TY - JOUR

T1 - The impact of early COVID-19 restrictions on alcohol consumption, intimate partner violence, and finances in rural Sri Lanka

AU - Schulz, Jennifer

AU - Cimenti, Chiara

AU - Priyadhasana, Chamil

AU - Herath, Malith

AU - Senerviratne, Kamal

AU - Siribaddana, Sisira

AU - Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J.

AU - Dawson, Andrew

AU - Lee, Kylie

AU - Konradsen, Flemming

AU - Rajapakse, Thilini

AU - Raubenheimer, Jacques

AU - Sørensen, Jane Brandt

AU - Pearson, Melissa

PY - 2023

Y1 - 2023

N2 - IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown measures had a significant impact worldwide on alcohol consumption, the prevalence of intimate partner violence, and financial situations. In January 2020, the first COVID-19 case was reported from Sri Lanka. Government responses included quarantine, the ban on alcohol sales, and the provision of 5,000 rupees to eligible individuals. The aim was to explore the impact of governmentenforced responses to COVID-19 on alcohol consumption, financial situations, and intimate partner violence in the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka. MethodsThis study utilised a qualitative design in 21 villages in the Anuradhapura district. It involved semi-structured interviews with 289 household members and 113 key informants in the initial days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The generated results were compared with available national data.ResultsRestrictions on alcohol sales reduced overall drinking but increased consumption of illicit alcohol. Few families reported episodes of household conflict, usually between husband and wife, and just a few key informants spoke of domestic violence. The 5,000-rupee government payment appeared to provide some protection against financial impact.ConclusionThis study found, in line with national findings, that general alcohol consumption did not increase, but illicit alcohol consumption did. In contrast to expectations and national results, interpersonal violence did not increase, and the government's economic support was protective. Further research is needed to understand the consequences of the lockdowns beyond the initial restrictions.

AB - IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown measures had a significant impact worldwide on alcohol consumption, the prevalence of intimate partner violence, and financial situations. In January 2020, the first COVID-19 case was reported from Sri Lanka. Government responses included quarantine, the ban on alcohol sales, and the provision of 5,000 rupees to eligible individuals. The aim was to explore the impact of governmentenforced responses to COVID-19 on alcohol consumption, financial situations, and intimate partner violence in the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka. MethodsThis study utilised a qualitative design in 21 villages in the Anuradhapura district. It involved semi-structured interviews with 289 household members and 113 key informants in the initial days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The generated results were compared with available national data.ResultsRestrictions on alcohol sales reduced overall drinking but increased consumption of illicit alcohol. Few families reported episodes of household conflict, usually between husband and wife, and just a few key informants spoke of domestic violence. The 5,000-rupee government payment appeared to provide some protection against financial impact.ConclusionThis study found, in line with national findings, that general alcohol consumption did not increase, but illicit alcohol consumption did. In contrast to expectations and national results, interpersonal violence did not increase, and the government's economic support was protective. Further research is needed to understand the consequences of the lockdowns beyond the initial restrictions.

M3 - Journal article

VL - 17

SP - 23

EP - 30

JO - Anuradhapura Medical Journal

JF - Anuradhapura Medical Journal

SN - 2279-3771

ER -