Effect of COVID-19 outbreak on the diet, body weight and food security status of students of higher education: a systematic review

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on Body Mass Index and Physical Fitness in Chinese College Students

PURPOSE

To explore the impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (CoPL) on body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness among college students.

METHODS

Two one-year cohorts, one with no pandemic lockdown (NoPL) exposure and one with CoPL exposure, were included. Baseline measurements were performed in October 2018 (NoPL) and October 2019 (CoPL), and follow-up data were collected one year later. Participants were divided into "deterioration", "no-change", and "improvement" groups based on their quartile distribution of one-year differences (follow-up-baseline) for lower 25%, middle 50%, and upper 25%. Baseline-category logit regression models were used to determine the odds ratios of deterioration and improvement in BMI and physical fitness, with "no-change" used as baseline.

RESULTS

A total of 2,594 and 2,525 students were included in NoPL and CoPL cohorts, respectively. CoPL was associated with higher odds for deterioration in BMI (male), explosive strength, upper-limb muscle strength, abdominal muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness, but lower odds for deterioration in BMI (female) and flexibility. CoPL was associated with lower odds for improvement in BMI (male), explosive strength, lower-limb and upper-limb muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness, but higher odds for improvement in BMI (female) and flexibility.

DISCUSSION

Not all dimensions of health outcomes were negatively impacted by the lockdown, as deterioration in BMI in males, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness following the CoPL were more than that in the absence of the lockdown, while deterioration in BMI in females and flexibility were less than that in the absence of the lockdown.

The association between health behaviours and academic performance moderated by trait mindfulness amongst university students: an observational study

Objectives

To target health communication at less health-conscious groups, evidence on health behaviours' effects on non-health-related outcomes - such as academic performance - is necessary. Recent research has highlighted the associations of various health behaviours on academic performance of university students. However, there is a lack of research investigating the most predominant health behaviours simultaneously and their association with academic performance, as well as the factors that potentially influence the direction or strength of these associations. Therefore, this study investigated (I) which of the predominant health behaviours (physical activity, healthy diet, sleep, sedentary behaviour, alcohol consumption, smoking, drug use) are most associated with academic performance and (II) whether the personal resource of trait mindfulness moderates these associations.

Methods

An online survey was conducted amongst university students during the 2021 summer semester. Group differences in academic performance regarding health behaviours were analysed using ANOVA (N = 1,049). A first linear regression model (N = 571), considering all selected health behaviours simultaneously, assessed their association with academic performance. A second model (N = 540) assessed interaction effects of health behaviours and trait mindfulness. Separate regressions assessed each interaction's association with academic performance.

Results

Sleep, fruit and vegetable consumption, and gender were significantly associated with academic performance. The second model showed no significant interaction effects.

Conclusion

Targeting sleep and fruit and vegetable consumption might be the most promising strategies for elevating students' academic performance, thereby enabling health communication strategies to reach groups driven by performance improvements rather than health benefits.

Motivational interviewing for weight management among college students during COVID-19: An exploratory randomized controlled trial

Background

College students encounter challenges in managing their weight. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exacerbated the problem. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a motivational interviewing (MI) intervention compared to online education (control) on body composition and self-determination theory constructs among college students with overweight.

Methods

This was a randomized clinical trial of 40 college students comparing an MI versus a control group. The MI group received monthly interviews: three face-to-face interviews before the pandemic, and three video chat interviews after the outbreak of COVID-19 spanning a total of six months. The control group received six, monthly education modules. Body composition was measured by the iDexa and self-determination theory (SDT) variables were assessed with surveys.

Results

Mixed ANOVAs from pre-post revealed significant changes in fat mass (p = .03, η2 = 0.22), lean mass (p < .05, η2 = 0.18), body fat percentage (p < .01, η2 = 0.37), autonomy (p < .01, η2 = 0.38), relatedness (p < .01, η2 = 0.41), amotivation (p = .01, η2 = 0.29), external regulation (p = .02, η2 = 0.23), identified regulation (p = .02, η2 = 0.25), integrated regulation (p < .00, η2 = 0.49), and intrinsic regulation (p = .01, η2 = 0.27).

Conclusions

In this exploratory analysis, MI demonstrated a positive trend in body composition maintenance when compared to online education among overweight college students during a national pandemic. Future studies utilizing MI would enhance the literature by further investigating the relationship between MI and SDT and measuring body composition.Clinicaltrials.gov. identifier: NCT04130386.

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

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.

Changes in Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Body Weight among Lithuanian Students during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic

The long-term effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle changes remains understudied. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess changes in nutrition, physical activity, and body weight among Lithuanian students during the pandemic and their post-pandemic persistence. Data were collected from 1430 first-year students (325 males, 1105 females) through an online self-administered questionnaire. The students indicated an increase in the consumption of snacks, fast food, home-made confectionery, and sweets. A decrease in physical activity during the pandemic was reported by 34.9% of males and 33.2% of females. Lifestyle changes during the pandemic were associated with post-pandemic habits. A higher proportion of females (38.7%) than males (31.1%) indicated an increase in BMI, which was more pronounced among students with overweight. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that reduced physical activity; the increased consumption of red meat, snacks, fast food, and home-made confectionery during the pandemic; and post-pandemic BMI were linked with weight gain. After the pandemic, weight gain persisted in 40.9% of students who continued to follow unhealthy nutrition habits and had reduced physical activity. The study emphasizes that the promotion of a healthy diet and regular physical activity among university students is essential for developing lifelong habits that contribute to a healthy body weight and overall well-being.

