THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL ASPECTS, PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS, AND SUBSTANCE USE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency and a pandemic of COVID-19, a disease caused by a highly transmissible coronavirus with high morbidity and mortality. Control measures included social distancing and the use of masks, which impacted the population in terms of both mental health and social issues. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between social aspects, psychological symptoms, and substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a cross-sectional study, derived from a prospective cohort, in which electronic questionnaires were applied in four stages. The instruments used included a socioeconomic questionnaire, the AUDIT-C scale for assessing alcohol dependence, the DASS-21 scale for measuring symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, and the PCL-5 scale for assessing post-traumatic stress disorder. Data were analyzed using tables of absolute and relative frequencies. The study followed the ethical guidelines of CNS Resolution 466/2012 and was approved by the Research Ethics Committee under registration number CAAE: 30420620.5.0000.5346. Participants in all four stages of the study were individuals over 18 years of age who voluntarily responded to the survey; only those who did not provide a valid email address were excluded. Across all phases of the research, 6,100 individuals participated, predominantly under 35 years of age (61.1%), female (75.6%), single (57.3%), white (84.9%), and students (51%). Among the participants, 80.9% did not present a risk of COVID-19 infection, 88.6% had no comorbidities, and 93.1% had their daily activities interrupted by the pandemic. However, no significant changes in income were observed. Regarding substance use, alcohol consumption was predominantly classified as moderate, ranging from 1 to 4 drinks per month, and was more associated with males and depression. The risk of alcohol dependence was higher in the first phase of the study, and an increase in cigarette consumption was observed throughout the analyzed period. Regarding psychological symptoms, stress was more associated with women in the first phase of the research, with 26.3% of participants already presenting previous symptoms. In all phases of the study, symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression were identified, with a higher incidence in the first and second phases, ranging from moderate to severe intensity. Given the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic and the drastic changes imposed on the lives of the population, this study contributed to understanding the impact of the pandemic on substance use and mental health. The results highlight the need for continuous monitoring of these individuals and evaluation of the post-pandemic situation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2025.037-013