Risk factors for increased alcohol consumption among young adults during COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: This study explored correlates of increased alcohol use among a predominantly low-socioeconomic status student population at two time points during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: Participants were students enrolled in at least one course at a City University of New York (CUNY) campus. Methods: Demographic characteristics, stressor endorsements, probable diagnoses, and alcohol use endorsement, were collected via self-report surveys in April and July 2020. Frequencies and multivariable logistic regressions were computed to assess for prevalence and odds of increased alcohol consumption. Results: High cumulative stress was significantly related to increased alcohol use in both April and July 2020. A greater number of specific stressors was associated with increased alcohol use in April as compared to July. Probable diagnoses of depression and anxiety were associated with higher odds of alcohol consumption at both time points. Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of stress and mental health on increases in alcohol use for public university students.

Keywords:

• Alcohol
• anxiety
• depression
• stress

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States of America and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of CUNY.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.