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Adolescents' Substance Use and Physical Activity Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author(s): 

Benjamin Chaffee, Jing Cheng, Elizabeth Couch, Kristin Hoeft, and Bonnie Halpern-Felsher

Date: 
May 3, 2021
Source: 
JAMA Pediatrics

Stay-at-home policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic could disrupt adolescents’ substance use and physical activity. This study aimed to compare adolescents’ substance use and physical activity behaviors before and after stay-at-home restrictions. In this cohort, a reduction in e-cigarette use occurred independently of COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions, but persistent cannabis and alcohol use suggest continued need for youth substance use prevention and cessation support. Declining physical activity during the pandemic is a health concern.