Does COVID-19 change dietary habits and lifestyle behaviours in Kuwait: a community-based cross-sectional study

Change in leisure-time physical activity and perception of weight gain during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from the ELSA-Brasil Cohort

OBJECTIVE

this study aimed to identify the association between changes in Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA) and Perceived Weight Gain (PWG) during the COVID-19 pandemic among participants enrolled in the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

METHODS

an observational longitudinal study utilizing data from the ELSA-Brasil, Wave 3 - W3 (2017-2019), and Wave-COVID - WC (July/2020 to February/2021). LTPA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, collected at both time points, while PWG was evaluated through a questionnaire in WC. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 21.0, with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

among 4402 adults (57.8 % women), after adjusting for potential confounding variables, individuals who reduced their LTPA levels to the extent of changing their classification were more likely to experience PWG - specifically, those who were moderately active in W3 and became sedentary in WC (OR = 1.5 [95 % CI, 1.2-1.9]) or had low LTPA in WC (OR = 1.6 [95 % CI, 1.2-2.1]), and those who were highly active in W3 and presented a low level of LTPA in WC (OR = 2.3 [95 % CI, 1.05-5.4]).

CONCLUSION

our findings suggest that individuals who engaged in LTPA (moderately and highly levels) during W3 but transitioned to insufficiently active or sedentary lifestyles during the WC, were more likely to experience PWG.

A cross-sectional study on health behavior changes during COVID-19 among adults in Malaysia

Introduction

COVID-19 has triggered significant disruptions globally, necessitating swift adaptations in individuals' health behaviors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted during Phase Four of Malaysia's National Recovery Plan and examines how the pandemic has affected health behaviors among adult Malaysians. The study gathered data online using convenience sampling with 1,004 respondents aged 18 and above. The research focused on diverse health domains, including eating habits, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and sleep patterns. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and descriptive statistics were employed to compare health behaviors before and after COVID-19.

Results

Findings indicate noteworthy shifts in eating behaviors, with increased water and fruit consumption (p < .001). The frequency of home-cooked meals stayed relatively stable despite declining dinner preference and increasing daily snacks. Physical activity declined, marked by increased sedentary behavior and screen time (p < .001). There were differences in the patterns of smoking and alcohol consumption; some had started these behaviors during the pandemic. Notably, intentions to quit smoking among respondents were more prominent than attempts to stop drinking. Respondents' sleep patterns also changed, with more sleeping fewer than seven hours daily (p < .001).

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the need for focused interventions to address new challenges by highlighting the impact on health behaviors. As Malaysia navigates the post-pandemic landscape, understanding and mitigating the persisting effects on health behaviors are crucial for promoting overall well-being.

Food purchase and consumption behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Bangladesh: association between sociodemographic composition

BACKGROUND

Bangladesh suffered a severe COVID-19 wave from June to August 2021, which forced the government to impose emergency nationwide lockdown measures for three months with discontinuities. The sudden lockdown strongly affected the dietary preferences, financial circumstances, and social interactions of citizens.

METHODS

In this comprehensive study, we collected sociodemographic information as well as data on food purchase and consumption behaviors from 1,350 adults in Bangladesh during the weeks of enforced confinement. The association between the sociodemographic factors (viz., gender, age, education status, income, occupation, and household size) and food purchase and consumption behaviors were determined by conducting bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models reporting as odds ratios.

RESULTS

The descriptive result reveals that 49.63% of the participants experienced wage reductions, with many people enduring reductions of up to 75%; 12.22% lost their jobs. Besides, a decline in the frequency of shopping was observed by 35.04%; and 24.52% avoided outdoor shopping during the pandemic period. Additionally, 28.74% of participants purchased less overall, while 19.48% purchased significantly fewer items per trip compared to the pre-pandemic period. The multivariate analysis shows a prominent increase in online grocery shopping (OR: 4.03, 95% CI: 2.38-6.83, p < 0.001) and meal delivery services (OR = 5.19, 95% CI = 3.21-7.17, p < 0.001) among higher educated individuals compared to the individuals having no institutional education. The personnel having formal jobs purchased 2.34 times more from online grocery sites (95% CI = 0.34-4.08, p = 0.003) compared to the unemployed one. In contrast, a notable increase in panic buying and stockpiling was observed, driven by scarcity and escalating prices of essential food items. The frequency of meals with families, active engagement in meal preparation, and the exploration of novel recipes also increased notably.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of takeaway food and inter-meal snacks increased significantly with the education level of individuals. These findings highlighted that a prolonged pandemic could magnify economic vulnerability in Bangladesh.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk in the Obese Population in Kuwait: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The increasing prevalence of obesity and associated cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Kuwait requires a comprehensive analysis of its contributing factors and health outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the current evidence on the relationship between obesity and CVDs and identify the main factors driving obesity in the Kuwaiti population.

METHODS

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, multiple databases were systematically searched, identifying 980 articles. After removing duplicates and screening the articles against the inclusion criteria (observational or intervention studies published from 2001 to 2024 in English, conducted in Kuwait or on Kuwaitis, examining obesity (body mass index or validated measures) and CVDs (coronary artery disease, stroke, heart attack, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes), 44 published studies from 2001 to 2024 were included in the final analysis. The studies varied widely in design and population, complicating the estimation of the total number of participants.

RESULTS

The pooled prevalence of overweight patients was 36% (95% CI: 25-47) with high heterogeneity (I2=99.86%) and a statistically non-significant difference (p>0.01). Likewise, the pooled prevalence of overweight patients was 31% (95% CI: 23-40, I2=99.03%), with a statistically non-significant difference (p>0.01). The key factors contributing to obesity in Kuwait include a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, poor sleep quality, stress, genetic predisposition, metabolic disorders, environmental factors, and cultural factors. Sedentary behavior and unhealthy diets, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and economic growth, were prominent contributors. Genetic studies have identified specific genetic variants associated with obesity. Stress and poor sleep quality were significant factors, particularly in urban environments. A strong association was found between obesity and various CVD risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus, with pooled population attributable risk estimates of 15%-18%, 13%-15%, and 10%, respectively.

