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To coordinate efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (NCCMT) is collecting research questions for rapid evidence syntheses in progress related to COVID-19.

If you or your organization are completing a rapid evidence synthesis relevant to the COVID-19 response, please share the topic and your contact information with them.

This website also provides information on what topics are being reviewed across the country. The NCCMT is also available to support rapid review projects related to COVID-19.

Please contact nccmt@mcmaster.ca if you have any questions.

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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.

NCCMT is also currently working on rapid reviews examining:

  • Stress, Anxiety and Mental Health among Front Line Health Workers during Pandemic
  • Digital Interventions to Detect, Prevent and Manage Mental Health issues in People with Chronic Diseases in the context of COVID-19. What is the the effectiveness of digital health interventions to prevent, detect and manage mental health issues among people living with chronic diseases in the context of COVID-19?

 

Stay tuned for links to NCCMT's completed reviews.

Now available: Digital Health Interventions for The Detection, Prevention and Management of Mental Health Problems in People with Chronic Diseases: A Knowledge Synthesis.

Key Messages from the report:

  • Digital mental health interventions are effective for people with chronic disease to improve depression and anxiety symptoms.
  • The most effective methods of delivery are web-based and teleconsultation.
  • There is not enough evidence to support the use of these interventions in the children and youth population.

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