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Media Exposure and Substance Use Increase during COVID-19

Author

Listed:
  • Ofer Amram

    (Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
    Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA)

  • Porismita Borah

    (Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA)

  • Deepika Kubsad

    (School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
    Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
    Analytics and PsychoPharmacology Laboratory, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
    Program for Excellence in Addictions Research, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA)

  • Sterling M. McPherson

    (School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
    Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
    Analytics and PsychoPharmacology Laboratory, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
    Program for Excellence in Addictions Research, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA)

Abstract

Background: Lockdown measures because of COVID-19 are likely to result in deteriorating physical and mental health. In this study, our aim was to assess the impact of media exposure on increases in substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A nationally representative online survey of 1264 adults was collected during the pandemic in the United States. Logistic regression was used to explore the association between an increase in substance use since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and exposure to cable news or social media together with COVID-19 knowledge, while controlling for covariates. Results: In the multivariable-adjusted models, participants with the highest exposure to social media (at least daily) and low knowledge of COVID-19 were 9.9 times more likely to experience an increase in substance use since the pandemic began (OR = 9.90, 95% CI = 4.27–23.06). Participants with the highest exposure to cable news and low knowledge of COVID-19 were over 11 times more likely to experience an increase in substance use (OR = 11.64, 95% CI = 4.01–24.45). Conclusion: Based on our findings, we recommend that media organizations should aim to reduce uncertainty and also provide positive coverage to counter the negative information associated with pandemics.

Suggested Citation

  • Ofer Amram & Porismita Borah & Deepika Kubsad & Sterling M. McPherson, 2021. "Media Exposure and Substance Use Increase during COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-9, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:12:p:6318-:d:573041
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