Family relationship, boredom and alcohol consumption among youths during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a unique set of psychological challenges for youths, impacting their family relationships, subjective experiences of boredom, and patterns of alcohol consumption. As youths navigate the uncertainties and disruptions brought about by the pandemic, there is a pressing need to comprehend the intricate psychological dynamics at play. Hence, this research examined the relationship between family relationships, boredom and alcohol consumption among youths during COVID-19 pandemic through four hypotheses. A quantitative approach was followed involving a descriptive survey, cross-sectional research designs. The study involved 262 youths who are inhabitants of Uganda, these were obtained using secondary data using convenience sampling. An analysis using a paired sample t test showed that there is a significant statistical mean difference between the family relationship scores before and during the COIVD-19 pandemic (t (261) = -14.137, p =0.000 < .001) as the same happened for the alcohol consumption scores (t (261) = -12.255, p =0.000 < .001). While using the person correlation coefficient, it was found out that there is a significant relationship between boredom and alcohol consumption among youths (r=.178**, p<0.05). However, boredom did not significantly mediate the relationship between family relationships and alcohol consumption. In conclusion, results indicated significant changes in alcohol consumptions and family relationships before and during Covid-19, in addition, there was a significant relationship between boredom and alcohol consumption among youths during COVID-19 pandemic. However, boredom did not significantly mediate the relationship between family relationships and alcohol consumption among youths during Covid-19. The study recommends that mental health institutions should provide educational resources and information to youths and their families about the impact of pandemics and major diseases outbreaks on their families.