Abstract
In previous years alcohol use has been alarming among university students globally, with South African university students included. During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the South African government introduced restrictions such as social isolation and alcohol bans to minimise the spread of the virus. This study aims to investigate the impact of limited physical interactions and alcohol access on students’ drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on the moderation role of drinking motives for students at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
This study used a cross-sectional survey, and 200 students aged 18 years and older were recruited through purposive sampling. The survey questionnaire included demographic, AUDIT-C, Social Distancing Scale (V1), Alcohol availability questions, and Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised measurements. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 29). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine changes in alcohol consumption over three periods (before COVID-19, during COVID-19, and during the past year). The relationships between limited physical interactions and alcohol consumption, and between limited alcohol availability and alcohol consumption were examined through regression analysis. Finally, moderation regression analysis was used to measure the moderation effect of drinking motives on the relationships between limited physical interactions and alcohol consumption, and limited alcohol availability and alcohol consumption.
There was a significant decrease in alcohol consumption during COVID-19 when compared to before COVID-19 and an increase in alcohol use between the COVID period and the past year. In addition, there was a negative relationship between limited physical interactions and alcohol consumption during COVID-19. However, there was no significant relationship between limited alcohol availability and alcohol consumption during COVID-19. Furthermore, drinking motives moderated the relationship between limited physical interactions and alcohol consumption. However, the relationship between limited alcohol availability and alcohol consumption was not moderated by drinking motives. Future research that examines the impact of limited alcohol availability on alcohol consumption among university students is needed.
Keywords: Alcohol consumption, Limited physical interactions, Limited alcohol access, Drinking motives, Covid-19, University students