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de Barcellos MD, Perin MG, Lähteenmäki L, Grunert KG. Cooking readiness in stressful times: Navigating food choices for a healthier future. Appetite 2024; 203:107652. [PMID: 39241832 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Food choice is a complex function of preferences and combines a myriad of food-related factors, such as biological, economic, physical, social, and psychological determinants. People's food choices directly affect their health and can have both positive and negative outcomes. For instance, the pandemic may have presented an opportunity to cook more at home, eventually resulting in dietary benefits, health improvements, and reduced stress. Conversely, adverse behavioral, psychological, and physical outcomes, such as overeating, have also been associated with stressful situations. Therefore, the aim of this study is twofold: first, to propose "cooking readiness" as a higher-order construct, in which 'food literacy' and 'cooking skills' correspond to the capability, 'cooking attitudes' reflect the motivation, and the variable 'COVID-19 restrictions' represent the opportunity for consumers to cook and consume healthier food at home. Furthermore, as the pandemic scenario was imposed and caused changes in mental health and emotional mood, the second objective is to explore the relationship between cooking readiness and stress levels in consumers' choices for nutritionally recommended (or non-recommended) food. Cross-country data (Brazil, Denmark) from 1074 consumers was analyzed using structural equation modeling. This study confirms cooking readiness as a higher-order construct, integrating food literacy, cooking skills, and cooking attitudes with pandemic-induced opportunities. Cooking readiness is crucial in promoting healthier eating habits, particularly in Brazil. The stronger tradition of healthier eating in Denmark may mitigate the impact of cooking readiness on reducing non-recommended food consumption. The varying effects of stress on food choices between the two countries underscore the need for tailored public health strategies that consider cultural differences and existing dietary habits. Promoting cooking skills and food literacy, particularly in times of crisis, can be instrumental in supporting healthier food choices and improving public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia Dutra de Barcellos
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Washington Luiz 855, Porto Alegre, RS, 90010-460, Brazil; Ghent University, Department of Agricultural Economics, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium.
| | - Marcelo Gatermann Perin
- FGV EAESP, Department of Marketing, Av. 9 de Julho, 2029, Bela Vista, São Paulo, SP, 01313-902, Brazil.
| | - Liisa Lähteenmäki
- Aarhus University, Dept of Management, MAPP Centre, Fuglesangs Allé 4, 8210, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Klaus G Grunert
- Aarhus University, Dept of Management, MAPP Centre, Fuglesangs Allé 4, 8210, Aarhus, Denmark.
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2
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Farrugia F, Refalo D, Bonello D, Cuschieri S. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Mediterranean diet adherence: A narrative systematic review. Nutr Health 2024; 30:215-233. [PMID: 37439029 PMCID: PMC10345400 DOI: 10.1177/02601060231187511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic upended many aspects of daily life. For some individuals, this was an opportunity to re-evaluate their life and make better choices, while others were overwhelmed with stressors, leading to a deterioration in mental and physical health. AIM The aim of this narrative systematic review is to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Mediterranean diet adherence. METHODS A systematic literature search was carried out on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science electronic databases utilising the search terms 'Mediterranean diet' AND 'COVID-19'. This yielded 73 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. RESULTS The data suggests that a substantial proportion of individuals adhered less to the Mediterranean diet during the COVID-19 lockdown period. However, individuals receiving some form of lifestyle intervention had better adherence to the Mediterranean diet than their unassisted counterparts. CONCLUSION This emphasises the importance of professional support during times of crisis to avoid deterioration of a population's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Farrugia
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Daniel Refalo
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - David Bonello
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Sarah Cuschieri
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
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3
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O'Connor S, Bélanger-Gravel A. Social determinants of long-term reported changes in physical activity and healthy eating during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: multiple cross-sectional surveys analysis from the iCARE study. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2024; 49:179-189. [PMID: 37820379 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2023-0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The long-term consequences of COVID-19 on healthy behaviours (physical activity practice and healthy eating) among Canadians remain largely unexplored. The objectives were (i) to describe the proportion of Canadians who reported a change in healthy behaviours, 9 and 20 months since the beginning of COVID-19; and (ii) to identify the social determinants associated with healthy behaviour changes. Using two representative Canadian surveys from the International COVID-19 Awareness and Responses Evaluation study (January 2021, n = 3000; November 2021, n = 3002), reported changes in healthy behaviours were assessed as follows: "In general, how have the following behaviours changed since the start of COVID-19?": (1) Increase; (2) No change; and (3) Decrease. The association between individual determinants and changes in healthy behaviours was analyzed using weighted univariate polytomous logistic regression models. In January 2021, 41% and 22% of respondents reported a decline in physical activity and healthy eating, respectively, while in November 2021, 34% and 20% of respondents reported a decline in physical activity and healthy eating, respectively. The main determinants associated with changes in healthy behaviours were younger age (18-25 years), area of residency, student status, changes in bodyweight, financial concerns/insecurity, anxiety/depression, and ethnicity. Changes in healthy behaviours were also associated with household composition, presence of chronic diseases, and occupation. In sum, this study depicted long-term changes in healthy behaviours during COVID-19, with differential changes according to social determinants of health. This study highlighted the presence of health inequalities in Canada during COVID-19 and supports the implementation of personalized programs in prevention of healthy behaviour degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah O'Connor
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Research Centre, Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ariane Bélanger-Gravel
- Research Centre, Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Information and Communication, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Bulczak E, Chmurzynska A. Response to Comments on the Article "Caffeine Consumption in Polish Adults: Development and Validation of a Polish Questionnaire for Assessing Caffeine Intake". JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN NUTRITION ASSOCIATION 2024; 43:113-114. [PMID: 37378995 DOI: 10.1080/27697061.2023.2225355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Bulczak
- Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poland
| | - Agata Chmurzynska
- Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poland
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Grunert KG, Chimisso C, Lähteenmäki L, Leardini D, Sandell MA, Vainio A, Vranken L. Food-related consumer behaviours in times of crisis: Changes in the wake of the Ukraine war, rising prices and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Food Res Int 2023; 173:113451. [PMID: 37803775 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
When the COVID-19 pandemic subsided, the war in Ukraine led to further disruptions in consumers' daily behaviours, with rising prices for food and energy. We conducted a survey study on self-reported changes in food-related consumer behaviour in ten European countries and compared the results to a similar study conducted two years ago. A latent class cluster analysis distinguished five clusters and showed that different types of consumers can be distinguished based on how they react to the crisis as regards their eating habits. 19% of survey participants reported no major changes, and 32% reported changes mostly in terms of more price sensitivity. Among those that reported changes beyond reacting to higher prices, there are indications of more mindful eating and more deliberate choices. The changes already found earlier in response to the COVID-19 pandemic therefore seem to have been strengthened and supplemented by reactions to price increases. The results present a challenge to the food industry in terms of supplying healthy and sustainable food at affordable prices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus G Grunert
- MAPP Centre, Aarhus University, Denmark; School of Marketing and Communication, University of Vaasa, Finland.
