Concurrent Experience of Self-Reported Mental Health Symptoms and Problematic Substance Use During the First Two Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Canadian Adults: Evidence from a Repeated Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

2024

Mental Health and Substance Use During COVID-19 in Canada

Sample size: 14897 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ahmed Md Sabbir, Bartram Mary, Gabrys Robert, Mela Mansfield, Muhajarine Nazeem

Primary Institution: University of Saskatchewan

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of concurrent poor mental health and problematic substance use among Canadian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Conclusion

The study found that 17.12% of Canadian adults experienced concurrent poor mental health and problematic substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporting Evidence

The pooled prevalence of concurrent experience was 17.12%.
45.54% of participants reported at least one experience of mental health symptoms or problematic substance use.
Younger adults and males were significantly more likely to report concurrent experience.
Those with a history of mental health problems and substance use disorders were at higher risk.
Participants with fair/poor ability to handle unexpected situations were more likely to experience concurrent issues.

Takeaway

One in six Canadian adults had both mental health issues and substance use problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially younger people and men.

Methodology

The study used a repeated nationwide cross-sectional survey with 14,897 Canadian adults, assessing mental health and substance use through standardized questionnaires.