Changes in Alcohol Habits Among Workers During the Confinement of COVID-19: Results of a Canadian Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: The restrictions implemented around the world to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impact workers. Emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors such as alcohol misuse are expected, particularly in vulnerable groups such as front-line health workers. In the present study, we examined if alcohol consumption behaviors in Quebec workers changed during confinement of the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether healthcare workers reported specific patterns of changes. Methods: Data were obtained from an anonymous online survey conducted among adult workers aged ⩾18 years in the province of Quebec, Canada, between May 25, 2020 and June 26, 2020. Participants provided self-reported data regarding sociodemographic including field of work, as well as mental health disorders, alcohol use, alcohol craving, and type of alcohol consumed. Changes in alcohol behaviors were assessed using Wilcoxon signed rank test for categorial variables and paired- t tests for continuous variables. Results: The survey was completed by 847 participants (77.8% women), with 42.5% healthcare workers. Participants reported increased daily alcohol use ( Z = −10.60; P < .001, r = −.372) and alcohol craving ( P < .001, d = 0.485) during the confinement. Only the type of alcohol consumed during the confinement differed between health care workers and other workers (OR = 0.45, P = .003). Health care workers used less high alcohol products during the confinement. Conclusion: Our results show a significant increase in daily alcohol consumption and in alcohol craving during the confinement in the Quebec working population.

The impact of COVID‐19 on nurse alcohol consumption: A qualitative exploration

“…Conversely, reduced hours in response to the shut down or reduction of clinical areas were also described as drivers of change to alcohol consumption. These findings mirror those found across the general population, particularly during lockdowns (Mongeau‐Pérusse et al, 2021 ; Sallie et al, 2020 ). Alcohol consumption has been shown to have a direct impact on personal well‐being (Parackal & Parackal, 2016 ), with heavy alcohol use shown to increase the susceptibility to burnout and absenteeism (Ahola et al, 2006 ; Cunradi et al, 2005 ; Fagin et al, 1996 ; Pedersen et al, 2016 ).…”

Psychoactive substance use, internet use and mental health changes during the COVID-19 lockdown in a French population: A study of gender effect

“…Thompson (2000 adults, 51.9% females) found that while females reported higher rates of emotional distress, significant associations with increased drinking frequency were only observed among males in gender-stratified analyses ( 42 ). On the contrary, Mongeau-Pérusse ( 43 ) found an increase in alcohol use in 847 participants (77.8% of females).…”

Associations between trauma and substance use among healthcare workers and public safety personnel during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic: the mediating roles of dissociation and emotion dysregulation

“…Emerging literature during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic indicates that mental health concerns (including alcohol/substance use) have worsened for HCWs and PSP (Hall, 2020 ; Mehta et al, 2022 ; Mongeau-Pérusse et al, 2021 ; Pestana et al, 2022 ; Robles et al, 2021 ; Saragih et al, 2021 ; Turna et al, 2022 ; Young et al, 2021 ), with the number of healthcare visits by HCWs for mental health and substance use problems also increasing throughout (Myran et al, 2022 ). Based on a recent meta-analysis, the global prevalence rate of PTSD among HCWs during the pandemic is estimated to be 49% (Saragih et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Furthermore, comparing mental health concerns among HCWs in Canada, Brazil, and the USA, Canadian HCWs reported the highest rates of anxiety, depression, and increased alcohol and cannabis use compared to their international counterparts (Turna et al, 2022 ). In a nationwide cohort study, Canadian HCWs reported increased alcohol consumption compared to pre-pandemic (Mongeau-Pérusse et al, 2021 ). To our knowledge, no literature has examined prevalence rates of PTSD and alcohol/substance use among Canadian PSP during the pandemic underscoring the need to further study this occupational group.…”