| | | | | | | | - Mari A Sandell
- Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annukka Vainio
- Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liesbet Vranken
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
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6
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Poklar Vatovec T, Jenko Pražnikar Z, Petelin A. Adherence and Sociodemographic Determinants of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among Slovenian Adults and the Elderly. Nutrients 2023; 15:3219. [PMID: 37513637 PMCID: PMC10384731 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean diet (MD) is considered a model for good health, and is promoted worldwide as one of the healthiest dietary patterns. Despite the MD's health benefits, the literature suggests that adherence to the MD tends to be in decline in most populations worldwide, including those in the Mediterranean region. The aim of this study was to investigate adherence to the MD, and its main sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, in the Slovenian population. Using a nationwide cross-sectional food consumption survey (SI.Menu), data were collected from a general questionnaire, from the 14-item MD adherence screener (14-MEDAS score), and from a questionnaire on the dietary habits of 850 adults and elderly people. The mean MEDAS score for the total study sample was 5.6 (SD 2.1), indicating a low adherence to the MD among the Slovenian population. The adherence to the MD was higher among women (OR = 1.534; 95% Cl 1.156-2.034), those with a university degree (OR = 1.527; 1.098-2.125; compared to those with no university degree), those who lived in a suburb or city (OR = 1.511; 1.016-2.249; OR = 1.568; 1.122-2.191; compared with those who lived in a village), non-smokers (OR = 1.561; 1.380-1.830; compared with smokers), and those who lived in the western part of Slovenia (OR = 1.558; 1.170-2.074; compared with those who lived in eastern Slovenia). Adherence to the MD in the Slovenian population is low, and is strongly related to educational level, gender, geographic region, place of residence, and smoking status. The frequency of the consumption of different food groups is also closely related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Poklar Vatovec
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Zala Jenko Pražnikar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Ana Petelin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
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Pfeifer D, Rešetar J, Šteković M, Czlapka-Matyasik M, Verbanac D, Gajdoš Kljusurić J. Diet Quality and Its Association with Lifestyle and Dietary Behaviors among Croatian Students during Two COVID-19 Lockdowns. Foods 2023; 12:2532. [PMID: 37444271 DOI: 10.3390/foods12132532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aims to assess the diet quality, the relationship between diet quality and lifestyle, and the association of diet quality with body mass index and students' field of study during COVID-19 lockdown periods (spring and winter) in 2020. Datasets were collected via an anonymous online self-reported questionnaire distributed during two time periods using social media. A total of 1939 Croatian students (82.4% women and 17.6% men) completed the questionnaire. Diet quality was assessed using the pro-healthy diet index (pHDI) and non-healthy diet index (nHDI). An increase in diet quality was noted during both lockdown periods but was lower during the winter lockdown. Cooking for oneself was associated with a high level of pHDI, while ordering or buying ready-to-eat food was linked to a low level of pHDI. Additionally, a decrease in screen time and increased physical activity was associated with high pHDI values. Furthermore, during both lockdown periods, students with a BMI above 30 kg/m2 had the highest nHDI values compared to other students. Although positive changes were found during both lockdown periods, they were less pronounced throughout the winter lockdown. Further studies are needed to elucidate the real impact of these changes in the post-COVID period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danijela Pfeifer
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josip Rešetar
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martin Šteković
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Donatella Verbanac
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Abdelkawy K, Elbarbry F, El-Masry SM, Zakaria AY, Rodríguez-Pérez C, El-Khodary NM. Changes in dietary habits during Covid-19 lockdown in Egypt: the Egyptian COVIDiet study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:956. [PMID: 37231373 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15777-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE COVID-19 lockdown changed social habits and lifestyle, including dietary habits, of people worldwide. However, limited information is available about these changes in Egypt. This cross-sectional study investigates the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on dietary habits among the Egyptian populations. METHODS An online questionnaire, based on sociodemographic data and dietary adherence in accordance with the validated PREDIMED MedDiet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), was used all over the Egyptian governorates. The dietary changes were statistically evaluated for significance in relation to age, gender, body mass index (BMI), education level and governorates. RESULTS A total of 1010 participants (76% aged below 36 years, 77% female, 22% obese, and 62% university-level education) answered the questionnaire. Respondents ≤ 20 years had a significant increase in weight and consumption of carbonated beverages, commercial pastries, fried and fast food. Egyptians > 50 years old had a significant decrease in physical activity. Underweight people (less than 3% of participants) increased their fast food intake with a prominent rise in weight. However, obese people increased cooking frequency and increased eating times with a decrease in physical activity. Male participants reported increased intake of carbonated beverages and fast food, while female participants increased the intake of homemade pastries with a significant decrease in physical activity. Approximately 50% of participants with postgraduate education reported decreased intake of fast food and carbonated beverages as well as decreased body weight. Residents of Cairo showed a significant increase in vegetable intake, and fried food intake with a decrease in seafood consumption. Participants from the Delta region had a significant increase in pastries intake. CONCLUSION The findings of this study explored the need for increasing awareness about healthy lifestyle in future lockdown periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Abdelkawy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr el-Sheikh, Egypt
| | | | - Soha M El-Masry
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Amr Y Zakaria
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, New Damietta, Egypt
| | - Celia Rodríguez-Pérez
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, Granada, 18017, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INYTA) 'José Mataix', University of Granada, Avenida del Conocimiento s/n, Granada, 18071, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, 18012, Spain
| | - Noha M El-Khodary
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr el-Sheikh, Egypt.
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9
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Matthiessen J, Biltoft-Jensen A, Stockmarr A, Fagt S, Christensen T. Changes in Diet and Physical Activity among 18-65-Year-Olds after the First National COVID-19 Lockdown in Denmark. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061480. [PMID: 36986210 PMCID: PMC10054679 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 lockdowns affected everyday life significantly and made it challenging to achieve or maintain a healthy lifestyle. The aim of the present study was to examine longitudinal changes in Danish adults' eating habits and physical activity (PA) assessed during and after the first national lockdown in 2020. Furthermore, changes in body weight were examined during the first lockdown period. The whole diet (semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire), sociodemographic factors, moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), leisure screen time, anthropometrics, change in body weight, and stress level were assessed with a self-administered web-based questionnaire among 839 18-65-year-old Danes during and 5-6 months after the lockdown. Both favorable (decreased intake of saturated fat) and unfavorable (decreased intake of whole grain and fish, and increased intake of red meat) changes were found in the diet after the lockdown, while favorable changes in MVPA (increase in couples) and leisure screen time (decrease with a combined effect of family status and education) were found for PA. More Danish adults reported to gain weight (mean 3.0 kg) than to lose weight (mean 3.5 kg) during the first lockdown period (27% vs. 15%). The study showed favorable changes in PA and mixed results regarding diet among Danish adults after the lockdown. Furthermore, the first lockdown period unfavorably impacted the body weight of many Danes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeppe Matthiessen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anja Biltoft-Jensen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anders Stockmarr
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sisse Fagt
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tue Christensen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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10
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Inoue H, Todo Y. Has Covid-19 permanently changed online purchasing behavior? EPJ DATA SCIENCE 2023; 12:1. [PMID: 36684117 PMCID: PMC9841963 DOI: 10.1140/epjds/s13688-022-00375-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected online purchasing behavior using data from a major online shopping platform in Japan. We focus on the effect of two measures of the pandemic, i.e., the number of positive COVID-19 cases and state declarations of emergency to mitigate the pandemic. We find that both measures promoted online purchases at the beginning of the pandemic, but in later periods, their effect faded. In addition, online purchases returned to normal after states of emergency ended, and the overall time trend in online purchases excluding the effects of the two measures was stable during the first two years of the pandemic. These results suggest that the effect of the pandemic on online purchasing behavior is temporary and will not persist after the pandemic. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1140/epjds/s13688-022-00375-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyasu Inoue
- Graduate School of Information Science, University of Hyogo, 650-0047 Kobe, Japan
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, 332-0012 Saitama, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Computational Science, Wako, 351-0198 Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Todo
- Graduate School of Economics, Waseda University, 169-8050 Tokyo, Japan
- Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry, 100-0013 Tokyo, Japan
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11
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Pfeifer D, Rešetar J, Czlapka-Matyasik M, Bykowska-Derda A, Kolay E, Stelcer B, Gajdoš Kljusurić J. Changes in diet quality and its association with students' mental state during two COVID-19 lockdowns in Croatia. Nutr Health 2023:2601060221144139. [PMID: 36604816 PMCID: PMC9827144 DOI: 10.1177/02601060221144139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has left substantial consequences on the mental health of the student population, primarily through an increase in the symptoms of acute stress and anxiety. Aim: This study evaluated diet quality and its association with mental state among Croatian students during the spring and winter COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. Methods: Data were collected using an anonymous online self-reported questionnaire taken on two occasions. During the spring lockdown (from May 18 to June 7, 2020) and the winter lockdown (from December 14-22, 2020), 751 and 1188 students completed the questionnaire, respectively. Diet quality was determined using the pro-healthy diet index (pHDI) and non-healthy diet index (nHDI). Results: Although to the greatest extent associated with increased white meat, fish, and legumes intake, an increase in pHDI was also linked to increased consumption of water and sweets and decreased intake of processed meat products and nuts. Increased nHDI was mainly due to increased intake of processed meat products, alcohol, and sweets. Moreover, diet quality was higher during the lockdowns than in the periods before. However, diet quality increased to a lesser extent during the winter lockdown and was associated with a poorer mental state, shown as type D (Distressed) personality. Type D personality positively correlated with nHDI and sweets intake but negatively with pHDI, fruit, and vegetable consumption. Conclusion: These results indicate the need to alleviate further students' diet quality and mental state impairment. Also, further investigation of the association between diet quality and mental state should be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danijela Pfeifer
