Research shows rise in nicotine use during early COVID

A study has found the early stages of COVID-19 saw a rise of 30 per cent in nicotine consumption. (Sam Mooy/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Australians' nicotine consumption increased significantly during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers say.

Consumption increased by 30 per cent in the early stages of the virus, and was significantly higher in the first half of 2020 than in the second half of 2019, University of Queensland researchers found.