Factors associated with changing alcohol consumption during the first UK lockdown

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• COVID-19 lockdowns significantly altered social environments and hospitality services.
• Drinking behaviors are known to change in response to traumatic events and environmental shifts.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore self-reported alcohol consumption changes during the third month of UK COVID-19 lockdown.
• To investigate associations between these changes and socio-demographic factors.
• To examine links with COVID-19-related concerns and mental wellbeing.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal online survey (COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study) of 1958 UK adults.
• Data collected across three waves during the initial UK lockdown period.
• Hierarchical multinomial regression analysis to identify factors associated with alcohol consumption changes.

Main Results:

• 62% of participants reported changes in drinking habits; over a third increased consumption.
• Student status and financial COVID-19 worries correlated with lower odds of decreased drinking.
• Higher income and having children were linked to lower odds of increased consumption; younger adults showed higher odds of increased drinking.

Conclusions:

• Confirms significant alcohol consumption changes during COVID-19 restrictions.
• Identifies specific risk factors (e.g., younger age, student status) and protective factors (e.g., higher income, children).
• Findings can inform targeted interventions for individuals most vulnerable to negative drinking behavior changes.