- Faculty of Food Technology and
Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josip Rešetar
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry,
University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia,Josip Rešetar, Faculty of Pharmacy and
Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Ante Kovačića 1, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | | | - Ezgi Kolay
- Department of Human Nutrition and
Dietetics, Poznan University of Life
Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Boguslaw Stelcer
- Department of Human Nutrition and
Dietetics, Poznan University of Life
Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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12
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Gumus D, Topal GG, Sevim S, Kizil M. Adherence to Mediterranean diet and dietary changes according to the fear of COVID-19 during the pandemic: a cross-sectional study. J Nutr Sci 2023; 12:e56. [PMID: 37180483 PMCID: PMC10173089 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2023.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to the implementation of restrictions to reduce transmission worldwide. The restrictions and measures have affected the psychological health and eating habits. The objective of the present study was to evaluate dietary habits, lifestyle changes, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and fear of COVID-19 in Turkey during the pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey of socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle habits was used for data collection. The fear of COVID-19 levels of the participants was determined by the fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S). The Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) was used to evaluate participants' adherence to the MD. The differences between the FCV-19S and MEDAS according to gender were compared. Eight hundred and twenty subjects (76⋅6 % women and 28⋅4 % men) were evaluated within the study. The mean of MEDAS (ranged between 0 and 12) was 6⋅4 ± 2⋅1, and almost half of the participants moderately adhered to the MD. The mean of FCV-19S (ranged between 7 and 33) was 16⋅8 ± 5⋅7, while women's FCV-19S and MEDAS were significantly higher than men's (P < 0⋅001). The consumption of sweetened cereals, grains, pasta, homemade bread and pastries of the respondents with high FCV-19S were higher than in those with low FCV-19S. High FCV-19S was also characterized by decreased take-away food and fast food consumption in approximately 40 % of the respondents (P < 0⋅01). Similarly, women's fast food and take-away food consumption decreased more than men's (P < 0⋅05). In conclusion, the respondents' food consumption and eating habits varied according to the fear of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damla Gumus
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences, Sıhhiye, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Gulsum Gizem Topal
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences, Sıhhiye, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Sumeyra Sevim
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences, Sıhhiye, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Mevlude Kizil
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences, Sıhhiye, Ankara 06100, Turkey
- Corresponding author: Mevlude Kizil, email
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13
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López Cifuentes M, Fiala V. Covid-19 as a chance for more food democracy in European cities? The responses of actors within Vienna's urban food system to the pandemic. CITIES (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 131:104041. [PMID: 36274918 PMCID: PMC9574936 DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.104041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Actors within European cities had to respond to the Covid-19 crisis to maintain their urban food systems' basic functions. In this article, we ask whether these responses merely remedied the immediate challenges and maintained the status quo or the window of opportunity created by Covid-19 was used to transform urban food systems towards food democracy. We combine the food democracy framework and multi-level perspective to examine how actors of an urban food system - from niche and regime levels - reacted to the Covid-19 crisis and to explore the meaning of those responses for food democracy. Using Vienna as a case study, we conducted a media analysis (198 articles) and 11 interviews with niche actors to identify the impacts of the first Covid-19 wave and connected actors' responses. Results show that regime and niche actors responded differently to Covid-19 and that not all responses proved conducive to a transition to more food democracy. Although some responses can contribute to a more just and sustainable urban food system, many actors focused on short-term crisis management and maintaining the status quo. If Covid-19 is to become an opportunity for a transformation towards food democracy, coordinated actions by regime and niche actors are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta López Cifuentes
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Feistmantelstraße 4, 1180 Vienna, Austria
- Center for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey, Arthur C Clarke building, GU2 7XH Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Valentin Fiala
- Research Center for Sustainability (FFN), Freie Universität Berlin, Ihnestraße 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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14
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Vila-Marti A, Ramírez-Contreras C, Apolinar-Jiménez E, Rojas-Cárdenas P, Valera-Gran D, Almendra-Pegueros R, Navarrete-Muñoz EM. Factors Associated with Dietary Restriction and Emotional and Uncontrolled Eating in Adults from Spanish-Speaking Countries during the COVID-19 Confinement: Results of the CoV-Eat Project. Nutrients 2022; 14:4866. [PMID: 36432551 PMCID: PMC9693495 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The first COVID-19 confinement has led to changes in the population’s behaviour. However, little has been analysed about the changes in eating behaviour beyond the decrease in adherence to healthy dietary patterns. The aim of the CoV-Eat project was to identify factors related to each of the following eating behaviours (EB): cognitive restraints (CR), uncontrolled eating (UE), and emotional eating (EE) in adults from Spanish-speaking countries. Participants completed an anonymous online survey. EB was assessed using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire and the scores were classified into tertiles. Socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle habits including physical activity, sleep quality, screen use, smoking consumption, and relationship with food were also collected. A total of 9849 participants from 21 countries were included in this study. The median of CR, UE, and EE behaviours was 15, 24, and 9, respectively. We observed that higher age, days of confinement, number of times leaving home in the last week, changes in sleep quality, and their relationship with food were negatively associated with CR, EE, and UE, while being a man was positively associated with an increased in all these EBs. A higher household income was negatively associated with a higher score of CR, and a higher education level (>primary) was positively associated with a medium score of EE. Lower physical activity was a factor negatively associated with a medium score of EE and UE. Higher screen use showed the same negative association for a medium score of EE and UE and a high score of CR. In addition, higher tobacco consumption was found to be a protective factor against having a medium or high score of CR and EE. In conclusion, some sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle changes may be important factors for EB and should be considered in emergency situations such as confinement to prevent risky eating behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Vila-Marti
- Research Group M3O, Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut i el Benestar, Universitat de Vic—Universitat Central de Catalunya, 08500 Vic, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Catalina Ramírez-Contreras
- Departamento de Nutrición, Ciencias de la Alimentación y Gastronomía, Facultad de Farmacia y Ciencias de la Alimentación, Universidad de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación en Nutrición y Seguridad Alimentaria (INSA-UB), Universidad de Barcelona, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - Evelia Apolinar-Jiménez
- Unidad de Metabolismo y Nutrición, Departamento de Investigación, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad del Bajío, León 37660, Mexico
| | - Pía Rojas-Cárdenas
- Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Adventista de Chile, Chillán 3780000, Chile
- Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán 3800708, Chile
| | - Desirée Valera-Gran
- Grupo de Investigación en Terapia Ocupacional (InTeO), Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Rafael Almendra-Pegueros
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Red de Nutrición Basada en la Evidencia, Academia Española de Nutrición y Dietética, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Eva María Navarrete-Muñoz
- Grupo de Investigación en Terapia Ocupacional (InTeO), Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Elche, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
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15
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Cabal‐Prieto A, Sánchez‐Arellano L, Herrera‐Corredor JA, Rodríguez‐Miranda J, Prinyawiwatkul W, Ramón‐Canul LG, Toledano‐Toledano F, Rodríguez‐Buenfil IM, Ramírez‐Sucre MO, Hernández‐Salinas G, de Ramírez‐Rivera EDJ. Effects of COVID-19 on sensory and cognitive perception of mild and severe diagnosed and recovered patients versus healthy consumers. J SENS STUD 2022; 38:e12798. [PMID: 36718473 PMCID: PMC9877580 DOI: 10.1111/joss.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this research was to analyze the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the sensory and cognitive perception of mild and severe COVID-19 diagnosed and recovered consumers versus healthy consumers. Three groups of 50 consumers each (healthy vs. mild and severe COVID-19 diagnosed with 30 days after recovery) were used for the evaluation of instant coffee stimuli in concentrations: 4.40, 2.93, 2.20, 1.76, and 1.47% weight (w)/volume (v) and determine their discriminating power, emotions, and memories. Sensory tests were performed remotely. Results indicated that healthy consumers perceived higher intensities in most of the sensory attributes (with the exception of Burnt-A, Bitter-T, Acid-T, and Astringent-T attributes) compared to consumers who presented mild and severe COVID-19. Therefore, consumers diagnosed with mild and severe COVID-19 had a higher discrimination power in the attributes smell, basic tastes, and flavor. Healthy consumers could only discriminate two attributes that correspond to basic flavors. Consumers with mild and severe COVID-19 diagnosis elicited the highest number of negatives emotions (such as bored, disgusted, worried, guilty, wild, and aggressive) and negative memories (disease, pain, death, hurt, obesity, conflict personal, addiction, stench poverty, and accident) than healthy consumers. It is concluded that there were no significant differences between the consumer panels for the identification of sensory attributes. However, P-Healthy consumers perceived the highest intensities in most sensory attributes compared to those in the PCOVID19-Mild and PCOVID19-Severe panels. Finally, consumers diagnosed with mild or severe COVID-19 used a higher number of emotions and memories than those of the healthy panel. Practical applications Investigating the effects of COVID-19 on sensory and cognitive perception can be useful for industry and researchers in the sensory field who wish to understand the effects of the disease in order to generate new protocols for the selection and training of people, as well as the possible development and innovation of new products focused on perception of consumers recovered from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adan Cabal‐Prieto