DISCUSSION

These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of obesity in Kuwait, which is influenced by lifestyle, dietary habits, genetic factors, and socioeconomic changes. Age- and gender-specific analyses revealed higher obesity rates in adults aged 40-60 years and stronger associations with CVD in females. The consistent link between obesity and CVD risk factors highlights the urgent need for targeted public health interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity contributes significantly to the CVD burden in Kuwait, driven by a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors. Comprehensive strategies addressing these determinants are essential to mitigate the obesity epidemic and its associated health risks in the Kuwaiti population.

COVID-19 lockdown and lifestyles: A narrative review

Background

The primary objective worldwide during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had been controlling disease transmission. However, lockdown measures used to mitigate transmission affected human behavior and altered lifestyles, with a likely impact on chronic non-communicable diseases. More than a year into the pandemic, substantial peer-reviewed literature emerged on altered lifestyles following the varying lockdown measures imposed globally to control the virus spread. We explored the impact of lockdown measures on six lifestyle factors, namely diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, social connectedness, and the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other harmful substances.

Methods

We comprehensively searched PubMed and the World Health Organization's global literature database on COVID-19 and retrieved 649 relevant articles for the narrative review. A critical interpretative synthesis of the articles was performed.

Results

Most of the articles included in the review identified the negative effect of lockdown measures on each of the lifestyle factors in many parts of the world. Encouraging lifestyle trends were also highlighted in a few articles. Such trends can positively influence the outcome of lifestyle-related chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes.

Conclusions

The lockdown associated with COVID-19 has largely had a negative impact on the lifestyles of individuals and communities across many countries and cultures. However, some individuals and communities also initiated positive lifestyle-related behavioral changes. If the knowledge generated by studying the impact of COVID-19-related lockdowns on the six lifestyle factors is further consolidated, it could improve chronic disease outcomes. This will help better understand lifestyle behaviors amidst crises and assist in redesigning extreme public health measures such as lockdowns.. It is up to governments, communities, and healthcare/academic entities to derive benefit from lessons learned from the pandemic, with the ultimate objective of better educating and promoting healthy lifestyles among communities.

Dietary Shifts since COVID-19: A Study of Racial Differences

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the quality and quantity of people's food consumption.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the dietary shifts among different racial groups resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on changes in consumption across various food categories.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included a sample of 10,050 urban residents aged 40-100 years across the United States. Dietary patterns among African American, Asian, Hispanic, and White populations were assessed before and since the pandemic (retrospective condition) using the Dietary Screening Tool (DST). The DST investigates consumption trends in food groups aligned with the MyPlate guidelines, plus fat, sugar, and sweet (FSS) intake and processed meats.

RESULTS

This study found significant shifts in food consumption patterns among racial groups since COVID-19. The data indicate that African American individuals largely reduced their consumption of several food groups compared to White individuals, with a 43% decrease in processed meats, 42% in dairy, 36% in lean protein, 21% in fruit, 17% in grains, and 15% in FSS, although their vegetable consumption did not significantly decrease. African American individuals also consumed 66% less processed meat, 57% less dairy, and 30% less lean protein in comparison to Asian individuals. Hispanic individuals also showed a tendency to reduce their consumption more than White individuals, with a 34% decrease in dairy, 28% in vegetables, and 24% in fruit. In contrast, Asian individuals consumed 37% less FSS and 34% less grains than White individuals. Additionally, when compared to Asian individuals, Hispanic individuals consumed 49% less dairy and 47% less processed meat. The findings also revealed that African American individuals were the most nutritionally vulnerable group since the pandemic. Specifically, they were 38% and 35% more likely to be considered at nutritional risk than Asians and White participants, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings illuminate the considerable dietary shifts induced by the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasize the critical need to address the racial disparities in nutritional vulnerability and public health policy.

Differences in eating habits, physical activity, and sleep patterns among high school students and their parents before and during COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly disrupted the eating and lifestyle habits among populations, especially among younger populations who are more prone to unhealthy dietary behaviours. However, current knowledge related to eating and lifestyle patterns, especially physical activity and sleep among different generations is limited. Our study sought to understand the eating habits, physical activity, and sleep behaviours among high school students compared to their parents in Saudi Arabia, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This study was conducted in public high schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (n = 8 schools), spanning from September 2021 to April 2022. Data were collected using an online questionnaire, distributed to all students and their parents (n = 516) in these schools.

Results

During the pandemic, parents (46.4%) showed a heightened interest in health and nutrition compared to students (32.7%, p = 0.001). Food preferences changed for 58.1% of participants; 70.0% of parents and 36.7% of students opted for homemade food (p < 0.001). Unhealthy behaviours like eating out were more common in students. Weight varied by 74.0% during COVID-19, with more parents (41.4%) gaining weight than students (31.6%, p = 0.018). Physical activity dropped more for parents (42.1%) than students (23.9%), though 30.7 and 31.6% reported increases, respectively (p < 0.001). Regardless of the pandemic, students were more likely to sleep later compared to parents (58.0% vs. 41.4%; p < 0.001), while parents were more prone to waking up earlier compared to students (81.4% vs. 67.3%, p = 0.002).

Discussion

The findings underscore the varied pandemic impact on eating habits and physical activity between students and parents. Tailored interventions are vital for promoting healthier choices during health crises.

Exploring Hypertension Patient Engagement Using mHealth. A Scoping Review

INTRODUCTION

Widespread use of smartphone applications has opened new perspectives for home Blood Pressure monitoring based on mobile health (mHealth) technologies. Patient engagement has been dubbed 'the silver bullet of the century'.

AIM

The aim was to identify the impact of engagement in patients with blood pressure using mHealth.

METHODS

This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Ark0sey and O'Malley framework.

DATABASE

Pubmed, CINAHL, Scopus and PsycInfo. This review considered both qualitative and quantitative primary searches. We excluded articles belonging to grey literature, secondary literature and paediatric setting. Between September and November 2023, the review was carried out.

