Longer time spent at home during COVID-19 pandemic is associated with binge drinking among US adults. (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weerakoon, Sitara M.; Jetelina, Katelyn K.; Knell, Gregory
• Is Part Of: American journal of drug and alcohol abuse. Volume 47:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 98
• Page End: 106
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: Alcohol consumption -- shelter-in-place -- covid-19 -- binge drinking -- stress; Drug abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Substance-abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Substance-Related Disorders -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2020.1832508
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0095-2990

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced and exacerbated stressors ( e.g ., job loss, poor mental health) for adults across the United States (US) since the first statewide shelter-in-place order on March 19, 2020. Limited research has evaluated if, and how, pandemic-related stressors are associated with changes in alcohol consumption and binge drinking. Objectives: This analysis aims to identify COVID-19-related stressors associated with changes in alcohol consumption and binge drinking since the outbreak of the coronavirus. Methods: Data were collected on sociodemographics, alcohol consumption, and COVID-19-related stressors (household composition, job status, essential worker, stay-at-home duration, and depression) using a web-based, self-report survey to US adults from mid-March to mid-April 2020. Multivariable logistic and multinomial regression models were used to assess associations between COVID-19-related stressors and binge drinking and changes in alcohol consumption. Among 1, 982 participants, 69% were female and 31% male. Results: Thirty-four percent of the sample reported binge drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic. More binge drinkers increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic (60%) than non-binge drinkers (28%). After adjusting for sociodemographics, for every 1-week increase in time spent at home during the pandemic, there was 1.19 (95% CI: 1.06–1.34) greater odds of binge drinking. Additionally, binge drinkers with a previous diagnosis of depression and current depression symptoms had greater odds of increased alcohol consumption compared to those reporting no depression (AOR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.73). Conclusion: Specific COVID-19-related stressors are related to alcohol consumption. This highlights the ancillary and unintended effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which could have long-lasting population health consequences.