- Ingeniería en Industrias AlimentariasTecnológico Nacional de México/Campus HuatuscoHuatusco, VeracruzMéxico
| | - Lucía Sánchez‐Arellano
- Ingeniería en Industrias AlimentariasTecnológico Nacional de México/Campus HuatuscoHuatusco, VeracruzMéxico
| | - José Andrés Herrera‐Corredor
- Programa en Innovación Agroalimentaria SustentableColegio de Postgraduados Campus CórdobaAmatlán de los Reyes, VeracruzMéxico
| | - Jesús Rodríguez‐Miranda
- Maestría en Ciencias en AlimentosTecnológico Nacional de México/Campus TuxtepecTuxtepec, OaxacaMéxico
| | - Witoon Prinyawiwatkul
- School of Nutrition and Food SciencesLouisiana State University Agricultural CenterBaton RougeLouisianaUSA
| | | | - Filiberto Toledano‐Toledano
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Basada en EvidenciasHospital Infantil de México Federico GómezMéxico CityMéxico
- Unidad de Investigación SociomédicaInstituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra IbarraMéxico CityMéxico
| | - Ingrid Mayanin Rodríguez‐Buenfil
- Sede SuresteCentro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco A.C., Sede SuresteMéridaYucatánMéxico
| | - Manuel Octavio Ramírez‐Sucre
- Sede SuresteCentro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco A.C., Sede SuresteMéridaYucatánMéxico
| | - Gregorio Hernández‐Salinas
- Ingeniería en Innovación Agrícola SustentableTecnológico Nacional de México/Campus ZongolicaZongolica, VeracruzMéxico
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16
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Scozzafava G, Contini C, Gerini F, Casini L. Post-lockdown changes in diet in Italy and the USA: Return to old habits or structural changes? AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD ECONOMICS 2022; 10:26. [PMID: 36267441 PMCID: PMC9568982 DOI: 10.1186/s40100-022-00234-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study analyses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food consumption at the end of the first lockdown in the New York State (USA) and in Italy (spring 2020). The results of our study show that important changes occurred in food habits in these two countries, in which lockdown was very similar. Three models of response to the shock of the lockdown were noted in both countries. The first model (40%) includes individuals who largely increased their food consumption, the second model (26%) showed a more virtuous and responsible behaviour, while the third model (34%) displayed no change in food consumption. Diet quality in terms of healthiness and sustainability declined in the USA, while in Italy, approximately one-third of the sample showed an improvement in diet in these same areas. The use of sociodemographic, motivational, and behavioural variables to profile subjects who adhered to each food model has made it possible to obtain information that can be used to develop communication campaigns and policies for a healthier and more sustainable diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Scozzafava
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry - DAGRI, University of Firenze, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Caterina Contini
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry - DAGRI, University of Firenze, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Gerini
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry - DAGRI, University of Firenze, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Leonardo Casini
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry - DAGRI, University of Firenze, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144 Florence, Italy
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17
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Coşkun MG, Öztürk Rİ, Tak AY, Sanlier N. Working from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Effects on Diet, Sedentary Lifestyle, and Stress. Nutrients 2022; 14:4006. [PMID: 36235657 PMCID: PMC9572061 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many companies switched to working from home (WFH) after the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aimed to examine the changes in dietary behavior, body weight, sedentary lifestyle, and stress in individuals who practice WFH. A cross-sectional, web-based questionnaire was administered between March and May 2021 and included socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, WFH arrangement, changes in diet, sedentary lifestyle, and stress status. A total of 328 individuals (260 women, 68 men), aged 31.3 ± 8.3 years with a BMI of 24.9 ± 4.6 kg/m2, participated in the study. The questionnaire revealed that the daily working time increased with WFH. The majority of the individuals (59.1%) gained weight. The average daily sedentary time and the Perceived Stress Scale score increased significantly. The daily sedentary time and Non-Healthy Diet Index scores were higher in individuals who gained weight (p < 0.05). A multinominal regression model revealed that increased body weight was less likely in individuals with underweight and normal BMI classifications. Normal BMI, stable work shifts, and no physical activity were positive predictors for gaining weight. These results suggest that WFH may have significant negative effects on physical and mental status of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Güney Coşkun
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul 34810, Turkey
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul 34810, Turkey
| | - Rabia İclal Öztürk
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul 34810, Turkey
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul 34810, Turkey
| | - Ayşegül Yabacı Tak
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
| | - Nevin Sanlier
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, Ankara Medipol University, Ankara 06570, Turkey
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18
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Mieziene B, Burkaite G, Emeljanovas A, Tilindiene I, Novak D, Kawachi I. Adherence to Mediterranean diet among Lithuanian and Croatian students during COVID-19 pandemic and its health behavior correlates. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1000161. [PMID: 36187633 PMCID: PMC9523256 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1000161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining healthy behavior, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, is particularly important for staying healthy. Nutrition is an everyday behavior and along with other health-related behaviors is associated with many health outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess and compare adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and particular food choices among the Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean populations of university students and identify its lifestyle correlates at the outburst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, self-reported data on health-related behavior and sociodemographic characteristics were collected from 1,388 study participants, 66.4% were Lithuanians, and 33.6% were Croatians. Results revealed that vegetables, olive oil, fruits, nuts, legumes, and fish were remarkably underconsumed among university students in the Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the composite diet is similar between countries. The higher adherence to MedDiet is associated with physical activity (β = 0.15) and non-smoking (β = 0.08). In times of crisis, public health entities should provide knowledge, skills, and tools for healthy nutrition specifying them by age and subpopulation. Interventions at the university should be implemented to build infrastructure and provide an access to health behavior-friendly environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigita Mieziene
- Department of Physical and Social Education, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Greta Burkaite
- Department of Physical and Social Education, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Arunas Emeljanovas
- Department of Physical and Social Education, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Ilona Tilindiene
- Department of Physical and Social Education, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Dario Novak
- Department of General and Applied Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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19
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Brakspear L, Boules D, Nicholls D, Burmester V. The Impact of COVID-19-Related Living Restrictions on Eating Behaviours in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:3657. [PMID: 36079914 PMCID: PMC9460286 DOI: 10.3390/nu14173657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the imposition of physical and social distancing measures worldwide. Emerging data suggest that younger age groups may be particularly vulnerable to the adverse mental health impacts of the pandemic. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an unprecedented increase in demand for child and adolescent eating disorder services. The aim of this review was to systematically review and appraise the current literature on the impact of COVID-19-related living restrictions on the eating behaviours of children and adolescents. Searches of eight electronic databases were conducted in March 2021 and December 2021 for published and grey literature on eating behaviours of population samples of children and adolescents (aged 18 months to 18 years old) who were exposed to COVID-19-related living restrictions. Of 3165 retrieved references, sixteen studies were included in this review, comprising data from 125, 286 participants. There was a pattern towards healthier eating behaviours among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, young people from lower socioeconomic groups showed a tendency towards more unhealthy eating behaviours, and there was an association between mood difficulties and greater changes in eating; this suggests that such groups may be more vulnerable to the adverse health consequences of lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Brakspear
- North East London Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Training Scheme, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Daniella Boules
- Division of Psychiatry, 2nd Floor Commonwealth Building, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Dasha Nicholls
- Division of Psychiatry, 2nd Floor Commonwealth Building, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Victoria Burmester
- Division of Psychiatry, 2nd Floor Commonwealth Building, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
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20
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Meiselman HL. Commentary: Changes in eating and changes in affect during early Covid confinement. Food Qual Prefer 2022; 100:104598. [PMID: 35400852 PMCID: PMC8977371 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2022.104598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
This commentary discusses papers dealing with responses to the first phase of the Covid-19 pandemic in Spring 2020. The papers focus on healthy eating and drinking, with less emphasis on unhealthy eating and drinking and resulting weight gain. This helps us to understand the initial eating responses to stress. The multi-cultural data collected before Covid-10 also provide interesting data on eating and drinking during normal times. The commentary addresses the problems created by lack of representative sampling of consumers in some of the papers. The commentary also discusses the focus on healthy eating, and the likelihood of unhealthy eating and resulting weight gain. It will be interesting to compare these early data with data from later in the Covi-19 pandemic.