RESULTS

A total of 569 documents were retrieved from the four databases. After the deduplication process, five articles were removed. The selection process based on titles and abstracts included 133 records. Ten studies were selected and analysed. The reviewers identified the following themes: device type and mobile applications, engagement, blood pressure control, health behaviours and hypertension knowledge. Self-management using digital technologies in the home is strongly linked to engagement, reduction and control of Blood Pressure, improved health practices and increased knowledge of hypertension. Healthcare interventions using IT platforms have had a significant impact on the health outcomes of patients diagnosed with hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

The review findings suggest the value of these technologies in improving patient engagement and, consequently, adherence to antihypertensive treatment and achieving blood pressure control rates, potentially reducing cardiovascular risk.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sedentary life in young adults: a cross-sectional study

In this study, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and sedentary lifestyle of young adults were evaluated. The cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals aged 18-35 years between December 2021 and March 2022. In the study, sedentary life was evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), screening time and the Brief Eating Behaviors Questionnaire. 397 people participated in the study and the mean age was 24.41 ± 4.18. Body Mass Index (BMI), time spent in front of the screen, need for psychosocial support, and Short Diet Behaviors Questionnaire (SDBQ) scores showed a significant increase during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period (respectively; p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). It has been observed that there is an increase in the time spent in front of the screen, worsening in eating behaviors, decrease in physical activity, and an increase in BMI values of young adults during pandemic.

COVID-19 lockdowns weigh heavily on youth: an analysis of the impact on BMI for Age Z scores in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the lifestyle and health of children and adolescents. This study aimed to assess the lifestyle changes brought about by COVID-19-related school closures and their impact on the Body Mass Index for Age Z (BAZ) scores of governmental school students in Qatar.

METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2022 targeting students aged 8-15 years. Data on lifestyle behaviors were gathered through telephone interviews with parents of selected students. The BAZ scores before and after school closures that were automatically calculated by the electronic health records system were extracted.

RESULTS

We completed 1546 interviews. We found a significant increase in unhealthy food categories, a reduction in physical activity and an increase in the screen time over the period of schools' closure. The BAZ increased significantly by 0.30 (95% CI 0.26-0.35). The increase in BAZ scores was significantly higher among male students and the younger age group compared to females and older counterparts, respectively. The student's age group, sex, nationality and change in physical activity were significant predictors of the change in BAZ scores.

CONCLUSIONS

School closures during the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the lifestyle of students in Qatar and resulted in a significant increase in the BAZ scores.

A cross-sectional study on adult lifestyle habits during the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 has spread and developed into a pandemic disease, forcing countries to impose challenging protocols and lockdowns. This study assessed shopping, food consumption behavior, and feelings in Jordan and several Arab countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional web-based survey among the Middle East population was conducted using an online questionnaire between July and September 2022. Participants were requested to answer a standardized and validated structured questionnaire. Demographic information, shopping behavior information, and mental health data were requested. A total of 542 respondents were included in the study. During COVID-19 quarantine, participants (68.6%) reported decreased shopping frequency and buying more food than usual (37.5%). Cereals and legumes were the primary food types stored by participants (76.9%). Multiple logistic regression revealed the age of the participant as a significant factor affecting storing of food (being ≤ 25 years old (OR = 0.456, p value = 0.038)). 75.7% of female participants eat less frequently in restaurants than usual. In contrast, among males, 48.5% reported that they eat at restaurants less frequently than usual. The country of residency and gender were the significant factors affecting negative feelings and emotions. Participants in countries other than Jordan had a higher negative feeling score (Beta = 0.086, p value = 0.042). Furthermore, females had a higher negative feeling score (Beta = -0.128, p value = 0.003) as the negative feelings score for females was 3.58 (SD = 5.443). On the other hand, it was 2.10 (SD = 5.091) for males. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered Jordanians' attitudes, shopping, and food consumption habits. Although positive behaviors have improved, such as shopping less frequently, eating home-cooked meals, and dining with family, frequent snacking and food storage have increased. Finally, public awareness of shopping and food consumption habits should be promoted.

Patterns of eating behaviors, physical activity, and lifestyle modifications among Bangladeshi adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Several safety measures like movement restrictions, closure of educational institutions, and social distancing measures continue over the world including Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the patterns of eating behaviors, physical activity, and lifestyle modifications among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic residing in Bangladesh.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed among 490 adolescents in Bangladesh from December 2020 to May 2021. The survey was carried out through a semi-structured web-based questionnaire that asked questions about socio-demographics (i.e., age, sex, marital status, education, residence), perceived health status and quality of life, anthropometrics (i.e., height, weight), dietary habits (i.e., frequency of eating, daily intake of certain foods, number of meals eaten daily), and physical activity (i.e., modified version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form [IPAQ-SF]), as well as, pre- and during COVID-19 information on stress, and sleep.

RESULTS

During the pandemic, 43.7% participants reported weight gain; and 23.5% reported an increased number of meals per day during COVID-19. Additionally, the participants' eating habits diverged from the local balanced diet principles and were more akin to 'unhealthy' eating patterns. Though, during the COVID-19 pandemic, physical exercise slightly increased (>3 times/ week: 8.2% vs. 13.5%; p<0.001) compared to pre-COVID-19 period, the screen time for entertainment increased drastically (>5 hours/ week: 12.2% vs. 27.3%; p<0.001). Compared to the pre-pandemic, a sizeable proportion of individuals experienced more physical tiredness, emotional exhaustion, irritation, and stress (p<0.001) during the pandemic. During the pandemic, 47.5% of participants experienced different sleep difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS

Although lockdowns and social distancing are important safety measures to protect people from COVID-19, findings reveal that they might cause a variety of lifestyle changes, physical inactivity, and psychological issues in Bangladeshi adolescents.

Changes in Sleep Duration and Sleep Timing in the General Population from before to during the First COVID-19 Lockdown: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 lockdown had a profound effect on everyday life, including sleep health. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated changes in quantitative sleep parameters during the first lockdown compared with pre-lockdown in the general population.

METHODS

A search in scientific databases was performed to identify eligible observational studies from inception to 8 February 2023. We performed a random effects meta-analysis of those studies reporting (a) means of sleep duration, time in bed (TIB), and sleep timing (bedtime and wake-up time); (b) the percentages of atypical sleep duration before and during the lockdown; (c) the percentages of change in sleep duration and sleep timing.

RESULTS

A total of 154 studies were included. A small increase in sleep duration (0.25 standardized mean difference, 95% CI 0.180-0.315) was found, with 55.0% of the individuals reporting changes, predominantly an increase (35.2%). The pooled relative risk for sleeping more than 8/9 h per night was 3.31 (95% IC 2.60-4.21). There was a moderately significant delay in sleep timing and a surge in napping.

