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Abstract/Summary
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INTRODUCTION: This study examined associations between pandemic-related PTSD symptoms and substance use
among adults, the role of gender and socioeconomic status in these outcomes, and the supports that adults
needed to address these problems during Wave 1 of the COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta, Canada.
METHODS AND MEASURES: Data were collected from 933 community-based adults without a previous diagnosis of
PTSD in June 2020. The Primary Care PTSD Screen was adapted to assess pandemic-related PTSD symptoms.
Participants were asked if alcohol or cannabis use had increased in the past month. Adjusted logistic regression
models examined associations between pandemic-related PTSD symptoms and substance use.
RESULTS: More women (19%) than men (13%) met criteria for high pandemic-related PTSD symptomology, while a
similar percentage (13.4% of women, 13.2% of men) reported significant increases in substance use during the
pandemic. Adults 18–35 years; those who believed they would become infected with the virus; and those with
low income, education, or pandemic-related job loss were more likely to report PTSD symptoms. High pandemicrelated PTSD symptomology was associated with a significant substance use increase among both women (OR =
2.2) and men (OR = 2.3) in adjusted models. Many adults (50% of women, 40% of men) reported they needed
help to address these problems.
CONCLUSIONS: Pandemic-related PTSD symptoms were common among adults during Wave 1 of COVID-19. These
symptoms were associated with a significant increase in substance use among women and men. Many adults
voiced a need for help with these problems. Findings suggest substance use interventions that consider and
address pandemic-related PTSD symptoms may be needed.
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