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21
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Ammann J, Ritzel C, El Benni N. How did the COVID-19 pandemic influence health-related behaviour? An online survey on food choice, physical activity and changes in body weight among Swiss adults. Food Qual Prefer 2022; 100:104625. [PMID: 35578621 PMCID: PMC9093157 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2022.104625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of our everyday lives. To investigate these behaviour changes, an online survey was conducted with 1'028 individuals (51% female) in Switzerland between June and July 2020. The questions referred in particular to the lockdown in spring 2020. We put specific focus on the pandemic's impact on health-related behaviour, which includes food choice, physical activity and body weight management. For instance, participants reported whether and how their consumption of different foods changed during the lockdown. As a measure of healthy food choice, we chose consumption of vegetables and salad and in contrast, sweet snacks and alcohol consumption was used as a measure for unhealthy food choice. For physical activity and body weight, participants indicated whether it decreased, increased or did not change during the lockdown as compared before. In a next step, we investigated the influence of various predictors on health-related behaviour using multinomial logistic regression models. We find that the possibility to work remotely led to healthier food choices, that is, a reported increase in vegetable consumption and decrease in sweet snack consumption, but also to more unhealthy food choices and lifestyles, that is, a reported increase in alcohol consumption as well as an increase in sweet snack consumption. For weight change, the data indicated that individuals who worked remotely were more likely to gain or lose weight than individuals working from the office. Our findings demonstrate how individuals are affected differently by the pandemic and how complex the whole picture is. Further, these results are crucial in developing health recommendations for possible future lockdowns or health crises in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine Ammann
- Corresponding author at: Agroscope, Tänikon 1, CH-8356 Ettenhausen, Switzerland
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22
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Sohn S, Seegebarth B, Woisetschläger DM. The same only different? How a pandemic shapes consumer organic food purchasing. JOURNAL OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR 2022; 21:1121-1134. [PMID: 37521715 PMCID: PMC9348350 DOI: 10.1002/cb.2060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Organic food consumption is seen as a key strategy to alleviate both environmental and health problems. Although consumer purchasing of organic food has regularly been studied, major gaps exist in the literature. Knowledge is missing on how contextual factors, such as pandemics (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic), affect individuals' purchasing of organic food. Therefore, the aim of this research is to examine the effect of a pandemic on organic food purchasing. To provide evidence on this effect, data collected at two points in time (before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic) from 429 German consumers was analyzed with structural equation modeling. The results showed that pandemics positively influence both consumer quality consciousness (β = .116) and health consciousness (β = .106) and thereby enhance organic food purchasing. However, pandemics were not found to shape a consumers' environmental consciousness (β = -.005). Additional analyses showed that the effects of a pandemic are not equal for all consumer segments and that consumers' income occupies-different than consumers' age, gender, and education-a decisive role. For instance, pandemics promote consumers' health consciousness only for consumers of lower than of higher income. These findings yield the diverse implications for practitioners and public policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Sohn
- Department of Sociology, Environmental and Business EconomicsSyddansk UniversitetEsbjergDenmark
| | - Barbara Seegebarth
- Chair of Services ManagementTechnische Universität BraunschweigBraunschweigGermany
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23
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Piochi M, Buonocore F, Spampani F, Torri L. Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the perception of home meals and meal-related variables: A large-scale study within the Italian population during the acute phase of the pandemic. Food Qual Prefer 2022; 98:104488. [PMID: 34876781 PMCID: PMC8639481 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Italy was the first European country struck by the COVID-19 epidemic and experienced a national lockdown. This study explored the effect of lockdown on the perception of any meals prepared and/or conducted at home (home meals) and investigated which variables played a role in this. A group of Italians (n = 3,060) not suspected/diagnosed as having COVID-19 (18-91 years old; 33% males) completed an online survey during the first lockdown (April 2020). Liking for home meals either increased (51% of the population) or did not vary (43%), while it decreased for only 6% of respondents. Total meal intake similarly either increased (51%) or remained unchanged (33%). Core variables describing meal perception (Liking for meal, Pleasure in meal preparation, Meal duration, Meal Time, Overall food intake, Snack intake) were positively associated with each other. Two clusters with different perceptions of home meals were found, characterised by an increased appreciation (Cl1, 61%) and an unchanged appreciation (Cl2, 39%), respectively. In the acute phase of lockdown, increased meal pleasure was associated with home togetherness (not living alone), cooking with others more often, having high cooking dynamism (use of different kitchen tools, engaging in online food-related activities like using online recipe/website for cooking, use of ready-to-eat meal delivery), and being young, a student or a worker (Cl1). Conversely, Cl2 showed an unchanged meal pleasure, and it was mostly associated with living alone (before and during lockdown), being elderly, retired, widowed, having a low degree of cooking-related activities and dedicating a small weekly budget to food. Variables strictly describing the meal were discussed. Lockdown did not homogenously affect the population in terms of meal pleasure, and high enjoyment of meals was related to high meal involvement. Younger subjects seemed to be more resilient and appreciated meals more due to high cooking dynamism, food-related activities and togetherness. Public health policies could consider these outputs to set up interventions that use meal-dedication activities to increase meal pleasure in vulnerable targets or in subjects experiencing poorly appreciated diets in similar future stressful situations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luisa Torri
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Bra, Italy
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24
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Health conscious consumers and sugar confectionery: Present aspects and projections. Trends Food Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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25
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Canadian Consumers’ Dining Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Channel Decisions in the Foodservice Industry. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14094893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The past two years have been challenging for the restaurant industry in Canada and countries worldwide. This has led many casual and fine dining restaurants to adapt their business models to overcome the immediate and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aims to understand how COVID-19 has impacted Canadian consumers’ on- and off-premise dining behaviors and how such behaviors vary among various sociodemographic groups, general knowledge of COVID-19, and telecommuting. Data were collected from a nationally representative consumer panel (n = 1091), from a survey administered online by Angus Reid. The results show that Canadian consumers increased their off-premise dining experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, which also varied across various sociodemographic groups. There was also an increased level of telecommuting during the pandemic, of which 68% started following the pandemic. However, telecommuting was negatively correlated with off-premise dining experiences during the pandemic. Canadian consumers perceived off-premise dining during the pandemic as reasonably expensive, lesser quality, and more convenient. The findings may have important implications for casual and dining restaurants in Canada to improve channel decisions and messaging as operators prepare for a full-service post-COVID-19. They can build on the infrastructure and capability that has been established during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer sustainable services beyond the pandemic.
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26
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Examining COVID-19-Related Changes toward More Climate-Friendly Food Consumption in Germany. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14074267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined the overall potential that the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions have for the promotion of climate-friendly food consumption in Germany. We looked at COVID-19-related changes in people’s climate-friendly food-consumption behaviors by comparing retrospectively self-reported performances between the time period in which the COVID-19 restrictions were in place and the pre-COVID-19 period. Furthermore, we examined the durability of such COVID-19-related changes with regard to an imagined post-COVID-19 period and the role of people’s personal climate-protection norms in COVID-19-related behavioral changes. To do so, we conducted two online surveys in June/July 2020 with German consumers: (a) an online study in a sample that was representative of the German population (NCOR1 = 3092) and (b) another online study in a smaller sample of German consumers (NCOR2 = 300). Altogether, the data from both surveys indicated several COVID-19-related changes toward more climate-friendly food consumption, not only during the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions, but also with regard to long-term changes in a potential post-COVID-19 period. Furthermore, our results also provide initial empirical evidence that people’s personal climate-protection norms are relevant moderating factors of these short- and long-term COVID-19-related behavioral changes.