CONCLUSION

An increase in sleep duration and napping, and delayed sleep timing were observed. High-quality studies should evaluate whether these parameters have now become chronic or have returned to pre-lockdown values.

Consumption of Meats and Fish in Poland during the COVID-19 Lockdown Period

The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions have significantly impacted the quality of life of society in many countries in various aspects. The purpose of this study was to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the consumption of meat and fish in society in Poland as well as the factors that determined these changes. The cross-sectional study was conducted using an original online questionnaire between 8th and 18th of April 2020. The subjects were selected randomly. The target population were adults living in Poland. The inclusion criterion for the study was the age of at least 18 years and consent to selfless participation in the study. Communication via social media such as Facebook or Instagram was used to enroll more participants from different socio-demographic subgroups. The questionnaire was divided into two parts-the first part contained questions about sex, age, body mass, body height, residence, level of education, and occupation, and the second part consisted of specific questions about the consumption frequency of different kinds of meat during the COVID-19 lockdown period (in comparison to the time before the pandemic). A total of 3888 people took part in the study including 84.54% women, with an average age of 30.17 ± 9.22 years. The frequency of poultry consumption increased, while for pork, beef, ham and other meat products as well as fish and seafood it declined. The factors that influenced the change in dietary patterns during the lockdown related to the COVID-19 pandemic included age, body mass index, gender, place of residence, and type of work performed. However, no relationship was found between the change in meat and fish consumption during the pandemic and the level of education and form of employment during the pandemic.

Evaluating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on First-Year Medical Student Nutrition

BACKGROUND

Medical school students in high-stress environments have been shown to make poor personal health decisions ranging from less healthy selections of food to lower rates of exercise. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic adding a major social and health challenge, it is important to examine the effect this new stressor has on the health habits of medical school students.

METHODS

All first-year students at Albany Medical College completed a self-recorded three-day log of food intake and exercise modality and duration. Reported data included calories, carbohydrates, protein, lipids, sodium, calcium, and other micronutrients. The data was divided between pre-pandemic (2018-19) and mid-pandemic (2020-21) entries. T-tests and ANOVA tests were used to compare for significance.

RESULTS

Students consumed significantly fewer calories during the pandemic compared to before. This reduction was primarily driven by the female cohort of students. Specifically, this reduction in calories appears to be driven by a decrease in carbohydrate consumption, rather than lipids or protein, which did not change. Additionally, there were significant decreases in sodium, calcium, and vitamin D intake. The mid-pandemic time span (2020-21) appears to be correlated with decreased caloric intake, as well as other important nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated a decrease in calories, carbohydrates, sodium, and alcohol consumption when comparing pre- and mid-pandemic dietary habits of first-year medical students. It also indicated less than the recommended amount of calcium and Vitamin D consumption. Such changes may indicate restrictive eating habits in times of stress.

Do nutritional habits and supplement use affect health-related quality of life during social isolation period in the community of North Cyprus?

The aim of study was to comprehensively investigate the effect of nutritional habits and supplement use on health-related quality of life during social isolation period. This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 418 participants (73.4% were women and 26.6% were men) participated in this study. Participants' demographic information, nutritional habits, and quality of life were questioned, and anthropometric measurements were obtained. A significant difference was found in the main meal skipping status of individuals by age group. The consumption of milk, yoghurt, ayran, legumes, cereal products other than bread, vegetables, fruits, oilseeds, and snack foods was similar in both periods. Furthermore, frequencies of multivitamins, multiminerals, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, calcium, omega-3, and probiotics were similar during and before the pandemic. A significant difference was found in scores obtained on the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) by age group. There was a significant difference in the quality of life scores by body mass index (BMI) groups. It was concluded that quality of life decreased due to the increase in body weight during pandemic period. The social isolation period did not make a clear difference in the nutritional habits of individuals and the use of nutritional supplements. When the main meal skipping situations were evaluated within the scope of nutritional habits, those who did not skip their main meal received the highest score on the QOLS.

Assessment of lifestyle changes related to quarantine among Saudi population during the early COVID-19 pandemic: pre- and post-analysis

BACKGROUND

The escalating emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted human life due to the ever-increasing morbidity, containment measures, and the associated emotional distress. This study examined the influence of COVID-19-related measures on the lifestyle behaviors of adults living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

METHODS

The study recruited 638 participants through convenience sampling in Jeddah and Taif cities, Saudi Arabia. Demographic characteristics and COVID-19-related information were collected through an anonymous self-reported electronic questionnaire. Lifestyle behaviors were assessed before and during the quarantine using the Healthy Dietary Habits Index (HDHI)-A and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF).

RESULTS

The study revealed significant changes in the dietary pattern: a reduction in fish intake and increased consumption of French fries and candies. Vegetables and fruit intake increased significantly. Sedentary time > 6 h per day increased from 36.7% pre to 60.8% during the pandemic. Healthy dietary index score and physical activity MET-minutes/week values were respectively 3.5% and 37.9% significantly higher before compared to the full quarantine period.

CONCLUSION

The pandemic detrimentally influenced eating habits and physical activity levels that led to weight gain, and hence higher vulnerability to COVID-19 infection and negative outcomes. This analysis provides public health agencies with data to tailor nutrition interventions that mitigate the observed adverse lifestyle behaviors.

Regional Agriculture and Food Systems Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of the Near East and North Africa Region

The COVID-19 pandemic affected agri-food systems worldwide. However, while the impacts differed from one country/region to another, the scholarly literature seems to focus on developed countries in the Global North. Consequently, this review scrutinizes the literature on the pandemic's impacts in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. A search on the Web of Science in March 2023 generated 334 documents, of which 151 were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. According to the bibliometric analysis, the most active nations are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Lebanon. In general, the coverage of studies is better in the Gulf region than in the less developed countries of North Africa and those suffering from wars (cf. Libya, Syria, and Yemen). Studies generally focus on crop production and the downstream food chain (cf. distribution and consumption). While the pandemic influenced every pillar of food security, this research concentrates on access and utilization. Meanwhile, the lion's share of the literature deals with the pandemic's socio-economic effects, especially those linked to food (in)security and health. The pandemic, which laid bare the agri-food system vulnerabilities, should be seized to foster the transition towards more resilient agri-food systems in the NENA region.

