Study reveals decrease in alcohol use among young adults during COVID-19

Influence of COVID-19 on Alcohol Usage and Difficulties Among Young Individuals

In a recent study published in Nature Mental Health, researchers investigated the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on young individuals’ alcohol usage and difficulties.

They also assessed disruptions and theoretical reasons for these alterations, particularly those related to excessive drinking and drinking behaviors.

Background

COVID-19 has profoundly influenced people’s daily lives, especially children and adolescents. There is a rising interest in COVID-19-related alterations in alcohol intake. However, most research has been cross-sectional, depending on retrospective accounts of pre-pandemic alcohol use.

Longitudinal studies have used retrospective reports, but limited previous longitudinal research has incorporated numerous evaluations before and after the epidemic began.

Understanding the reasons why a few individuals drank more or less during the epidemic is critical for developing effective alcohol interventions.

About the Study

In the present prospective study, researchers compared alcohol use and trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. They used individual growth models to analyze the trajectories of changes in drinking habits following COVID-19 onset.

The researchers investigated theoretically informed processes, such as increases in drinking to cope, negative affectivity, and lonely drinking, to understand pandemic-related changes in alcohol intake and issues. They conducted the study between February 2018 and March 2022 using the ‘pre-post’ model to compare growth models. 

The study comprised 234 young individuals aged 21–29 years recruited from the Pittsburgh metropolitan area using local fliers, internet ads, and the University of Pittsburgh’s Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Research Participant Registry.

Results

1. The study discovered significant decreases in alcohol consumption amount and frequency from pre- to post-pandemic start, primarily due to reduced weekend alcohol intake frequency and quantity.
2. Negative affectivity reduced as solo drinking rose, with no significant change in coping drinking motivations. Total drinking frequency and amount fell by 0.6 days and 12.8 drinks, respectively.
3. Weekend drinking behaviors were significantly responsible for these reductions, with weekend frequency and quantity falling by 0.5 days and 7.9 drinks compared to 0.1 days and 4.9 drinks during the week. In addition, the participants reduced their drinks per day by 1.1 drinks.
4. Alcohol-related difficulties also decreased, with AUDIT and B-YAACQ scores down by 2.1 and 1.9 points, respectively. Solitary drinking rose by 3.8 percent points from before to after the epidemic began.
5. Negative affectivity and coping drinking reasons were the same before and after COVID-19, and the amplitude of COVID-19 onset effects decreased marginally.

Conclusion

The study findings revealed that young individuals who drink significantly reduced their alcohol use and had fewer issues once the pandemic began. Negative affectivity reduced, lonely drinking rose, whereas coping drinking motivations remained the same.

The team noted significant variation in alcohol intake, drinking behaviors, and issues between pre- and post-pandemic starts, although this was unaffected by gender.

Future research should follow a 28-day timeline and take an individual-centered approach to improve understanding of the pandemic’s impact on

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   • Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.

The article discusses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on young individuals’ alcohol usage and difficulties. It highlights changes in alcohol consumption patterns and issues during the pandemic. Based on this information, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

The article addresses SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by discussing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol usage and difficulties among young individuals. It specifically highlights changes in alcohol consumption patterns and issues during the pandemic. Target 3.5 of SDG 3 is relevant as it aims to strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including harmful use of alcohol. The indicator 3.5.1, which measures the coverage of treatment interventions for substance use disorders, can be used to measure progress towards this target.

The article also connects to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities as it mentions the need to understand the pandemic’s impact on diverse groups. Target 10.2 focuses on promoting social, economic, and political inclusion for all individuals, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic status. The indicator 10.2.1, which measures the proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income by various demographic factors, can be used to measure progress towards this target.

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Fuente: news-medical.net

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