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Jaeger SR, Prescott J, Worch T. Food neophobia modulates importance of food choice motives: Replication, extension, and behavioural validation. Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and COVID-19: A Segmentation Analysis of Italian and US Consumers. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14073823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led many countries to implement restrictions on individual freedom to stop the contagion. The imposition of lockdowns has affected many socio-economic aspects and, in particular, eating habits, highlighting the need to analyse the healthiness of new consumption patterns. The aim of our study was to investigate the changes in adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a dietary model universally recognized as healthy, that have occurred both during and since the lockdown. The subsequent profiling of consumers allowed us to understand which sociodemographic and psychographic factors favoured the development of more or less adherence to Mediterranean diet consumption patterns. The study was conducted by administering a questionnaire to a representative sample of Italians and New Yorkers. Both groups, defined by deep socio-economic differences and by their own eating habits compared to the Mediterranean diet model, were affected by similar lockdown measures. The data collected were processed by cluster analysis that allowed to identify four homogeneous groups with respect to the adherence to the Mediterranean diet model. The results highlight a worrying situation with respect to the impacts of the pandemic on maintaining a proper dietary style according to the principles of the Mediterranean diet. In fact, there has been a general worsening trend due to an increase in consumption, in part linked to emotional eating, which is a cause for concern about the potential future impacts on the health of consumers. The study highlights the need, therefore, to implement actions by public decision-makers aimed at raising the awareness of citizens on the issue of correct eating habits and at developing adequate food policies to stem the trend towards unhealthy diets.
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Fernández Sánchez-Escalonilla S, Fernández-Escobar C, Royo-Bordonada MÁ. Public Support for the Imposition of a Tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and the Determinants of Such Support in Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:3758. [PMID: 35409442 PMCID: PMC8998005 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages are an effective public health intervention, but can be difficult to implement in the absence of public support. This is the first study to analyze the Spanish population’s support for a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. (2) Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of the Spanish adult population (n = 1002), using a computer-aided telephone interview with a questionnaire on nutritional policies. The support for the tax was calculated by the percentage of those who agreed plus those who strongly agreed with the measure. The sociodemographic determinants of support for the tax were analyzed using chi-squared test (χ2) and Poisson multiple regression models with robust variance. (3) Results: Of the participants, 66.9% supported a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Support for the tax was 9.2% higher (70% vs. 64.1%) when responders were first asked about support for tax relief and subsidies for healthy foods (p = 0.049). Support for the tax was 16% and 35% lower among persons reporting center and right-wing political sympathies (p < 0.01), and 16% lower among regular consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages (p = 0.01). (4) Conclusions: A clear majority of the Spanish population is in favor of imposing a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Awareness-raising campaigns and a policy of combining the measure with subsidies or tax cuts on healthy foods could increase the level of support among those currently against the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Fernández-Escobar
- Public Health and Epidemiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Spain;
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Royo-Bordonada MÁ, Fernández-Escobar C, Gil-Bellosta CJ, Ordaz E. Effect of excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in Catalonia, Spain, three and a half years after its introduction. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2022; 19:24. [PMID: 35279194 PMCID: PMC8917362 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-022-01262-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organisation urges countries to levy specific excise taxes on SSBs. Currently, more than 50 countries have introduced some type of tax on SSBs. In March 2017, the Autonomous Region of Catalonia approved the introduction of a tiered excise tax on SSBs for public health reasons. To evaluate the effect of the Catalonian excise tax on the price and purchase of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and their possible substitutes, i.e., non-sugar-sweetened beverages (NSSBs) and bottled water, three and half years after its introduction, and 1 year after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We analysed purchase data on soft drinks, fruit drinks and water, sourced from the Ministry of Agriculture food-consumption panel, in a random sample of 12,500 households across Spain. We applied the synthetic control method to infer the causal impact of the intervention, based on a Bayesian structural time-series model which predicts the counterfactual response that would have occurred in Catalonia, had no intervention taken place. RESULTS As compared to the predicted (counterfactual) response, per capita purchases of SSBs fell by 0.17 l three and a half years after implementing the SSB tax in Catalonia, a 16.7% decline (95% CI: - 23.18, - 8.74). The mean SSB price rose by 0.11 €/L, an 11% increase (95% CI: 9.0, 14.1). Although there were no changes in mean NSSB prices, NSSB consumption rose by 0.19 l per capita, a 21.7% increase (95% CI: 18.25, 25.54). There were no variations in the price or consumption of bottled water. The effects were progressively greater over time, with SSB purchases decreasing by 10.4% at 1 year, 12.3% at 2 years, 15.3% at 3 years, and 16.7% at three and a half years of the tax's introduction. CONCLUSIONS The Catalonian SSB excise tax had a sustained and progressive impact over time, with a fall in consumption of as much as 16.7% three and half years after its introduction. The observed NSSB substitution effect should be borne in mind when considering the application of this type of tax to the rest of Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Fernández-Escobar
- National School of Public Health, Institute of Health Carlos III, Sinesio Delgado, 8, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Elena Ordaz
- National School of Public Health, Institute of Health Carlos III, Sinesio Delgado, 8, 28029, Madrid, Spain
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Mignogna C, Costanzo S, Ghulam A, Cerletti C, Donati MB, de Gaetano G, Iacoviello L, Bonaccio M. Impact of Nationwide Lockdowns Resulting from the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Intake, Eating Behaviors, and Diet Quality: A Systematic Review. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:388-423. [PMID: 34967842 PMCID: PMC8755350 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmab130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The lockdowns resulting from the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted deeply on all life activities, including diet. We performed a systematic review to investigate changes in food intake, eating behaviors, and diet quality during lockdown as compared with before the lockdown. A literature search was performed using 3 electronic databases from inception until 13 June 2021. Observational studies evaluating changes in general populations during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown were eligible. Of 1963 studies retrieved from the search strategy, 95 met inclusion criteria (85 in adults, 10 in children/adolescents), and the majority were of high quality (72.6%). Most of the studies were web-based surveys using convenience sampling, mainly focused on variations in the consumption of foods and eating behaviors during lockdown, whereas only 15 studies analyzed diet quality through dietary indices. On the basis of the definition of a healthful diet as reflected by a traditional Mediterranean diet, an increase in recommended foods such as fruit and vegetables, legumes, cereals, and olive oil was observed, although a sharp decrease in fish intake and an increase in dairy products were documented. Accordingly, a reduction in foods that should be eaten less frequently was reported-namely, red and processed meat. However, a higher consumption of unhealthy foods (e.g., snacks and sweets) was also observed. Results indicated improved diet quality in Europe, especially among Mediterranean countries, with the exception of France, while a switch to poor nutrient patterns was observed in Colombia and Saudi Arabia. Analyses of eating behaviors suggest an increase in food intake, number of daily meals, and snacking. In conclusion, changes in intake of major food groups, apart from fish intake, were in line with the definition of a traditional Mediterranean diet, indicating a consistent moderate improvement in dietary habits worldwide. This review protocol was registered at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ as CRD42020225292.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Mignogna
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Simona Costanzo
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Anwal Ghulam
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Chiara Cerletti
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli, Italy
| | | | | | - Licia Iacoviello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy; Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli, Italy.
