Associations between COVID-19 impact and subsequent substance use in adolescents with chronic pain.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The current cross-sectional study retrospectively investigated associations between COVID-19-related factors and subsequent substance use in adolescents with chronic pain.

Methods

A total of 243 adolescents with diagnosed pain disorders were retrospectively surveyed from September 2021 to May 2024. Descriptive statistics summarized past-month and past-year substance use; COVID-19 exposures, impact, and distress; mental health; and pain-related indicators. Logistic regressions estimated the odds of substance use based on COVID-19 exposures, impact, and distress, controlling for demographics, mental health, and pain.

Results

Of the 243 adolescents (M _age = 16.9, SD = 1.42 years; 68.44% female), 39.9% reported past-year substance use, and 28.4

SUBMITTER: Nestor BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12698623 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature