Changes in Substance Use and Mental Health Burden among Women during the Second Wave of COVID-19 in Germany.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 18(18)2021 09 15.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1409593
ABSTRACT
Unlike men, who are disproportionately affected by severe disease progression and mortality from COVID-19, women may be more affected by the economic, social and psychological consequences of the pandemic. Psychological distress and mental health problems are general risk factors for increases in the use of alcohol and other substances as a dysfunctional coping mechanism. METHODS:
An analysis was carried out of the female subset (n = 2153) of a population-based, cross-sectional online survey (October-December 2020), covering the "second wave" of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany.RESULTS:
Among women, 23% increased their alcohol use, 28.4% increased their nicotine use and 44% increased their illicit substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty percent reported major depressive symptoms and 23.4% symptoms of generalized anxiety. Generalized anxiety proved to be a significant predictor of increases in alcohol and nicotine use in logistic regression.DISCUSSION:
The mental health burden remained high during the second wave of COVID-19 and alcohol, nicotine and other substance use increased. However, the association between mental health and substance use was weak. Psychological distress does not seem to be the main motivator of substance use.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Substance-Related Disorders
/
Depressive Disorder, Major
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ijerph18189728
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