INCREASE IN ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: TRUTH OR FALSE?

Abstract

The lives of most people around the world have changed since the onset of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (SARS-CoV - severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus). According to the WHO data, the first cases in Croatia were registered on February 26, in Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 5, and in Serbia on March 10, 2020. The assumption was that due to stress caused by imposed isolation, the alcohol consumption began to increase.

Methods: In order to obtain information on alcohol consumption in the period before and during Covid-19 lockdown, an online anonymous survey was conducted, in which a total of 930 persons participated: 542 from Croatia, 219 from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 169 from Serbia.

Results: Among those who completed the survey were 659 women and 271 men, mostly between 20-45 years old, with higher or secondary education. Most were employed, living in urban areas with a larger population. The obtained results did not show the influence of lockdown on alcohol consumption. On the contrary, 20.21% of participants, who had previously consumed alcohol, answered that they stopped consuming during the lockdown. Only 0.43% of participants started consuming alcohol precisely because of isolation.

Conclusions: This research sheds new light on the daily practice of people during Covid-19 pandemic in the Western Balkans, known as a region where alcohol consumption is quite widespread.