Well-being and addictive behaviors during COVID-19 among Sri Lankan adults: results from an online survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 outbreak has caused detrimental impacts on both mental and physical well-being of mankind, as well as psychosocial consequences. This study aimed to explore the changes in both mental and physical well-being including addictive behavior of Sri Lankan adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted during the lockdown period of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka using Google forms to assess the self-reported changes in mental and physical well-being and smoking and alcohol consumption.RESULTS: A total of 3620 respondents aged ≥16 years were included. Mental health was reported to be impaired in 38.5% of the respondents, enhanced in 17.9%, and remained unchanged in 43.6%. Poor mental health was positively associated with all age groups, female gender, and living alone. In terms of physical health, 80% of participants reported no change, while 13.5% and 6.2% of individuals reported reduced and improved physical well-being respectively. Physical health was significantly associated with age, residential area, district, ethnicity, educational level, and monthly income. Among current smokers, 68.5%, 17.3%, and 14.2% reported decreased, increased, and no change in smoking, respectively. Across alcohol drinkers, 4.6% reported an increase, 44.4% decrease, and 51.0% no change in consumption.CONCLUSIONS: The lockdown has caused negative impacts on mental and physical well-being among Sri Lankans, particularly among adolescents and young adults, in urban or city areas. Alcohol consumption and smoking habits have reduced considerably. More research is needed to understand long-term patterns in these outcomes to provide interventions and appropriate care for vulnerable populations.