Breakfast Frequency and Sleep Quality in College Students: The Multiple Mediating Effects of Sleep Chronotypes and Depressive Symptoms

Sleep disorders, which are prominent problems among college students, may be associated with skipping breakfast. Therefore, we aimed to explore the role of sleep chronotypes and depressive symptoms as mediators in the relationship between breakfast frequency and sleep quality. A cross-sectional survey enrolling random samples of 712 college students was conducted by the Questionnaire Star online platform. Statistical description and correlation analysis were performed by SPSS 25.0, and a chain mediation test was performed by model 6 in PROCESS 3.5. The result of the article demonstrated that breakfast frequency can affect sleep quality through two mediating pathways: ① sleep chronotypes, with a mediating effect of 32%; and ② depressive symptoms, with a mediating effect of 52.4%. However, the chain mediating effects of sleep chronotypes and depressive symptoms was not significant, and neither was the direct effect of breakfast frequency on sleep quality. Breakfast frequency can indirectly affect sleep quality by adjusting sleep chronotypes and depressive symptoms. Regular breakfast can increase morning and intermediate sleep chronotypes, reduce depressive symptoms, and thus improve sleep quality.

Food insecurity disparities and impact on academic and social experiences among college students at a large public university

Objective: This research seeks to understand food insecurity experiences among students at a large public university in the southern United States. Participants: Participants consented and completed an online survey disseminated on campus in April-May 2021 (N = 418). The participants sampled were predominantly undergraduate (78.2%), females (72.4%), who lived off campus (54.1%), and were racially/ethnically diverse. Methods: Descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression, and chi-squared tests were used to examine the differences and association between demographic characteristics and behaviors and food insecurity status. Results: About 32% students surveyed had experienced food insecurity in the last year, which resembles national trends. There were significant differences in students' food insecurity status by race, sexual orientation, first-generation status, residential category, and main mode of transportation. Food insecurity impacted academic and socioeconomic student behaviors. Conclusions: This research has implications for improving the academic, physical, and psychological wellbeing of university students and should inform future programs and policies.

Financial and Other Life Stressors, Psychological Distress, and Food and Beverage Consumption among Students Attending a Large California State University during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic abruptly disrupted the daily lives and health of college students across the United States. This study investigated several stressors (e.g., financial strain/uncertainty), psychological distress, and dietary behaviors among college students attending a large state university during the pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to students from the California State University, Los Angeles between April and May 2021 (final analytic sample n = 736). Differences in gender and race/ethnicity were examined using chi-square, t-test, and one-way ANOVA tests. Paired t-tests were performed to compare variables before and during the pandemic. Negative binomial regression models examined the associations between various stressors, psychological distress, and three key dietary outcomes. Descriptive results showed that the consumption of fruits and vegetables, fast food, and sugary beverages, along with psychological distress, all increased during the pandemic. Significant differences in fruit and vegetable and fast food consumption by gender and race/ethnicity were also observed. In the regression models, several stressors, including financial strain and psychological distress, were associated with unfavorable food and beverage consumption, thereby suggesting that college students may need more support in mitigating these stressors so they do not manifest as poor dietary behaviors. Poor diet quality is associated with poor physical health outcomes such as premature development of type 2 diabetes or hypertension.

How Has COVID-19 Affected Mental Health and Lifestyle Behaviors after 2 Years? The Third Step of a Longitudinal Study of Italian Citizens

The COVID-19 pandemic and its protective measures had a tremendous effect on the general population's mental health and deeply affected their lifestyle. The present study carried out a longitudinal analysis to evaluate the long-lasting psychological effects of the pandemic and its impact on the general population's day-to-day routine. Three points in time were considered: the initial period of the lockdown (T1; n = 2766; March 2020), the final period of the lockdown (T2; n = 439; May 2020) and two years after the lockdown (T3; n = 268; July 2022). Frequency analyses were carried out to examine which behavioral changes were maintained following the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown; furthermore, a repeated measures ANOVA test was run to measure differences in depression, stress, and anxiety levels between the three periods considered; lastly, multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses were carried out to examine which variables were associated with psychological distress more than two years after the lockdown. The results highlighted that depression at T3 was associated with depression at T2 and negative affect, whereas stress at T3 was associated with stress at T2 and detachment. The psychological effects and lifestyle changes are also discussed.

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthy Components of Diet and Factors Associated with Unfavorable Changes among University Students in France

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns have affected many aspects of university students’ daily lives, including their dietary habits. This study aimed to evaluate the change of diet quality of university students before and during the COVID-19 period, and the factors associated with unfavorable changes in diet quality. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was performed in May 2021 among Rouen (France) university students. Socio-demographic characteristics, body mass index, depression, academic stress, risk of eating disorders and food security were collected. The French “Programme National Nutrition Santé-Guidelines Score 2” (PNNS-GS2) was used to access diet quality. Results: A total of 3508 students were included, 74.4% were female, the mean age was 20.7 (SD = 2.3), and 7.0% were in a situation of food insecurity. The PNNS-GS2 score decreased between the pre- and the COVID-19 pandemic period for 33.1% of university students. The associated factors with the decrease in the PNNS-GS2 score were food insecurity, financial insecurity, not living with parents, depression, academic stress, eating disorders, being in the two first years of study and having been infected by COVID-19. Conclusions: Diets with healthy components decreased for one-third of university students since the COVID-19 pandemic, and this was shown to be associated with food insecurity, poor mental health and eating disorder. This study provides important information to help public health authorities and universities give better support to student health feeding programs during pandemics and lockdowns.