Longitudinal association between frequency of Internet use and incident disability among community-dwelling older people during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence of a protective effect of Internet use for incident disability (ID) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the association between frequency of Internet use (FIU) and ID among community-dwelling older people.

METHODS

We used longitudinal data from the 2019 and 2022 surveys, including 7,913 residents aged ≥65 without disability at baseline. ID was defined as a new public long-term care insurance certification. FIU at baseline was categorized into daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and non-users. Changes in FIU before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were categorized into continuing frequent (i.e., daily or weekly), continuing moderate (i.e., monthly or yearly), increase in frequency, from non-users to users, decrease in frequency, from users to non-users, and continuing non-users. Covariates included age, gender, education, perceived economic situation, family structure, body mass index, chronic medical conditions, dietary variety, working status, walking time, and cognitive functioning. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate adjusted cumulative incidence ratio (aCIR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for ID.

RESULTS

During the 3-year follow-up, 132 of 4,453 people aged 65-74, 595 of 3,460 people aged ≥75, 287 of 3,660 men, and 440 of 4,253 women developed ID. For FIU at baseline, among people aged ≥75 or men, there was a dose-response relationship between more frequent Internet use at baseline and a lower risk of ID (P-trend was 0.005 in people aged ≥75, and <0.001 in men). Compared to non-users, daily users had a significantly lower risk of ID [aCIR (95% CI) = 0.69 (0.53-0.90) in people aged ≥75, and 0.49 (0.34-0.70) in men]. For changes in FIU, "continuing frequent" and "from non-users to users" had a lower risk of ID than continuing non-users. After stratified analyses, "continuing frequent" remained a significant association in people aged ≥75 or in men, while "from non-users to users" had a significant association in those with daily walking time <30 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although FIU may act as a marker of disability, or indicate individual adaptability, our findings suggest that Internet use may be a potential preventive measure against ID in community-dwelling older people when social distancing is required.

Healthy lifestyle behaviors and risk of cardiovascular diseases among nursing faculty during COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular diseases are the first ranked cause of death worldwide. Adhering to health promoting lifestyle behaviors will maintain an individual's cardiovascular health and decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

METHODS

In this descriptive study, 150 nursing faculty were surveyed via a non-probability (purposive) sampling method to assess their adherence to health promoting lifestyle in order to know the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The Arabic version of Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) was used to achieve this goal.

RESULTS

Seventy-two nursing faculty completed the survey. The results indicated that the study sample had moderate level of health promotion based on Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II.

CONCLUSION

Nursing faculty are at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases based on their health promoting lifestyle behaviors as they scored low level of "health responsibility", "physical activity", and "stress management ". Encouraging healthy behaviors is recommended to prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Lifestyle-Related Behavior Among the General Population

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus has affected more than 200 countries around the world. Due to lockdowns, people have limited outdoor activities and started adopting new and healthy lifestyle behaviors.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle-related behavior. Data were collected from different regions of North India using Google Forms (Google, Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA) with the help of a standardized questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. The p-value was set at <0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 468 responses were recorded (mean age: 28.51 years). A significant improvement was found in the intake of fruits and vegetables as well as pulses, eggs, or meat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participation in household chores and screen time in watching mobile or television were significantly increased. The majority (44.4%) of participants had stable weight, and 37.8% gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic. The anxiety they felt in a day also increased, which was predominantly due to fear of COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant association was found between physical activity scores and gender, residence, nature of work, and hours of work of study subjects.

CONCLUSION

There is an improvement in healthy eating behavior, quality of sleep, and participation in household chores during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, domains of lifestyle can be explored to bring a positive style of living for the achievement of healthy lifestyle behavior by the general population.

The Impact of (COVID)-19 on Beverage Purchasing Behaviors in Korea

Objective: In this study, we examined changes in purchase behavior of alcoholic beverages (ie, soju, beer, wine, traditional Korean liquor, and liquor) and non-alcoholic beverages (ie, fruit and vegetable juices, coffee, tea, bottled water, milk, yogurt, and plant-based milk) before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Monthly beverage expenditure data, based on Korean household demographic information, was used for 3 years and 6 months. The 2-part model was used for analysis. To examine the effect of COVID-19, beverage expenditure was analyzed after dividing it into short-term and long-term effects. Results: Our results show that the probability of purchasing alcoholic beverages increased owing to the long-term effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. The amounts of beer, wine, and traditional Korean liquor purchased increased in the long-term. The purchase of sweet drinks decreased (ie, fruit and vegetable juices and yogurt) in the long-term because of the effect of the pandemic. On the other hand, tea, water, and plant-based milk expenditures increased. Conclusion: This beverage consumption pattern reflects both unhealthy (ie, an increase in alcoholic beverage purchases) and healthy drinking behaviors (ie, a decrease in sweet beverage purchases and an increase in tea, water, and plant-based milk purchases).

A Qualitative Exploration of Weight Loss Experiences through Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy has been gaining recognition as an alternative treatment for excess weight problems. This qualitative study aims to explore individuals' experiences of losing weight through hypnotherapy and their perceived barriers and facilitators for healthy lifestyle changes. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 participants (11 women and 4 men; mean age of 23 years) who recorded having lost ≥5% weight after undergoing 3 hypnotherapy sessions previously at a public university in Terengganu, Malaysia. Each interview was audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The themes that emerged were the usefulness of hypnotherapy, barriers, and facilitators of healthy lifestyle changes. All participants contended that hypnotherapy played a role in their weight-loss journey through increased mindful eating and enhanced motivation to make lifestyle modifications. Barriers to healthy lifestyle changes included high costs of healthy foods and lack of support for healthy food sources in social and family settings. Hypnotherapy is essential as an adjunct tool in assisting weight loss. However, additional efforts are needed to improve support in the weight management journey.

Dietary trends among Polish women in 2011-2022-cross-sectional study of food consumption frequency among women aged 20-50 in Silesia region, Poland

Background

Women's nutrition should be different from that of men. Women have lower energy requirements than men. And the need for certain vitamins and minerals is higher in women, this applies to iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin B9 (folic acid). This is related to hormonal changes including menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and the onset of menopause. Through hormonal changes and the changing physiological state, women are at greater risk of anaemia, bone weakness and osteoporosis.The aim of the study was to assess changes in the dietary pattern among women from the Silesian Agglomeration in Poland between 2011 and 2022.

