|
Citation
|
Patrick ME, Parks MJ, Fairlie AM, Kreski NT, Keyes KM, Miech RA. J. Adolesc. Health 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub. |
|
Abstract
|
PURPOSE: To examine predictors of using substances to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, including pandemic-related isolation, stress, economic hardship, demographics, and prepandemic substance use.
METHODS: A U.S. national sample (N = 1,244) was followed from the 12th grade in Spring 2019 to Fall 2020 (M = 19.6 years) when young adults were asked about their use of marijuana, vaping, drinking, and other drugs to cope.
RESULTS: In Fall 2020, 15.7% reported using marijuana, 8.9% increased vaping, and 8.2% increased drinking to cope with social distancing and isolation. In multivariable analyses controlling for demographics and prepandemic substance use, COVID-related isolation was associated with marijuana use (odds ratio = 1.31, 95% confidence interval = 1.06-1.63) and economic hardship with increased drinking (odds ratio = 1.39, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.92). There were few demographic differences. Most (>80%) who reported COVID-related substance use coping used that substance before pandemic.
DISCUSSION: Young people reported using substances to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, especially if they reported prepandemic use.
Language: en |