Social isolation due to Covid lockdown in many countries had a significant psychological impact on adults potentially triggering alcohol misuse. A recent study investigated the effect of COVID-19 lockdown measures on alcohol consumption in adults in Bavaria.

The cross-sectional study enrolled 2067 participants, comprising both young and mature adults, who were rendered a standardized questionnaire, semi-quantitatively evaluating the alcohol drinking behaviour before and during the pandemic lockdown.

The results revealed-

• Unchanged drinking behaviour in 42% of young adults, compared to 76% in the mature adult group.
• Less drinking in 44% of young adults compared to 7% in mature adults.
• An increase in alcohol consumption in 14% of young adults compared to 17% of mature adults.
• This change of alcohol intake was most pronounced among moderate drinkers (> 0 to < 5 drinks/week) in both age groups.
• Female sex, low BMI and younger age were associated with a decrease in the number of self-reported drinks/week.

Thus the authors concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown significantly affected alcohol drinking behaviour. 

Source: Steffen, J., Schlichtiger, J., Huber, B.C. et al. Altered alcohol consumption during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Nutr J 20, 44 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-021-00699-0