The impact of nationwide alcohol ban during the COVID‐19 lockdown on alcohol use‐related internet searches and behaviour in India: An infodemiology study

Singh, Swarndeep; Sharma, Pawan; Balhara, Yatan Pal Singh

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: To control the spread of COVID‐19, India imposed a nationwide lockdown in phases including lockdown 1.0 (25 March–14 April) and 2.0 (15 April–3 May). Among other restrictions, it involved a complete ban of alcohol sales. We aimed to examine and interpret the changes in online search interest for keywords representing different alcohol‐related themes during the lockdown period in India. DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were extracted using the framework described for using Google Trends in health‐related research. The list of alcohol‐related search queries was prepared for four broad themes: types of alcoholic beverages consumed; means of accessing alcohol; problems experienced due to break in alcohol supply; and help‐seeking for alcohol use disorders. The mean relative search volumes across three time periods (pre‐lockdown; lockdown 1.0; lockdown 2.0) were compared using spss version 23.0. RESULTS: A significant increase in online search interest for keywords related to the procurement of alcohol was observed in lockdown 1.0 but not during lockdown 2.0, compared with pre‐lockdown. A significant increase in online search interest for alcohol withdrawal was observed during lockdown 1.0 compared to the pre‐lockdown period. A significant increase in online search interest for keywords representing benzodiazepines was observed in lockdown 2.0. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Indian internet users exhibited significantly increased online interest for alcohol‐related searches during lockdown. It seems that the challenges associated with offering interventions for alcohol use‐related problems are likely to continue once the lockdown is lifted and people have the option to access alcohol and treatment services freely.