# Binge drinking in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic: why does gender still matter?

## TL;DR

This study examines binge drinking trends in Brazil during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and finds that gender disparities persist despite the crisis.

## Contribution

The study reveals consistent gender differences in binge drinking during the pandemic, highlighting the need for gender-specific public health strategies.

## Key findings

- Binge drinking rates remained stable across four time points during the pandemic.
- Male sex was consistently associated with binge drinking at all time points.
- Younger age and non-straight sexual orientation were linked to binge drinking at some time points.

## Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic affected public health worldwide. Binge drinking is a high-risk behavior pattern linked to health problems and injuries. We aimed to assess the prevalence of binge drinking at four time points during the 1st year of the pandemic and correlate these with sociodemographic variables, providing insights into binge drinking trends.

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from a national survey conducted between April 2020 and January 2021 with 11,205 adult participants. Sociodemographic variables included sex, age, sexual orientation, race, education level, and health care worker status. Regression models were used to assess associations with past-month binge drinking, which was the dependent variable.

Binge drinking rates were stable across the four time points. Male sex was consistently associated with binge drinking at all time-points. Other variables such as younger age, lower educational background, and non-straight sexual orientation were associated with binge drinking at some, but not all, time points.

The persistence of gender disparities in binge drinking during a period of high unprecedented stress suggests the need for targeted interventions in future public health emergencies. Further research is required to explore the pandemic’s long-term effects on alcohol consumption behaviors and related health outcomes.