Material and method

The survey was conducted in 2011 (March-May 2011) and in 2022 (October-November 2022) among women living in the Silesian Agglomeration (Silesia region) in Poland aged 20-50. After consideration of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 745 women were included in the final analysis, including 437 women screened in 2011 and 308 women screened in 2022.The research tool used in this publication was a survey questionnaire consisting of 2 parts. The first part of the questionnaire consisted of demographic data. The second part of the study focused on the dietary habits of the women surveyed and the frequency of consumption of individual foods (FFQ).

Results

More women in 2022 ate breakfast than in 2011 (77.6% vs. 63.8% p < 0.001), were more likely to eat breakfast I at home (73.1% vs. 62.5%; p < 0.001), were more likely to eat breakfast II (39.0% vs. 35.2%; p = 0.001), were more likely to eat breakfast II at home (28.6% vs. 19.2%; p = 0.002), and were more likely to eat lunch at work (16.6% vs. 3.4%; p < 0.001). Women in 2022 were more likely to consume fast-food (p = 0.001), salty snacks (chips, crisps) (p < 0.001) and sweets (p < 0.001). Women in 2022 were more likely to consume whole-grain bread (p < 0.001), wholemeal pasta (p < 0.001), brown rice (p < 0.001), oatmeal (p < 0.001), buckwheat groats (p = 0.06), and bran (p < 0.001) than women in 2011. They were less likely to consume white bread (p < 0.0001), light pasta (p = 0.004), white rice (p = 0.008) and cornflakes (p < 0.001) in 2022.Women in 2022 were significantly more likely to consume vegetables (p < 0.001) than women in 2011.

Conclusion

Eating habits in Silesia region women changed between 2011 and 2022. In 2022, women were more likely to choose cereal products considered health-promoting and rich in dietary fiber (including whole-grain bread, whole-grain pasta, oatmeal, bran) were more likely to consume vegetables, dry pulses and vegetarian dinners, and consumed less meat, cured meats, fish and dairy products. Consumption of fast-food, salty snacks (such as chips) and sweets increased.

Lifestyle and Dietary Patterns during the COVID-19 Lockdown in Bahrain: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Lifestyle factors such as dietary habits, perceived weight, sleep, and physical activity worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this study, we aimed to understand the impact of COVID-19 on these lifestyle factors in Bahrain. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1005 adult Bahrainis. Data were collected online using a structured and validated questionnaire for the assessment of eating habits, physical activity, and lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were snowballed through those who agreed to answer the online questionnaire. There was a higher consumption of fast food, and a higher dependence on takeaways during the COVID-19 pandemic. About 63.5% of the participants consumed >4 meals per day, compared to 36.5% before the COVID-19. About 30% reported consumption of sugar sweetened beverages from two to three times a day. Weight loss was predominantly observed in persons exercising 1-3 times a week. The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was also high, with about 19% reporting drinking sweet beverages once every day, 10.6% from two to three times a day, and 40.4% from one to four times a week. A higher proportion of the participants reported poor sleep quality during the pandemic (31.2%) compared to before (12.2%), and 39.7% of the participants reported feeling lazy. Screen time use also doubled during the pandemic, with participants spending more than five hours per day on screens for entertainment, which went from 22.4% before to 51.9% during the pandemic. The lifestyle and dietary habits changed drastically for our study participants during the pandemic. The increased reliance on processed fast food instead of healthier options is a challenge to be tackled in any future pandemic situation. Future research needs to focus on strategies to promote healthier lifestyle modifications during situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lifestyle and Dietary Habits Change Before and During Quarantine and Subsequent Weight Gain

Background

Pandemics greatly affected human health due to changes in dietary habits and lifestyle.

Methods

A multi-centric comparative cross-sectional study was conducted online using a structured questionnaire with 323 respondents from two medical colleges of Lahore, Pakistan. The collected data was analyzed including various variables of dietary habits, lifestyle changes and were compared by using paired sample t-test. Chi-square test was applied to measure the relation of weight gain with lifestyle and dietary habits changes.

Result

Out of 323 participants, 64.5% of them observed an increase in their weights and 64.1% of respondents noticed an increase in caloric intake. An increase in chicken, milk, oil, sugar and legumes intake was increased significantly during the quarantine. The lifestyle changes were noted in 91.6% of participants and decreased physical activity, working duration and outdoor games were found significant. Out of 7.4% of students who were smokers, 6.8% of them quit smoking during the quarantine.

Conclusion

A significant increase in weight is indicated during quarantine as compared to before quarantine probably due to the changes in dietary habits and lifestyle. If the pandemic prolongs, the problem of weight gain may worsen and lead to obesity and other health problems.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Weight Change Among Adults in the UAE

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic which started in November 2019 and since then has led to multiple lockdowns aimed towards controlling the pandemic, these lockdowns contributed to major changes in individuals' lifestyles including eating patterns and restriction of physical activity due to continues house confinement. Such changes have significantly contributed to weight change, with increasing rates of obesity in the UAE, COVID-19 have posed a major concern to the country's obesity levels.

Aim

To measure the prevalence and investigate the views related to weight change among adults in the UAE during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted through a self-administered online questionnaire distributed using social media platforms between February 15th and March 14th, 2021. The sample size was 439 adults in the UAE (18-59 years), collected by volunteer sampling. Analysis was done using SPSS with a significance of 5.0%. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy and bariatric surgeries history.

Results

51.1% of participants gained weight, 36.2% lost weight and 12.7% maintained their weight. Meal consumption frequency and weight gain were correlated. Consuming fast food resulted in 65.7% of participants gaining weight. 66.2% of people who lost weight during the COVID-19 pandemic did exercise. Stress management and sleeping patterns were not contributing factors to the weight change. 64.4% of the participants who were not satisfied with their weight and believed that they need to make changes in their lifestyle received no guidance from professional personnel to reach their desired weight.

Conclusion

In this study, the majority of participants have witnessed an increase in weight. UAE health authorities must provide guidance and support to the population via structured nutritional programs and lifestyle awareness campaigns.

