Changes in Alcohol Consumption Pattern Based on Gender during COVID-19 Confinement in Spain.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated widespread lockdowns, significantly altering daily routines and social behaviors.
• Understanding the impact of such environmental changes on population health behaviors, specifically alcohol consumption, is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze changes in the prevalence and patterns of alcohol consumption (frequency, intensity, and risky consumption) in adults before and during COVID-19 confinement.
• To examine these changes based on gender.

Main Methods:

• Utilized online surveys to collect data from 3779 adult participants.
• Employed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) to assess alcohol consumption frequency, average daily intake, intensive consumption, and risky consumption.

Main Results:

• Overall alcohol consumption decreased during confinement for both males and females.
• Intensive alcohol consumption showed significant differences, with a greater reduction observed in males.
• The frequency of alcohol consumption increased among females, and the percentage of individuals with risky consumption doubled for both genders, with females consistently showing higher rates of risky consumption.

Conclusions:

• Despite an overall decline in alcohol consumption during COVID-19 confinement, the frequency of use among alcohol-risk consumers increased.
• Gender, age, and employment status interacted to influence alcohol consumption patterns during this period.
• Findings provide critical insights for developing targeted public health and risk management strategies for alcohol consumption during similar crisis situations.