New study shows women more at risk from increased drinking during pandemic

Alcohol became a familiar coping mechanism for many to handle the stressors brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Things like isolation, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress can all lead to alcohol dependency.

A new study released Friday shows women are most at risk of developing liver disease complications due to increased drinking during the pandemic.

Dr. Frank Wharam with Duke University Department of Medicine led the study along with Dr. Bryant Shuey with the University of Pittsburgh.

“We looked for several years before the pandemic and then for about a year-and-a-half after the pandemic to understand if there was an increase in alcohol-related complications,” said Wharam.

The results showed an increase across the board for things like hepatitis, cirrhosis, excess abdominal fluid, and pancreatitis.

Women between the ages of 40-64 were the most impacted.

The group reported 33-56% increases in liver disease complications compared to pre-pandemic levels. Wharham said the increases were reported in 10 out of 18 months studied during the pandemic.

“Women tend to have lower rates of alcohol use and lower rates of alcohol complication than men, but over the last decade, women have had a trending up of their alcohol use and their alcohol-related complications whereas men have been stable or decreasing,” explained Wharam.

The doctor explained the increases in liver-related complications wasn’t due to subjects developing new cirrhosis during the pandemic. Rather he said it was likely increased drinking made their liver disease acutely worse.

“For example, someone who already had alcohol-related liver disease then started drinking more alcohol during the pandemic, may develop hepatitis, encephalopathy or ascites,” Wharam said. “All of which might require emergency care.”

Wharam said the results of the study point to the need for additional focus and awareness surrounding the risks for females.

“Public Health policy makers could help share the message certain groups are at risk,” hoped Wharam. “Doctors and clinicians should recognize certain groups might be more at risk, especially nowadays after the pandemic.”

The study suggested increasing alcohol taxes, setting minimum prices for alcohol and limiting alcohol advertising could all help reduce alcohol consumption.

Alcohol-related liver disease may not cause symptoms until after the liver is already severely damaged.

It is recommended you talk to your doctor if you feel sick and notice changes like weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice, nausea, swelling of ankles or stomach, or confusion.