Changes in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 lockdown.
(2021) German Addiction Congress
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- Authors
Pabst, Arthur 
- et. al.
- Abstract
- Introduction The Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures profoundly affected everyday functioning in the general and particularly in the student population. Concerns have been raised that this may impact alcohol consumption. Given the public health implications, we empirically assessed whether and to what extent changes in alcohol consumption occurred among French-Speaking Belgian Adults in general and among college students specifically. Method An online survey was disseminated between April 1st (two-weeks after lockdown onset) and May 3rd (lockdown ending). Participants self-reported the typical number of alcohol units consumed each day during a typical week 1) before the lockdown and 2) during the lockdown. Potential predictors of change were also assessed. Results Population-weighted estimates showed that 31.37% increased, 30.32% decreased, and 38.31% kept stable their consumption. Decreases were of higher magnitude than increases, resulting in a small overall reduction of the quantity of alcohol units consumed. Regarding students, 68.2% reduced and 17.2% increased their consumption during lockdown. Drinking motivations were most strongly associated with changes in consumption. Discussion The Covid-19 and associated measures were accompanied by changes in alcohol consumption in over 60% of Belgians. However, contrary to expert predictions, these changes did not predominantly reflect increases. Nuanced communication about alcohol consumption trends during crises is therefore warranted since drinking behavior is sensitive to descriptive norms. Students, and especially heavy drinkers, predominantly decreased their consumption, probably because of the restriction of social events. Importantly, coping motives might help to identify student and adult populations at-risk for increased consumption.
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Citations
Bollen, Z., Pabst, A., & et al. (2021). Changes in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 lockdown. German Addiction Congress.