Research Articles
The impact of early COVID-19 restrictions on alcohol consumption, intimate partner violence, and finances in rural Sri Lanka
Authors:
Jennifer Schulz,
University of Copenhagen, DK
About Jennifer
Department of Public Health
Chiara Cimenti,
University of Copenhagen, DK
About Chiara
Department of Public Health
Chamil Priyadhasana,
University of Peradeniya, LK
About Chamil
South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration
Malith Herath,
University of Peradeniya, LK
About Malith
South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration
Kamal Senerviratne,
University of Peradeniya, LK
About Kamal
South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration
Sisira Siribaddana,
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, LK
About Sisira
Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences
P. H. G. J. Pushpakumara ,
University of Peradeniya, LK
About P. H. G. J.
South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration
Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
Andrew Dawson,
University of Peradeniya, AU
About Andrew
South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration
The Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
Kylie Lee,
The University of Sydney, AU
About Kylie
Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health
Flemming Konradsen,
University of Copenhagen, DK
About Flemming
Department of Public health
Thilini N. Rajapakse,
University of Peradeniya, LK
About Thilini
South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration
Jacques Raubenheimer,
The University of Sydney, AU
About Jacques
Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health
Jane Brandt Sørensen,
University of Copenhagen, Denmark, DK
About Jane
Department of Public Health
Melissa Pearson
University of Peradeniya, AU
About Melissa
South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration
Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney Australia
Abstract
Introduction: The 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 government-enforced responses to COVID-19 on alcohol consumption, financial situations, and intimate partner violence in the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka.
Methods: This 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.
Results: Restrictions 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.
Conclusion: This 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.
How to Cite:
Schulz, J., Cimenti, C., Priyadhasana, C., Herath, M., Senerviratne, K., Siribaddana, S., Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Dawson, A., Lee, K., Konradsen, F., Rajapakse, T.N., Raubenheimer, J., Sørensen, J.B. and Pearson, M., 2023. The impact of early COVID-19 restrictions on alcohol consumption, intimate partner violence, and finances in rural Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura Medical Journal, 17(1), pp.23–30. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/amj.v17i1.7751
Published on
01 May 2023.
Peer Reviewed
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