Correlates of COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Increases in Sleep Aid and Anti-Anxiety Medication Use
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-9-2021
Publication Title
Journal of Substance Use
First page number:
1
Last page number:
6
Abstract
Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has created a stressful environment of fear, isolation, and economic instability. This study quantifies rates of self-reported increases in use of anxiety-related medications and sleep aids, and identifies demographic, health and psychosocial correlates during the initial stay-at-home period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online survey was administered to U.S. adults (n = 2,739), aged 18 and older, from April 14 to April 22, 2020 to assess self-reported change in anti-anxiety and sleep aid use during the stay-at-home protocols. Data were weighted to the US population for analysis. Results: Weighted results indicate anti-anxiety and sleep aid medications increased for 35.7% and 41.2% of the population, respectively. Major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and somatization disorder (SD) symptoms were associated with increased use of anti-anxiety medications. GAD and SD were associated with increased use of sleep aids. Perceived stress, quality of life, fatigue and concentration were associated with increased use of anti-anxiety medication and sleep aids. Conclusions: These findings provide critical insights necessary in preparing for future outbreaks of similar magnitude. Developing policies to support economic and healthcare infrastructure is a necessary first step to ameliorating secondary health consequences from an infectious disease outbreak.
Keywords
Anxiety; COVID-19; Prescription drug use; Sleep aid; Stress
Disciplines
Chemicals and Drugs | Public Health
Language
English
Repository Citation
Grigsby, T.,
Howard, J.,
Deason, R.,
Haskard-Zolnierek, K.,
Howard, K.
(2021).
Correlates of COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Increases in Sleep Aid and Anti-Anxiety Medication Use.
Journal of Substance Use
1-6.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2021.1892221
