Problematic alcohol use in Austrian apprentices during the COVID-19 pandemic. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Rourke, Teresa; Dale, Rachel; Humer, Elke; Plener, Paul; Pieh, Christoph
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors reports. Volume 15(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Apprentices -- Alcohol use -- CAGE questionnaire -- COVID-19; Compulsive behavior -- Periodicals; 616.8584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2022.100414
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-8532

Abstract

Highlights: Problematic alcohol use was twice as likely in apprentices with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Problematic alcohol use was more prevalent in apprentices over 18. Problematic alcohol use was not related to gender, migration background or lockdown. Abstract: This study assessed problematic alcohol use in Austrian apprentices during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was performed via REDCap with a sample of 1442 apprentices (53.3% female, 45.4% male, 1.1% non-binary, 28.4% migration background) from 29th March to 18th May 2021. The CAGE questionnaire was used to measure problematic alcohol use. Chi-square tests revealed that problematic alcohol use was more likely in apprentices with depressive symptoms (OR: 2.1), anxiety (OR: 2.1) or insomnia (OR: 1.4) and those over 18 (OR: 1.6). There were no differences in problematic alcohol use according to gender, migration background, or lockdown status.