, varsta si anturajul prezic pozitiv consumul de alcool pe parcursul carantinei. In cadrul acestui studiu, au mai fost analizate si posibilul rol moderator al genului si al varstei pentru prezicerea consumului de alcool pe parcursul carantinei. Rezultatele au aratat ca doar genul modereaza legatura dintre anturaj si consumul de alcool in timpul carantinei instituite din cauza pandemiei de COVID-19 (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
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Background: High alcohol consumption is an important public health problem, and understanding factors associated with such consumption is essential. Aims: This study aimed to assess individual and social factors associated with alcohol consumption during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Methods: In this qualitative study, purposive sampling was used to select study participants by sharing the survey link on the Telegram application channels with an Iranian audience during COVID-19. The study was conducted from March to June 2020 and reached all Iranian provinces. We used qualitative content analysis to investigate specific concepts in the responses. Results: Of the 116 participants who responded to the survey, 34 (29.3%) were females, and 82 (70.7%) were male. The mean age of the participants was 34.8 years (standard deviation 9.9; range 17-71 years). Most of the participants (75.9%) reported having consumed alcohol, and 56.9% reported having self-medicated for an illness without a doctor's prescription before the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common reason given for alcohol consumption was to relieve stress during home quarantining (32.3%). Based on analysis of the responses, two themes emerged: coping motivations and coping skills, with five subthemes and 14 basic codes. Coping motivations were more powerful than coping skills in relation to high alcohol consumption. Conclusion: Poor coping skills and strong motivations, combined with misinformation on social media and the internet, appear to have led to new or higher alcohol consumption among survey respondents.