Connolly, Dean J; Gilchrist, Gail; Ferris, Jason; Puljević, Cheneal; Maier, Larissa; Barratt, Monica J; Winstock, Adam; Davies, Emma L; (2023) Pandemic-related changes in alcohol use among LGB+ people with and without mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions: a multinational cross-sectional study. Drugs, Habits and Social Policy. ISSN 2752-6739 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/dhs-08-2023-0032
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Abstract
Purpose Using data from 36,981 respondents to the Global Drug Survey (GDS) COVID-19 Special Edition, this study aims to compare changes, following the first “lockdown,” in alcohol consumption between lesbian, gay, bisexual and other sexual minority (LGB+) and heterosexual respondents with and without lifetime mental health and neurodevelopmental (MHND) conditions. Design/methodology/approach Characteristics and drinking behavior of respondents to GDS who disclosed their sexual orientation and past 30-day alcohol use were described and compared. LGB+ participants with and without MHND conditions were compared, and logistic regression models identified correlates of increased drinking among LGB+ people. The impact of changed drinking on the lives of LGB+ participants with and without MHND conditions was assessed. Findings LGB+ participants who reported that they were “not coping well at all” with the pandemic had twofold greater odds of reporting increased binge drinking. LGB+ participants with MHND conditions were significantly more likely than those without to report increased drinking frequency (18.7% vs 12.4%), quantity (13.8% vs 8.8%) and that changed drinking had impacted their lives. Originality/value This study, which has a uniquely large and international sample, explores aspects of alcohol use not considered in other COVID-19 alcohol use research with LGB+ people; and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore alcohol use among LGB+ people with MHND conditions.
Item Type | Article |
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Faculty and Department | Faculty of Public Health and Policy > Dept of Health Services Research and Policy |
Research Centre | Covid-19 Research |
Elements ID | 212803 |
Official URL | http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dhs-08-2023-0032 |
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