Impact of increased alcohol consumption during the COVID‐19–related lockdowns on admissions with liver disease, gastrointestinal bleeding and pancreatitis in Melbourne, Victoria

Abstract

AbstractThis audit collates data on alcohol‐related gastrointestinal (GI) admissions at Monash Health, Victoria, during the prolonged, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)–related lockdown July to October 2020 compared with the same periods in 2019 and 2021. We found a 58% increase in admissions in 2020 and a 16% increase in 2021, which also increased disproportionately to overall health service emergency presentations. Self‐reported alcohol consumption increased by 2.5‐fold and was greatest in 2020. Clinical severity was unchanged and cirrhosis was the only factor associated with severe disease. This study suggests an association between the pandemic‐related lockdown, alcohol consumption and alcohol‐related GI hospitalisation. Our study provides support for resourcing and adapting alcohol and other drug services during and beyond the COVID‐19 lockdown.