Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Jirina Renger

Abstract

Women have severe health risks associated with drinking alcohol long-term and excessively. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experience of women in healthcare positions regarding alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was informed by the theory of planned behavior. Semistructured interviews were used to gather information from participants based on their firsthand experiences with alcohol usage. Understanding women’s attitudes toward alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic can improve intervention. Data were analyzed using an inductive, thematic procedure. Participants associated their own use of alcohol with socialization, and all participants reported that they regarded their own relationship with alcohol as healthy. None believed that they abused alcohol prior to or during the pandemic. Most participants expressed that this attitude and belief did not change their intention to use alcohol during the pandemic. However, all participants reported that they intentionally used alcohol during the pandemic to manage their stress or fear, adding that they tended to drink more after particularly stressful days at work. Implications for positive social change include providing additional counseling services to healthcare workers during stressful times. Understanding how beliefs and attitudes influence women's use of alcohol can help in developing strategies that will help women overcome alcohol abuse and addiction.

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