Changes in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown
The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has had a significant impact on drinking behavior. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects on potential alcohol misuse and its relevance to public health.
Steffen, J., Schlichtiger, J., Huber, BC etal. Changes in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. nutr j 20, 44 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-021-00699-0
Commentary
This cross-sectional study of 1961 adults and 106 older adults included semi-quantitative assessments of drinking behavior before and after the lockdown and was surveyed. Alcohol consumption after the lockdown differed significantly among participants, with 42% of adults reporting no change in their drinking. However, among older adults, 76% reported no change. 44% of the adult group drank less compared to 7% of the elderly group. Also, 14% of the adults and 17% of the elderly increased their drinking. Logistic regression also reported that characteristics such as being female, having a lower BMI, and being younger were associated with a lower number of self-reported drinks per week.
It has been confirmed that changes in drinking behavior due to lockdown are occurring, but are more people changing? This is not the case. It is important not to be misled by biased reports in some media.
