Characterising the patterns of and factors associated with increased alcohol consumption since COVID‐19 in a UK sample

Abstract

Introduction To examine changes in drinking patterns and to assess factors associated with reported increases in frequency of drinking, units consumed and frequency of heavy episodic drinking (HED) during the UK lockdown. Methods Online cross‐sectional survey of 2777 self‐selected UK adults. Results Thirty percent of participants reported drinking more frequently in lockdown, 16% reported drinking more units per drinking occasion and 14% reported more frequent HED. For men and women, increased frequency of drinking was associated with being less likely to believe alcohol drinking would lead to greater chance of catching COVID‐19 (men: OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98, 1.00; women: OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.99, 1.00) and deterioration in psychological wellbeing (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.54; OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.51); increased unit consumption was associated with deterioration in financial situation (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.21, 1.86; OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.64) and physical health (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.67; OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.31, 2.10). Finally, increases in the frequency of HED were associated with deterioration in psychological wellbeing (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.25, 2.18; OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.17, 1.82) and being furloughed (OR = 3.25, 95% CI = 1.80, 5.86; OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.19, 3.56). Other gender differences were detected, for example, living with children was associated with an increase in units consumed (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.09, 2.73) and the frequency of HED (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.44, 3.99) for men, but not women. Discussion and Conclusions In this self‐selected UK sample, a significant proportion of individuals reported drinking more frequently in lockdown, drinking more units per drinking occasion and more frequent HED. There were consistent predictors of increased consumption across men and women, but other gender differences were detected. This study identifies groups that may require targeted support in future lockdowns.

The effects of COVID‐19 on self‐management behaviours and service experiences in type 2 diabetes mellitus

“…Just over 40.0% of respondents reported lower alcohol consumption levels during the pandemic; this contrasts with similar studies, which have reported an increase in alcohol consumption among individuals with T2DM 10,14,15 . Additionally, research has reported an increase in alcohol consumption among the general UK population 19,20 . However, Alcohol Change UK 20 also found that one in three individuals were drinking less during lockdown, a finding similar to ours.…”

‘I Was Smoking a Lot More during Lockdown Because I Can’: A Qualitative Study of How UK Smokers Responded to the Covid-19 Lockdown

“…These findings highlight the importance of continued public health messaging on smoking, especially as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. Bidirectional changes in health behaviours associated with lockdown have also been reported in other contexts including alcohol use and vaping [ 9 , 21 , 22 ]. On this basis, it has been suggested that public health policies, measures and media are required to promote greater self-awareness, self-help, and self-care within the home setting to prevent later strains on the healthcare system [ 23 ].…”

Mood and Changes in Alcohol Consumption in Young Adults during COVID-19 Lockdown: A Model Explaining Associations with Perceived Immune Fitness and Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms

“…However, scientific literature shows mixed results. Several studies investigating alcohol consumption during the pandemic suggest that psychological distress related to COVID-19 is linked to changes in drinking behaviors, including heavy drinking (more units per occasion) and increased frequency of consumption [ 8 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. However, other studies reported no change in alcohol consumption or, similarly to the current study, a reduction in alcohol consumption [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ].…”