Changes in Food Consumption Trends among American Adults since the COVID-19 Pandemic

The quality and quantity of food consumption have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we examined how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the consumption of different food groups in order to close the research gap by providing current evidence that reflects a later stage of the pandemic compared to other circulating research conducted at earlier stages. Data collection for this cross-sectional study was performed via an online Qualtrics survey from 10,050 adults aged 40-100 years. Nutritional status was measured using the 24-item short-form Dietary Screening Tool (DST) twice: before and since the COVID-19 pandemic. The DST questions were categorized based on MyPlate items, along with fat, sugar, and sweet items, as well as nutritional supplement intake. In addition, the total DST score was calculated for each participant, which categorized them into one of three groups: "at risk", "possible risk", and "not at risk". The results revealed that the consumption of grains, fruit, lean protein, and dairy decreased significantly, while the consumption of fat, sugar, and sweet items increased significantly due to COVID-19. The biggest decreases in consumption of food subcategories were related to whole grain bread and cereal, followed by fruit as a snack, in comparison with other types of grain and fruit. No changes in the consumption of vegetables, processed meat, or supplement intake were seen. The total DST score showed that, before and since COVID-19, the overall nutrition status of adult Americans has been at risk. In addition, of those participants who were not at risk before COVID-19, 28.5% were either at risk or at possible risk since COVID-19; moreover, of those participants who were at possible risk before COVID-19, 21% were at risk since COVID-19. As a good nutritional status can reduce the risk of severe illness or even mortality rate in times of crisis, the findings of this study can help policymakers and health educators to develop heath-protecting behavior sessions against future pandemics to manage crises.

Global burden of gout in 1990-2019: A systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease study 2019

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although gout is one of the most common rheumatic diseases, world data are lacking because most studies have focused on industrialized countries. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the global burden of gout and its associations with the year of diagnosis, age, geographical region, sociodemographic status and various further risk factors.

METHODS

Retrospective data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) were used, initially collected between 1990 and 2019. Raw numbers and age-standardized rates (per 100,000 persons) of prevalence, incidence and years lived with disability (YLDs) of gout were extracted from GBD 2019 for 204 countries and territories and stratified by sex, age, year, sociodemographic index and geographic region. Correlations between gout and other chronic diseases were identified, and the burden attributable to high body mass index (BMI) and kidney dysfunction was described.

RESULTS

The total number of patients and gout age-standardized prevalence rate increased between 1990 and 2019. Gout was most prevalent in Australasia and high-income North America, and a higher sociodemographic index (SDI) was associated with higher age-standardized prevalence, incidence and YLDs. High BMI and kidney dysfunction were risk factors for gout, while gout was correlated with other kidney diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

The global prevalence of gout, as well as incidence, and YLDs increased worldwide from 1990 to 2019 and had a significant association with sex, age, geographic region, SDI and risk factors. Understanding the complex interplay of environmental, sociodemographic and geographic risk factors is essential in mitigating the ever-rising disease burden of gout.

Weight gain, poor mental health and increased sedentary hours among Malaysian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The Movement Control Orders (MCO) in Malaysia due to the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the lifestyle behaviours, weight changes, and mental health of the population.

AIM

To determine the changes in physical activity, sedentary behaviour, body weight status and mental health status among Malaysian adults before and during the pandemic.

METHODS

A total of 338 Malaysian adults participated in this cross-sectional online study. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were self-reported. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour were assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) while the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) were used to examine stress, depression and anxiety, respectively. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 28.0.

RESULTS

The results showed an average weight gain of 0.6 kg among the participants with 45.5% of them experiencing weight gain. In addition, sedentary behaviour (p < 0.001), PSS-10 score (p < 0.001), PHQ-9 score (p = 0.002) and GAD-7 score (p = 0.001) were significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic whereas the level of physical activity was significantly decreased (p = 0.003) during the pandemic. Weight changes during the pandemic were found to be associated with age, sedentary hours, and PHQ-9 score. Through binary logistic regression, sedentary hours (AOR = 1.068, 95% CI = 1.002-1.139, p = 0.043) were identified to be a risk factor for weight gain during the pandemic.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggested that public health interventions to prevent weight gain should focus on strategies to increase physical activity for sedentary lifestyles.

The impact of COVID-19 quarantine on lifestyle indicators in the United Arab Emirates

Introduction

COVID-19 is a virus that has spread rapidly and brought economic and social crises all around the world. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 quarantine on dietary habits, physical activity, food purchasing, smoking, and sleeping patterns in the United Arab Emirates.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire between November 1st, 2020 and the end of January 2021. Citizens and residents of the UAE aged ≥ 18 years old were asked to complete an anonymous electronic questionnaire created via Google Forms and distributed on various platforms, such as WhatsApp, Twitter, and email. A total of 1682 subjects participated in the study.

Results

The results included that during the COVID-19 lockdown, more participants (44.4%) reported an increase in weight. This gain seems to be linked to increased food consumption [(Adjusted Odd Ratio) AOR = 1.68, 95% (Confidence Interval) CI = 1.12, 2.54, p = 0.022], decreased physical activity (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.58, 3.21, p < 0.001), and increased smoking (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.04, 3.50, p = 0.038). The groups that were most likely to gain weight included those who consumed more cereals (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.08, 2.57, p = 0.011), had an increased desire for sweets (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.50, 3.19, p < 0.001), and an increased desire for food (hunger) (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.53, 3.14, p < 0.001). In contrast, those who exercised more were more likely to lose weight (AOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.44, 0.86, p < 0.001) as well as those who slept over 9 h a day (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI = 0.45, 0.88, p = 0.006).

Discussion

Overall, it is essential to promote healthy habits and methods of healthy diet maintenance during stressful and unusual times when people might find it difficult to put effort into their health.

