The COVID-19 pandemic created stress and anxiety for many young adults as they experiences disruption to education, employment, and living situations. Studies have shown that anxiety and stress caused by social conditions are risk factors for substance use. This has led many to wonder if the COVID-19 pandemic impacted alcohol use among young adults. Recent research investigating this association has demonstrated mixed results, with some studies showing an increase in alcohol use while others indicate a decrease in alcohol consumption. This study examines the impact of sociodemographic and psychological factors on alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic in adolescents and young adults.
The study’s sample consisted of 2,216 young adults between the ages of 16 to 20. Participants were asked to report drinking regularity, drinking frequency, and binge drinking regularity. Participant data regarding age, gender, race/ethnicity, smoking status, and education status was obtained from the electronic medical record. Socioeconomic position was measured by the Area Deprivation Index and rurality. Lastly, depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scales. Data was analyzed using univariable logistic regression models to evaluate the individual effects of patient factors on the risk of increased alcohol consumption.
Results of the data analysis showed that the proportion of individuals reporting no change in alcohol use behaviors was 58.5% for alcohol regularity, 62.2% for number of alcohol drinks, and 74.6% for binge drinking. Older age, higher education, and increased GAD-7 showed significant associations with an increase in drinking regularity. Male gender was significantly associated with an increase in number of drinks consumed. Lastly, older age, an increase in GAD-7 severity, and smoking status was significantly associated with an increase in binge drinking. Socioeconomic and rural status was not associated with an increase in alcohol use behaviors.
Takeaway: Psychological factors may provide predictive value when assessing alcohol use behaviors of young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.