Patricia Irizar1, Andrew Jones2, Paul Christiansen2, Laura Goodwin3, Suzanne H Gage3, Carl Roberts2, Graeme Knibb2, Richard Cooke3, Abigail K Rose3. 1. Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. Electronic address: hlpiriza@liverpool.ac.uk. 2. Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. 3. Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom; Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, United Kingdom.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Coronavirus (COVID-19) resulted in lockdown measures in the UK, which has impacted alcohol use. Alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism and there are public health concerns regarding excessive consumption due to the pandemic. We aimed to longitudinally assess drinking behaviors, and associated factors, during the first UK government-mandated lockdown. METHODS: An online survey was distributed through social media (8th April 2020, onwards). Fortnightly follow up surveys were emailed to participants. The primary outcome measure was 'weekly unit consumption' and data was collected on a range of potentially related factors: demographics, factors relating to COVID-19 (e.g., health, work status), drinking motives, context of drinking, drinking intentions, mood, depression and anxiety. FINDINGS: A total of 539 self-selected participants completed the baseline survey, with 186 completing at least 3 follow up surveys for multilevel modelling analysis. Personal coping motives, anxiety, drinking at home alone, and drinking at home with others were positively associated with alcohol consumption during lockdown. The following baseline measures also predicted increased consumption: male gender, lower education, and higher AUDIT scores (based on behavior prior to lockdown). Findings were consistent when utilizing an inverse probability weight to account for predictors of attrition (female, younger age, higher baseline AUDIT scores). CONCLUSIONS: Those already drinking at hazardous levels were more likely to increase their consumption, as were those who were drinking to cope. As we recover from the pandemic, there is a need for widespread alcohol support, and certain groups may need targeted support.
BACKGROUND:Coronavirus (COVID-19) resulted in lockdown measures in the UK, which has impacted alcohol use. Alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism and there are public health concerns regarding excessive consumption due to the pandemic. We aimed to longitudinally assess drinking behaviors, and associated factors, during the first UK government-mandated lockdown. METHODS: An online survey was distributed through social media (8th April 2020, onwards). Fortnightly follow up surveys were emailed to participants. The primary outcome measure was 'weekly unit consumption' and data was collected on a range of potentially related factors: demographics, factors relating to COVID-19 (e.g., health, work status), drinking motives, context of drinking, drinking intentions, mood, depression and anxiety. FINDINGS: A total of 539 self-selected participants completed the baseline survey, with 186 completing at least 3 follow up surveys for multilevel modelling analysis. Personal coping motives, anxiety, drinking at home alone, and drinking at home with others were positively associated with alcohol consumption during lockdown. The following baseline measures also predicted increased consumption: male gender, lower education, and higher AUDIT scores (based on behavior prior to lockdown). Findings were consistent when utilizing an inverse probability weight to account for predictors of attrition (female, younger age, higher baseline AUDIT scores). CONCLUSIONS: Those already drinking at hazardous levels were more likely to increase their consumption, as were those who were drinking to cope. As we recover from the pandemic, there is a need for widespread alcohol support, and certain groups may need targeted support.
Authors: Philip J Batterham; Yiyun Shou; Louise M Farrer; Kristen Murray; Alyssa R Morse; Amelia Gulliver; Tim Slade; Nicola C Newton; Alison L Calear Journal: Alcohol Clin Exp Res Date: 2022-05-24 Impact factor: 3.928
Authors: Orla McBride; Eimhear Bunting; Oisín Harkin; Sarah Butter; Mark Shevlin; Jamie Murphy; Liam Mason; Todd K Hartman; Ryan McKay; Philip Hyland; Liat Levita; Kate M Bennett; Thomas V A Stocks; Jilly Gibson-Miller; Anton P Martinez; Frédérique Vallières; Richard P Bentall Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-03-24 Impact factor: 3.240