INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCE RESEARCH
IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY

Before the pandemic, our research team conducted a randomized controlled trial aimed at reducing alcohol-exposure risk among private employees in India. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause in active recruitment for the in-person trial, the team shifted focus to follow-up surveys with participants who had already completed the intervention. These surveys were designed to assess changes in their alcohol use during the pandemic. We collected responses from 62 Indian employees who had participated in the initial intervention. Baseline data gathered before the pandemic included demographic information and scores on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). During the pandemic, follow-up surveys were administered, including a self-reported questionnaire on changes in drinking patterns. At the pre-COVID baseline, all participants were engaged in heavy or binge drinking. At the follow-up during the pandemic, 24.2% reported an increase in drinking, with over half experiencing at least one binge drinking episode. Approximately half of the participants reported a reduction in their alcohol consumption. Our findings indicate that risky drinking behavior persisted for many Indian employees during the pandemic, even among those who had engaged in such behavior before COVID-19. However, some participants reported a decrease in their alcohol use. As the pandemic recedes, it is crucial to make concerted efforts to reach those identified with alcohol use disorders, providing them with the necessary resources and interventions.