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Grunert KG, Janssen M, Nyland Christensen R, Teunissen L, Cuykx I, Decorte P, Reisch LA. "Corona Cooking": The interrelation between emotional response to the first lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic and cooking attitudes and behaviour in Denmark. Food Qual Prefer 2022; 96:104425. [PMID: 34629761 PMCID: PMC8489292 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
For this study, the authors measured attitudes toward shopping for food and cooking, before and during the first lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, among a sample of 526 Danish consumers, using an online survey. To analyse changes due to the lockdown, they applied a latent class Markov model, which revealed four states: middle of the road, love cooking (and like shopping), like shopping and cooking, and do not like shopping or cooking. In estimating transition probabilities, the findings reveal that most respondents remained in the same state before and during the lockdown, but those that changed were more likely to exhibit relatively higher liking of shopping and cooking. These states also reflect variations in people's food literacy and self-reported food consumption. Finally, respondents with stronger negative emotional reactions to the lockdown were more likely to change their states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus G Grunert
- MAPP Centre, Department of Management, Aarhus University, Denmark
- School of Marketing and Communication, University of Vaasa, Finland
| | - Meike Janssen
- Consumer and Behavioural Insights Group at the Department of Management, Society and Communication, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
| | | | | | - Isabelle Cuykx
- Department of Communication Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paulien Decorte
- Department of Communication Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lucia A Reisch
- Consumer and Behavioural Insights Group at the Department of Management, Society and Communication, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
- El-Erian Institute of Behavioural Economics and Public Policy, University of Cambridge, POLIS, United Kingdom
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Gligorić K, Chiolero A, Kıcıman E, White RW, West R. Population-scale dietary interests during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1073. [PMID: 35228539 PMCID: PMC8885865 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28498-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has altered people's lives around the world. Here we document population-wide shifts in dietary interests in 18 countries in 2020, as revealed through time series of Google search volumes. We find that during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic there was an overall surge in food interest, larger and longer-lasting than the surge during typical end-of-year holidays in Western countries. The shock of decreased mobility manifested as a drastic increase in interest in consuming food at home and a corresponding decrease in consuming food outside of home. The largest (up to threefold) increases occurred for calorie-dense carbohydrate-based foods such as pastries, bakery products, bread, and pies. The observed shifts in dietary interests have the potential to globally affect food consumption and health outcomes. These findings can inform governmental and organizational decisions regarding measures to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on diet and nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Gligorić
- School of Computer and Communication Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Arnaud Chiolero
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Emre Kıcıman
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington, United States
| | - Ryen W White
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington, United States
| | - Robert West
- School of Computer and Communication Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Song X, Bredahl L, Diaz Navarro M, Pendenza P, Stojacic I, Mincione S, Pellegrini G, Schlüter OK, Torrieri E, Di Monaco R, Giacalone D. Factors affecting consumer choice of novel non-thermally processed fruit and vegetables products: Evidence from a 4-country study in Europe. Food Res Int 2022; 153:110975. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.110975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Puścion-Jakubik A, Olechno E, Socha K, Zujko ME. Eating Habits during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Level of Antibodies IgG and FRAP-Experiences of Polish School Staff: A Pilot Study. Foods 2022; 11:408. [PMID: 35159557 PMCID: PMC8834520 DOI: 10.3390/foods11030408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought many changes in terms of lifestyle, education, stress levels, and social contacts. The aim of our research was to evaluate changes in eating habits, physical activity, and selected lifestyle elements in a group of school staff, as well as their immune response to vaccination against COVID-19, and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) level. In total, 108 primary school teachers and other school staff with integration departments were included in the study. An original survey was conducted with the school staff. Of the study group, 45.4% chose to be vaccinated against COVID-19. In this group, the level of IgG antibodies was assessed, as well as the level of FRAP before vaccination, and after the first and second dose. An original questionnaire was also carried out. A decrease in physical activity and an increase in the time spent in front of the computer have been demonstrated, but a positive observation was a favorable change in most eating habits. After the second dose of vaccination, all subjects achieved the appropriate level of IgG antibodies (above 22 U/mL), with the maximum level recorded in 51%. There was also a significant increase in FRAP levels in the group after the first and second dose of the vaccine compared to the baseline level; an issue that requires further observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Puścion-Jakubik
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2D Street, 15-222 Białystok, Poland;
| | - Ewa Olechno
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Białystok, Szpitalna 37 Street, 15-295 Białystok, Poland; (E.O.); (M.E.Z.)
| | - Katarzyna Socha
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2D Street, 15-222 Białystok, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Elżbieta Zujko
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Białystok, Szpitalna 37 Street, 15-295 Białystok, Poland; (E.O.); (M.E.Z.)
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Grunert KG, De Bauw M, Dean M, Lähteenmäki L, Maison D, Pennanen K, Sandell MA, Stasiuk K, Stickel L, Tarrega A, Vainio A, Vranken L. No lockdown in the kitchen: How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected food-related behaviours. Food Res Int 2021; 150:110752. [PMID: 34865770 PMCID: PMC8520572 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and especially the lockdowns coming with it have been a disruptive event also for food consumption. In order to study the impact of the pandemic on eating habits, self-reported changes in food-related behaviours were investigated in ten European countries by means of an online survey. A latent class cluster analysis distinguished five clusters and showed that different types of consumers can be distinguished based on how they react to the pandemic as regards their eating habits. While food-related behaviours were resilient for 60% of the sample, another 35% reported more enjoyment in cooking and eating, more time in the kitchen and more family meals. Among those, a slight majority also showed signs of more mindful eating, as indicated by more deliberate choices and increased consumption of healthy food, whereas a slight minority reported more consumption of indulgence food. Only 5% indicated less involvement with food. As the COVID-19 pandemic is a disruptive event, some of these changes may have habit-breaking properties and open up new opportunities and challenges for food policy and food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus G Grunert
- MAPP Centre, Aarhus University, Denmark; School of Marketing and Communication, University of Vaasa, Finland.
| | - Michiel De Bauw
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Moira Dean
- School of Biological Sciences, Queens University Belfast, UK
| | | | | | | | - Mari A Sandell
- Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | - Amparo Tarrega
- Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), Spain
| | - Annukka Vainio
- Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liesbet Vranken
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
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Dumitras DE, Harun R, Arion FH, Chiciudean DI, Kovacs E, Oroian CF, Porutiu A, Muresan IC. Food Consumption Patterns in Romania during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Foods 2021; 10:2712. [PMID: 34828993 PMCID: PMC8623437 DOI: 10.3390/foods10112712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Food consumption behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic has changed worldwide as a consequence of the restrictions imposed by law and/or due to the fear of contamination. Although some similarities are found among countries, there are still many particularities for each nation. The present study focused on Romanian consumers and their consumption behavior related to four main food categories: fruits and vegetables, meat and meat products, bread and bakery products, and milk and milk products. Frequency of buying, shopping habits, place of purchase, and concerns related to the place of purchasing food products during the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed in comparison with the pre-COVID-19 period using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics regarding an online survey. Three types of behavior were identified as being related to the frequency of buying and to organizing a shopping list (less often, no change, more often). Two groups of consumers were identified as being related to the place of purchasing food: people with the same habits and people with new habits. Concerns related to the location of the stores and to the choice of buying directly from producers were also investigated using the ordered logistic regression. The empirical study revealed the new consumption patterns with a reflection on future trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana E. Dumitras
- Department of Economic Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.E.D.); (F.H.A.); (D.I.C.); (E.K.); (C.F.O.); (A.P.)
| | - Rezhen Harun
- Department of Agribusiness and Rural Development, College of Agricultural Sciences Engineering, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani 5100, Iraq;
| | - Felix H. Arion
- Department of Economic Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.E.D.); (F.H.A.); (D.I.C.); (E.K.); (C.F.O.); (A.P.)
| | - Daniel I. Chiciudean
- Department of Economic Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.E.D.); (F.H.A.); (D.I.C.); (E.K.); (C.F.O.); (A.P.)
| | - Eniko Kovacs
- Department of Economic Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.E.D.); (F.H.A.); (D.I.C.); (E.K.); (C.F.O.); (A.P.)
- National Institute for Research and Development of Optoelectronics Bucharest INOE 2000, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation Subsidiary, 67 Donath Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Camelia F. Oroian
- Department of Economic Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.E.D.); (F.H.A.); (D.I.C.); (E.K.); (C.F.O.); (A.P.)
| | - Andra Porutiu
- Department of Economic Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.E.D.); (F.H.A.); (D.I.C.); (E.K.); (C.F.O.); (A.P.)
| | - Iulia C. Muresan
- Department of Economic Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.E.D.); (F.H.A.); (D.I.C.); (E.K.); (C.F.O.); (A.P.)
