Cheryl L Currie1. 1. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, M3083 Markin Hall, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study examined associations between pandemic-related PTSD symptoms and substance use among adults, the role of gender and socioeconomic status in these outcomes, and the supports that adults needed to address these problems during Wave 1 of the COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta, Canada. METHODS AND MEASURES: Data were collected from 933 community-based adults without a previous diagnosis of PTSD in June 2020. The Primary Care PTSD Screen was adapted to assess pandemic-related PTSD symptoms. Participants were asked if alcohol or cannabis use had increased in the past month. Adjusted logistic regression models examined associations between pandemic-related PTSD symptoms and substance use. RESULTS: More women (19%) than men (13%) met criteria for high pandemic-related PTSD symptomology, while a similar percentage (13.4% of women, 13.2% of men) reported significant increases in substance use during the pandemic. Adults 18-35 years; those who believed they would become infected with the virus; and those with low income, education, or pandemic-related job loss were more likely to report PTSD symptoms. High pandemic-related PTSD symptomology was associated with a significant substance use increase among both women (OR = 2.2) and men (OR = 2.3) in adjusted models. Many adults (50% of women, 40% of men) reported they needed help to address these problems. CONCLUSIONS: Pandemic-related PTSD symptoms were common among adults during Wave 1 of COVID-19. These symptoms were associated with a significant increase in substance use among women and men. Many adults voiced a need for help with these problems. Findings suggest substance use interventions that consider and address pandemic-related PTSD symptoms may be needed.
INTRODUCTION: This study examined associations between pandemic-related PTSD symptoms and substance use among adults, the role of gender and socioeconomic status in these outcomes, and the supports that adults needed to address these problems during Wave 1 of the COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta, Canada. METHODS AND MEASURES: Data were collected from 933 community-based adults without a previous diagnosis of PTSD in June 2020. The Primary Care PTSD Screen was adapted to assess pandemic-related PTSD symptoms. Participants were asked if alcohol or cannabis use had increased in the past month. Adjusted logistic regression models examined associations between pandemic-related PTSD symptoms and substance use. RESULTS: More women (19%) than men (13%) met criteria for high pandemic-related PTSD symptomology, while a similar percentage (13.4% of women, 13.2% of men) reported significant increases in substance use during the pandemic. Adults 18-35 years; those who believed they would become infected with the virus; and those with low income, education, or pandemic-related job loss were more likely to report PTSD symptoms. High pandemic-related PTSD symptomology was associated with a significant substance use increase among both women (OR = 2.2) and men (OR = 2.3) in adjusted models. Many adults (50% of women, 40% of men) reported they needed help to address these problems. CONCLUSIONS: Pandemic-related PTSD symptoms were common among adults during Wave 1 of COVID-19. These symptoms were associated with a significant increase in substance use among women and men. Many adults voiced a need for help with these problems. Findings suggest substance use interventions that consider and address pandemic-related PTSD symptoms may be needed.
Authors: Annabel Prins; Michelle J Bovin; Derek J Smolenski; Brian P Marx; Rachel Kimerling; Michael A Jenkins-Guarnieri; Danny G Kaloupek; Paula P Schnurr; Anica Pless Kaiser; Yani E Leyva; Quyen Q Tiet Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2016-05-11 Impact factor: 5.128
Authors: Philip Blumenshine; Arthur Reingold; Susan Egerter; Robin Mockenhaupt; Paula Braveman; James Marks Journal: Emerg Infect Dis Date: 2008-05 Impact factor: 6.883
Authors: Cheryl L Currie; Richard Larouche; M Lauren Voss; Maegan Trottier; Rae Spiwak; Erin Higa; David R Scott; Treena Tallow Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2022-01-11 Impact factor: 5.428