There are significant associations existing among University of Malta (UoM) students between fear of COVID-19 and self-reported increase in alcohol drinking as well as increase of negative emotional conditions such as depression, exhaustion and loneliness, a research conducted by the Faculty of Social Wellbeing (FSW) reveals.

The study looks at 777 participants who completed an online survey to analyse the relation of fear of COVID-19, substance use and negative emotional conditions. It took into consideration their gender and whether they are religious, somewhat religious or secular.

It reveals various issues that should be taken into consideration when dealing with university students, especially those at younger ages.

“For those respondents who used substances prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 39.7% reported increased use of cigarettes, 29.9% reported increased use of alcohol, and 46.9% reported increased cannabis use – all as a result of their fear of COVID-19,” the article reads.

Analysis also reveals that there was an increase of 8.7% in binge drinking.

The study also reported the psychological effects Covid-19 had on students, with 60% of respondents were feeling depressed, 64.9% felt exhausted, 61% felt lonely, 70.4% felt nervous, and 52.5% felt angry.

The study also showed that females were more likely than males to have a higher level of fear of COVID-19, as well as “an increased likelihood of experiencing certain negative emotions during the pandemic,” the FSW article reads.

“The rise in use of certain substances amongst students requires consideration due to the potential increase in harmful effects on physical and psychological wellbeing.”