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Filip R, Anchidin-Norocel L, Gheorghita R, Savage WK, Dimian M. Changes in Dietary Patterns and Clinical Health Outcomes in Different Countries during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Nutrients 2021; 13:3612. [PMID: 34684615 PMCID: PMC8539259 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to an excess in community mortality across the globe. We review recent evidence on the clinical pathology of COVID-19, comorbidity factors, immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and factors influencing infection outcomes. The latter specifically includes diet and lifestyle factors during pandemic restrictions. We also cover the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through food products and the food chain, as well as virus persistence on different surfaces and in different environmental conditions, which were major public concerns during the initial days of the pandemic, but have since waned in public attention. We discuss useful measures to avoid the risk of SARS-CoV-2 spread through food, and approaches that may reduce the risk of contamination with the highly contagious virus. While hygienic protocols are required in food supply sectors, cleaning, disinfection, avoidance of cross-contamination across food categories, and foodstuffs at different stages of the manufacturing process are still particularly relevant because the virus persists at length on inert materials such as food packaging. Moreover, personal hygiene (frequent washing and disinfection), wearing gloves, and proper use of masks, clothes, and footwear dedicated to maintaining hygiene, provide on-site protections for food sector employees as well as supply chain intermediates and consumers. Finally, we emphasize the importance of following a healthy diet and maintaining a lifestyle that promotes physical well-being and supports healthy immune system function, especially when government movement restrictions ("lockdowns") are implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Filip
- Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania; (R.F.); (R.G.); (W.K.S.)
- Regional County Emergency Hospital, 720224 Suceava, Romania
| | - Liliana Anchidin-Norocel
- Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania; (R.F.); (R.G.); (W.K.S.)
| | - Roxana Gheorghita
- Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania; (R.F.); (R.G.); (W.K.S.)
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation in Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, and Distributed Systems for Fabrication and Control, Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania;
| | - Wesley K. Savage
- Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania; (R.F.); (R.G.); (W.K.S.)
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation in Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, and Distributed Systems for Fabrication and Control, Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania;
| | - Mihai Dimian
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation in Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, and Distributed Systems for Fabrication and Control, Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania;
- Department of Computers, Electronics and Automation, Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania
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39
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Ferreira Rodrigues J, Cunha Dos Santos Filho MT, Aparecida de Oliveira LE, Brandemburg Siman I, Barcelos ADF, de Paiva Anciens Ramos GL, Almeida Esmerino E, Gomes da Cruz A, Arriel RA. Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on food habits and perceptions: A study with Brazilians. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021; 116:992-1001. [PMID: 34539079 PMCID: PMC8434886 DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following the COVID-19 pandemic (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus) at the beginning of 2020, containment measures have been taken by different countries around the globe. Citizens were forced to stay in quarantine, affecting their food consumption habits and food sector. These impacts have not yet been properly understood. Thus, it is important to describe the consequences of COVID-19 on food consumption habits globally, especially in the context of developing countries, such as Brazil. SCOPE AND APPROACH In this study, the Brazilian's food consumption habits and perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic were assessed, highlighting the food consumption changes and selection of food products. Consumer perceptions about issues related to food safety and food marketing were also assessed. An online survey was performed and data were analyzed by descriptive analysis; independence and per cell chi-square test; and factor analysis. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS Brazilians perceptions indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic context (assessed in May 2020) changed their food consumption and purchase. Respondents stated that they are eating and buying a greater amount of food, indicating a perception of a less healthy diet, mainly by women. On other hand, they are prioritizing homemade preparations and fresh food. Moreover, they reduced their shopping trips to markets and are starting to use delivery services and shopping platforms. Basic products of animal, vegetable, and bakery origin are being preferred during this period, in addition to economical packaging and products. Brazilians also indicated that they are more concerned with food safety and hygienic practices. However, at a time when global health is threatened, government agencies must create measures that ensure the food supply and consumer's awareness, in order to guarantee the country's food security during the current crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ingrid Brandemburg Siman
- Department of Agrarian Sciences, Federal Institute of Minas Gerais Campus Bambuí, Bambuí, Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo Luis de Paiva Anciens Ramos
- Department of Food, Federal Institute of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rhaí André Arriel
- Department of Phisiology, Federal University of Juíz de Fora, Juíz de Fora, MG, Brazil
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40
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Apostolaki I, Pepa A, Vlassopoulos A, Kapsokefalou M. Social Capital and Self-Perceived Quality of Life-Interrelated Predictors of Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Older Adults. Nutrients 2021; 13:3100. [PMID: 34578978 PMCID: PMC8465589 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Living a healthy life in a supporting environment are key elements towards higher diet quality in older age. The Mediterranean Diet in Older Adults (MINOA) study collected cross-sectional data from adults ≥65 years old (n = 436) from April 2014 to November 2015 in rural Crete, aiming to understand the interrelations between Mediterranean Diet adherence, Social Capital and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL). Multivariate linear regression, carried out using SPSS 20.0, revealed that both Social Capital and HRQL has a positive impact on Mediterranean Diet adherence after adjustment for confounders and independently of each other. Total Social Capital as well as its Value of Life/Social Agency component (β = 0.04 and β = 0.1, p < 0.05, respectively) had a positive relationship with Mediterranean Diet adherence. As far as HRQL is concerned, only the Physical Health components were found to have a positive association with Mediterranean Diet adherence (β = 0.09, p < 0.001). At the same time Total Social Capital was also seen to have a positive relationship with perceived Physical and Mental Health (β = 0.21 and β = 0.28, p < 0.001, respectively). In a population of older adults Social Capital, HRQL and Mediterranean Diet adherence seem to share intricate interrelations that impact both diet quality and quality of life overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Apostolaki
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (I.A.); (A.P.); (A.V.)
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aleks Pepa
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (I.A.); (A.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Antonis Vlassopoulos
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (I.A.); (A.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Maria Kapsokefalou
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (I.A.); (A.P.); (A.V.)
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Chwałczyńska A, Andrzejewski W. Changes in Body Mass and Composition of the Body as Well as Physical Activity and Time Spent in Front of the Monitor by Students of the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences during the Period of COVID-19 Restrictions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7801. [PMID: 34360094 PMCID: PMC8345687 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to assess the impact of changes in daily physical activity during the blockade (March 2020-February 2021) on the mass and segmental composition of the body of young people. Material and research methods: In total, 120 people from the sports and medical university aged 19.8 (±0.8) years, average height 173.2 (±9.2) cm, body mass 66.1 (±12.8), and BMI 19.2 (±5.9) kg/m2. The research was carried out in two stages. The total and segmental body mass of the respondents and the change in physical activity during the pandemic were assessed twice (December 2019, February 2021). There was a statistically significant increase in body mass in men, an increase in total fat mass in women, and statistically significant changes in the distribution of fat mass in both sexes. Conclusions: In the studied group, there was a change in the forms of physical activity from strength and group activity to endurance activity (running forms, cycling.) and individual activity. The subjects showed a statistically significant increase in body fat, regardless of gender, and in the upper limbs in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Chwałczyńska
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, I.J. Paderewskiego Av. 35, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Waldemar Andrzejewski
- Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, I.J. Paderewskiego Av. 35, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland;
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Grant F, Scalvedi ML, Scognamiglio U, Turrini A, Rossi L. Eating Habits during the COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy: The Nutritional and Lifestyle Side Effects of the Pandemic. Nutrients 2021; 13:2279. [PMID: 34209271 PMCID: PMC8308479 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To limit the spread of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, a nationwide lockdown started in Italy in March 2020. In this unpredictable situation, a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was carried out by the Observatory on Food Surplus, Recovery and Waste of CREA Food and Nutrition Centre. The aim of this work was to evaluate how Italian habits changed during this period, the determinants of changes, and the effect on food waste prevention. In a sample of 2678 respondents, 62% showed low Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (AMD). During lockdown many of participants improved the quality of their diet, increasing their consumption of fruit (24.4%), vegetables (28.5%), legumes (22.1%), nuts (12%), and fish or shellfish (14%). Unfavorable changes were observed with the excessive consumption of sweets or pastries (36.9%) and comfort foods (22.7%), and a lack of physical activity (37.2%). The main novelty of this study was the examination of dietary changes identified by a cluster analysis. Respondents with generally high AMD improved their eating habits, while the habits of the respondents with generally low AMD remained unchanged. In addition, nearly 80% of respondents were sensitive to food waste. The study provides a useful contribution to the debate on nutritional recommendations in case of further lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Grant
- CREA Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy; (M.L.S.); (U.S.); (A.T.)
| | | | | | | | - Laura Rossi
- CREA Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy; (M.L.S.); (U.S.); (A.T.)
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