Frontiers in Public Health (Jun 2021)

Use of Alcohol and Addictive Drugs During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Norway: Associations With Mental Health and Pandemic-Related Problems

  • Tore Bonsaksen,
  • Tore Bonsaksen,
  • Øivind Ekeberg,
  • Inger Schou-Bredal,
  • Inger Schou-Bredal,
  • Laila Skogstad,
  • Laila Skogstad,
  • Trond Heir,
  • Trond Heir,
  • Tine K. Grimholt,
  • Tine K. Grimholt

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.667729
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a major impact on people's daily life. This study aimed to examine use of alcohol and addictive drugs during the COVID-19 outbreak in Norway and examine their association with mental health problems and problems related to the pandemic.Methods: A sample of 4,527 persons responded to the survey. Use of alcohol and addictive drugs were cross-tabulated with sociodemographic variables, mental health problems, and problems related to COVID-19. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the strength of the associations.Results: Daily use of alcohol was associated with depression and expecting financial loss in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak. Use of cannabis was associated with expecting financial loss in relation to COVID-19. Use of sedatives was associated with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Use of painkillers was associated with insomnia and self-reported risk of complications if contracting the coronavirus.Conclusion: The occurrence of mental health problems is more important for an understanding of the use of alcohol and addictive drugs during the COVID-19 outbreak in Norway, compared to specific pandemic-related worries.

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