Factors associated with changes in alcohol use among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe factors associated with changes in alcohol use in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic have been poorly examined.MethodsAn online survey was conducted among the medical students of the Universite Paris Cite (Paris, France) to identify the factors (sociodemographic, clinical, literacy in health) associated with changes in alcohol use. Two outcomes were considered: changes in the past 12 months and changes during lockdowns.ResultsThe risk level of alcohol dependency and cannabis use were positively associated with both an increase and a decrease in alcohol use, for both outcomes. The awareness of the Dry January (R) alcohol abstinence challenge was associated with a decrease in alcohol use, for both outcomes. Lifetime cocaine use and recent use of nitrous oxide or poppers were associated with an increase in alcohol use, for both outcomes. In addition, regarding only changes in alcohol use during the lockdowns, decreases were reported for lifetime cocaine use, recent use of nitrous oxide or poppers and desire of prevention campaigns by the University, whereas an increase was reported for students with depressive symptoms.ConclusionPast substance use and low level of health literacy may be good indicators to identify students at increased risk of alcohol use.