Association of Stress Level with Heavy Drinking and Smoking Depending on Sex and COVID-19 Infection Status: A Cross-sectional Analysis of a Nationally Representative US Adult Survey

Key Points

• Increased stress levels correlate with higher rates of heavy drinking and smoking behaviors, especially among specific genders.
• Significant associations were identified, with 60% of individuals with high stress reporting heavy drinking and smoking.
• Cross-sectional analysis utilizing data from a nationally representative US adult survey reveals these relationships.
• Findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to address these behaviors, particularly during stressful times like the COVID-19 pandemic.