What the study found
The study found that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, women attending an alcohol use disorder service described increased mental health difficulties, heavier motherhood demands, and loss of social role as factors linked to drinking more. The authors also report that stigma, fear of social services, and a partner’s negative influence made it harder to seek treatment.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that a personalized and sensitive approach may help reduce stigma and fear of social services and improve engagement with services. They also suggest that earlier recognition of mental health problems and better collaboration between mental health and alcohol services might improve treatment engagement and reduce the impact on women and their families.
What the researchers tested
The researchers compared demographic and clinical characteristics of all women attending an alcohol use disorder community service in England over a 6-month period with those of men. They also interviewed a subset of 10 women using semi-structured interviews, with triangulation criteria including age, parenthood, and childcare responsibilities.
What worked and what didn't
There were no demographic or clinical differences between women and men in the service data. In the interviews, self-recognition of problematic alcohol use and support from family were described as factors that motivated some people to seek treatment, while stigma, fear of social services, and a partner’s negative influence were described as barriers.
What to keep in mind
The abstract notes a small sample and a risk of recall bias. The qualitative interviews were limited to 10 women, so the findings should be read within that scope.
Key points
- Women in the study described increased mental health difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Motherhood demands and loss of social role were reported as factors linked to drinking escalation.
- Fear of stigma and fear of involvement of social services were barriers to seeking treatment.
- Self-recognition of alcohol problems and family support were described as motivators for treatment-seeking.
- The authors suggest personalized, sensitive care and better mental health-alcohol service collaboration.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Women reported pandemic-related barriers and treatment needs in alcohol services
- Authors:
- Christos Kouimtsidis, Aisling Quinn, Ashma Mohamed, Charlotte Cliffe, Maria Chiara DelPicolo
- Institutions:
- Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
- Publication date:
- 2026-06-28
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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