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Impact of increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19-related lockdowns on admissions with liver disease, gastrointestinal bleeding and pancreatitis in Melbourne, Victoria.

Natalie Lee Yee NguDavid T BoydBeth MorganAnusha SurampudiImogen BrownChloe BykersmaGrace KennettAnika YesminYuhong PengSally BellSuong Le
Published in: Internal medicine journal (2023)
This audit collates data on alcohol-related gastrointestinal (GI) admissions at Monash Health, Victoria, during the prolonged, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related lockdown July to October 2020 compared with the same periods in 2019 and 2021. We found a 58% increase in admissions in 2020 and a 16% increase in 2021, which also increased disproportionately to overall health service emergency presentations. Self-reported alcohol consumption increased by 2.5-fold and was greatest in 2020. Clinical severity was unchanged and cirrhosis was the only factor associated with severe disease. This study suggests an association between the pandemic-related lockdown, alcohol consumption and alcohol-related GI hospitalisation. Our study provides support for resourcing and adapting alcohol and other drug services during and beyond the COVID-19 lockdown.
Keyphrases
  • alcohol consumption
  • coronavirus disease
  • sars cov
  • healthcare
  • mental health
  • primary care
  • drug induced
  • emergency department
  • early onset
  • health information
  • risk assessment
  • deep learning
  • climate change