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Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the direct and indirect (via perceived stress) effects of different types of pandemic-related concerns and increased alcohol use among adult women in the United States (US). We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from April 2020 for adult females in the US who use alcohol (n = 1,089). The indirect effect model accounted for 19% of the variance in perceived stress and 8% of the variance in reporting increased alcohol use compared to no change or decreased use. Path analysis results indicated that concerns about isolation (odds ratio [OR] = 1.027, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.013–1.046), job/finances (OR = 1.025, 95% CI = 1.007–1.065), basic needs (OR = 1.021, 95% CI = 1.008–1.047), and concerns about government (OR = 1.038, 95% CI = 1.014–1.179]) were significantly related to reporting increased alcohol use through perceived stress. These findings can inform timely public health interventions to minimize alcohol-related harm among women.

Keywords

COVID-19 alcohol stress women

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COVID-19 Concerns,Perceived Stress,and Increased Alcohol Use Among Adult Women in the United States

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