Barrera-Nunez DA, Rengifo-Reina HA, Lopez-Olmedo N, Barrientos-Gutierrez T, Reynales-Shigematsu LM. Changes in alcohol and tobacco consumption patterns before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ensanut 2018 and 2020. Salud Publica Mex. 2022;64:137-147.

Abstract

Objective. To examine the changes in alcohol and tobacco consumption prevalence before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in Mexico. Materials and methods. Data from the Ensanut 2018 and 2020 were used for adolescents and adults, obtaining prevalence of current and excessive alcohol consumption and current and former smokers. Results. Alcohol consumption in women increased from 33.5% in 2018 to 42.5% in 2020. In the same period, the prevalence of excessive alcohol consumption decreased from 11.1 to 5.5% in women and from 36.7 to 18.3% in men. The prevalence of female smokers decreased from 9.5 to 7.2%. In adolescents, we did not find differences in alcohol and tobacco consumption prevalence. Conclusion. Alcohol and tobacco use continues to be high in Mexican adolescents and adults. The implementation of SAFER and MPOWER measures is needed to address the alcohol and tobacco epidemics synergistically.