The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on mental health care for alcohol users in Psychosocial Care Centers

The concern with harmful alcohol consumption is at the intersection of the pandemic and mental health, with changes in drinking patterns during the health crisis being documented in Brazil and internationally. This study assessed the impact of the pandemic on the mental health care of alcohol users in Brazil by analyzing the attendance records of Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS). Data were collected from January 2019 to December 2020, broken down by geographic macro-region, gender, age, and ethnicity/color. Descriptive analysis, calculation of percentage variation, and time-series distribution were performed. Comparative analysis showed a reduction in care at the beginning of the pandemic (-52,4%), with differences between gender and age groups. As for the differences observed between macro-regions, the North had the worst results (-70,1%). The second semester of 2020 saw an increase in the number of appointments, but less than in the previous year (-41,7%). Pre-existing inequalities were worsened, especially in the poorest macro-regions, with greater fragility in the mental health network. Given the magnitude of alcohol as a public health issue and the key role played by CAPS, health policies and programs aimed at minimizing the impact of the pandemic in psychosocial care are urgent.

Automated summary

This study assessed the impact of the pandemic on the mental health care of alcohol users in Brazil by analyzing attendance records. The findings showed a reduction in care at the beginning of the pandemic, with differences between gender and age groups, as well as regional disparities. Despite an increase in appointments in the second half of 2020, it was still lower compared to the previous year. Existing inequalities were exacerbated, particularly in poorer regions, highlighting the vulnerability of the mental health network.