Changes in Maternal Substance Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Maternal mental health
• Public health
• Epidemiology of substance use

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened maternal stress and mental health challenges.
• Concerns exist regarding increased substance use among mothers due to its link with negative emotions.
• Limited research has explored maternal substance use patterns during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine changes in substance use among mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify factors associated with increased maternal substance use.
• To understand motivations behind substance use in this population.

Main Methods:

• Online survey data collected from 508 mothers with young children (0-8 years) between April 14-28, 2020.
• Mothers self-reported changes in substance use, motivations for use, and mental health symptoms.
• Analysis focused on associations between mental health status and substance use changes.

Main Results:

• Nearly 40% of mothers reported increased substance use during the pandemic.
• Mothers with anxiety disorders or elevated anxiety symptoms were more likely to increase substance use.
• Using substances to cope with anxiety, depression, and boredom was common among those increasing use.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of mothers increased substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Maternal anxiety is a key factor linked to increased substance use.
• Interventions should focus on treating maternal anxiety and promoting healthy coping mechanisms.