NCCMT has released a new rapid review on What is the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol use and alcohol-related harms?
The report's key points section highlights that:
Evidence on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol use and related harms is currently limited, consisting mainly of survey data. Epidemiological data is not yet available in Canada for the pandemic period. While a few reports describe efforts to implement harm reduction strategies during the pandemic, data on outcomes is not currently available.
Evidence related to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol use and related harms is summarized under three sub-questions:
1. Based on research evidence, what is the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol use and alcohol-related harms?
• Among the global population, trends in changes to alcohol intake during the pandemic are unclear. Several studies reported that more people have increased their alcohol intake; a similar number of studies reported that more people have decreased their intake. Findings are inconsistent and quality of evidence is low.
• Of note, studies conducted in Canada reported that more people have increased their alcohol intake during the pandemic than decreased, particularly in younger people aged 18–34. Findings are consistent and quality of evidence is low.
• Overall, studies reported that the largest proportion of people have not changed their alcohol intake. Findings are consistent and quality of evidence is low.
• Most studies did not report on alcohol-related harms, such as injuries or hospitalizations. A survey conducted in Canada found that 99% of participants had not experienced injuries due to alcohol during the pandemic. Findings are consistent and quality of evidence is low.
2. How have rates of alcohol-related harms in Canada been affected during the COVID-19 pandemic?
• It was not possible to compare the rates of alcohol-related harms in Canada during the pandemic to similar timeframes in prior years since relevant population-level data is not yet available for the pandemic period.
3. What strategies have been used to mitigate alcohol-related harms during the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Few studies provided any evidence regarding harm reduction strategies. A survey conducted in Canada found only a small proportion of people who drink alcohol sought resources to reduce their alcohol intake (2%). Quality of evidence is moderate.