Co-occurrence of depression, anxiety and increased alcohol use during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saskatchewan, Canada: a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and substance use is well recognised. COVID-19 impacted Saskatchewan particularly hard as it has a higher prevalence of alcohol consumption than the national average. Our study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of co-occurrence of poor mental health and alcohol consumption (also referred to as dual experience) among Saskatchewan adults. Method: Cross-sectional data of 1034 eligible adults collected between July and November 2022, were analysed. Dual experience was defined as mild to severe symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionaire-9) and/or anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7) AND increased alcohol consumption during the later stage of COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariable binary logistic regression models were fitted to identify the factors that are associated with dual experience. Results: The prevalence of different forms of dual experience was 7.32% for depression and alcohol use, 6.09% for anxiety and alcohol use and 5.44% for co-occurrence of depression, anxiety and alcohol use. Dual experiences were less likely among participants from racialised groups, and more likely among those with household food insecurity, as well as concerns over alcohol consumption. Conclusion: Our analysis suggests that Saskatchewan adults are still experiencing poor mental health due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a large proportion of people continue to consume alcohol at a higher rate than before the pandemic. Data driven interventions, for example, improving mental health and substance use treatment and counselling services, harm reduction strategies, especially targeting people living in food insecure households, are needed.