Change in Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking in University Students During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

ObjectivesYoung adults have been overly affected by the containment measures against COVID-19 and, consequently, worsening in mental health and change in health behavior have been reported. Because the life phase of emerging adulthood is crucial for developing health behaviors, this study aims to examine increase in alcohol consumption, single and multiple binge drinking, and associated factors in students during lockdown and post-lockdown periods.MethodsA prospective open cohort study design with nine survey time points between April 2020 and June 2021 was conducted. The present study uses pooled data from the first survey T0 (3 April to 14 April) and follow-ups at T1 (30 April to 11 May 2020) and T2 (28 May to 8 June 2020). Students from all faculties of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) (N = 12'431) were invited. Of the 1,300 students who participated at baseline and in at least one follow-up, 1,278 (98.3%) completed the questionnaires, final net sample size was 947. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models were used to investigate the factors associated with increases in alcohol consumption based on number of occasions/last 30 days; drinks/week, and binge drinking at T0, and respective changes at T1 and T2 (increases, decreases, no change).ResultsOverall, 20% of Swiss university students reported an increased alcohol consumption and 26% engaged in binge drinking. Number of drinks at baseline was associated with a higher probability of increased alcohol consumption, as well as engaging in single and multiple binge drinking events. Higher anxiety scores were associated with a higher probability to increase the alcohol consumption and engaging at least once in binge drinking. Additional factors associated with any binge drinking were male gender, younger age and not living with parents. Higher perceived social support was only associated with engaging in heavy binge drinking.ConclusionsA substantial number of students developed a more risky health behavior regarding alcohol consumption. It is important to identify at risk students and design target prevention including factors such as age, gender and social norms. Further, health behavior and determinants of health behaviors of students should be carefully monitored during the further course of the pandemic.

Use of Alcohol, Cannabinoids, Psychostimulants, and Sedatives before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Students in 40 European Countries

“…The above findings also certify the observation of our study that alcohol consumption increases among students in their final years of study—these people are gradually changing from young adults to mature adults. In contrast, a study by A. Zysset et al found that in the early stages of the pandemic, one in four students surveyed developed riskier alcohol-related behaviors [ 21 ]. Similar observations were made among American students, where alcohol consumption increased significantly after the campus shutdown [ 22 ].…”

Coping methods among Polish students during Covid-19 pandemic

“…W najnowszych badaniach można znaleźć wiele powiązań między odczuwanym napięciem a występowaniem ryzykownych zachowań [33]. Mają one bardzo różne natężenie, od irracjonalnych, ale niepowodujących poważnych skutków zdrowotnych w bliskiej perspektywie, jak rezygnacja z uprawiania sportu nawet w przestrzeni własnego domu [34], po znacząco bardziej niebezpieczne, jak wzrost konsumpcji alkoholu i ryzykownego spożywania alkoholu oraz wzrost używania produktów zawierających tytoń [35,36]. Aktywność fizyczna jest bezpośrednio związana z większą odpornością na stres [37], zatem można przypuszczać, że niechęć do uprawiania sportu mogła wynikać bezpośrednio z pogorszenia nastroju respondentów.…”

Can ResilienceNHope, an evidence-based text and email messaging innovative suite of programs help to close the psychological treatment and mental health literacy gaps in college students?

“…A cross-sectional study of university students in Nigeria showed that nearly 4.2% were dependent on alcohol, while 14.1% had “low-risk use” for other psychoactive substances ( 19 ). In another study conducted in Switzerland, a slightly higher percentage (20%) of university students reported increased alcohol consumption and 26% engaged in binge drinking ( 20 ).…”