Change in Diet Quality and Meal Sources during the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Diverse Subset of Men and Women in the Cancer Prevention Study-3

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in restrictive measures that caused disruptions in behaviors that may have long-term consequences on diet, health, and chronic disease risk. The aim of this study was to assess longitudinal changes in diet quality from before to during the pandemic among 2335 adult participants (816 males and 1519 females; aged 36-78) of the Cancer Prevention Study-3 cohort. We compared dietary screeners conducted in 2018 and 2020 and calculated a diet quality score, which assigned higher points for recommended foods. Overall diet quality slightly improved among all participants from before to during the pandemic, particularly among males (+0.45 points, p < 0.001), White participants (+0.24 points, p < 0.001), and participants reporting weight loss (+0.66 points, p < 0.001 for 2.25 -< 4.5 kg loss; +1.04 points, p < 0.001 for ≥4.5 kg loss); change in diet quality did not differ by other sociodemographic factors. Reported consumption of most food groups decreased, especially whole grains (-0.17 servings/day, p < 0.001) and vegetables (-0.21 servings/day, p < 0.001), primarily among females, Black participants, and participants who gained ≥2.25 kg. The frequency of meals from outside the home decreased, especially in full-service restaurants (-0.47 times/week, p < 0.001) and for ready-to-eat meals (-0.37 times/week, p < 0.001). Declines in whole grain and vegetable consumption raise concerns for weight gain in these populations and increased risk of poor metabolic health and chronic disease.

Emotional eating in relation to psychological stress during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in faculty of medicine, Tanta University, Egypt

BACKGROUND

Stress, anxiety, and depression resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as subsequent restrictive measures had a negative impact on eating behaviors. This study aimed to determine the emotional eating behaviors and the perceived stress level and to assess the relation between them among adults in the faculty of medicine during the late period of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study among 580 persons from the faculty of medicine, at Tanta University, Egypt conducted over a period of one month during the last period of partial lockdown (October 2020). A self-administered structured questionnaire consisted of five parts used in the study (sociodemographic factors, COVID-19-related parameters, nutrition-related information during the pandemic, emotional eating scale, and perceived stress scale).

RESULTS

More than two-fifths of students, employees, and staff (45.2%, 45.5%, and 44.2%, respectively) stated that their weight increased as a result of the lockdown. 50.8% of students, 42.5% of employees, and 54.6% of staff were in the moderate emotional eating groups. Similarly, the majority of students, employees, and staff reported moderate levels of stress(84%, 80.8%, and 76.1% respectively). The total emotional eating score was positively correlated with the total perceived stress scores (r = 0.13, p = 0.001*).

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during the period of lockdown, had a negative impact on individuals' psychological stress levels and levels of emotional eating behaviors.

Dietary Habits and Lifestyle, Including Cardiovascular Risk among Vegetarians and Omnivores during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Polish Population

Background: This study assessed how two food groups—omnivores (OMN) and vegetarians (VEGE)—differ in lifestyle changes, including dietary habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials: A total of 861 persons participated in the survey and were divided into two groups: persons following a mixed diet (n = 489) and vegetarians, including vegans (n = 372). The mean age shows no significant differences. Methods: An online survey was conducted on the Polish population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected using social media; the survey was intended for adults and included separate sheets for different diets (OMN vs. VEGE). Results: The results in both groups were similar regarding the burden of premature diseases. Most respondents (~90%) did not indicate cardiovascular disease abnormalities. In the OMN group, overweight and obesity occurred more often, and the OMN group also showed a higher percentage of people reporting weight gain (OMN 42.7% vs. VEGE 35.9%). The results disclosed the VEGE group significantly more frequently chose products, i.e., vegetables (p = 0.029), legumes (p < 0.001), and dairy products or their plant substitutes (p = 0.002), compared to the OMN group. Conclusions: The VEGE group revealed the most regularities in dietary habits during the pandemic.

Age Group Differences in Daily Life Changes among Community Residents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study on Intergenerational Comparison

This study investigated lifestyle changes and the self-reported mental health status of Japanese community residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Differences in demography, daily lifestyle changes, and approaches to problem solving were analyzed in two age cohorts (<60 vs ≥60 years). The prevalence of moderate/increased psychological distress was 31.7%, with no significant difference between the cohorts. Compared with the pre-COVID-19 era, more than 80% of the participants stopped eating out and spent more time at home, and more than 70% used public transport less frequently. There were significant differences between the cohorts for the time spent at home, opportunities to eat meals outside of home, and shopping in stores. Participants aged under 60 years were less likely to use television and newspapers or to consult a family doctor. Those aged over 60 years were less likely to consult friends/colleagues or to use the Internet/social networking services. Identifying the risk factors for psychological distress is warranted for implementing measures to maintain and improve the physical and mental health of residents.

Changes in dietary habits and weight status during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with socioeconomic status among Iranians adults

Background

COVID-19 pandemic has impacted human health through sudden lifestyle changes, including isolation at home, and social distancing. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating habits, weight status, and their associations with socioeconomic status.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online structured questionnaire that inquired demographic, anthropometric (reported weight and height); dietary habits (weekly intake of certain foods); and dietary supplement intake information.

Results

A total of 1,187 participants completed the questionnaire, and after validation of the data, 1,106 respondents were included in the study, with a mean age of 34.5 ± 9.4 years. Our findings showed that the body mass index (BMI) of the participants significantly increased during COVID-19 (P < 0.001). Also, there were significant changes in the intake of a variety of food and beverage during the COVID-19, including less consumption of milk, yogurt, red meat, fish, canned fish, homemade fast foods, take out fast foods, carbonated drinks, and more consumption of whole bread, legumes (chickpeas, lentil, peas, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and navy beans), soy bean, nuts, seeds, high vitamin C vegetables, high vitamin C fruits, green-yellow fruits and vegetables, onion/garlic, dried fruits, natural fruit juices, and water (P < 0.001; for all). It is informed that individuals consumed more vitamin and mineral supplements (P < 0.001). Also, before and during COVID-19 pandemic weekly intakes of dairy, red meat, poultry, high vitamin C fruits, and whole bread were positively associated with socioeconomic status (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Overall, this study indicates changes in body weight, dietary habits and supplement intake during the pandemic. Therefore, the findings of this study are valuable for, health professionals and politicians to better public health practice and policy making.

Changes in Adults' Eating Behaviors During the Initial Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review

Factors such as regulations and health concerns shifted daily habits, including eating behaviors, during the early months of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This comprehensive narrative review synthesizes research on eating behavior changes during the early months of the pandemic (February to June 2020), including changes in amount, rate, and timing of food consumption, types and healthfulness of foods consumed, the occurrence of other specified eating behaviors (eg, restrained eating or binging), and reasons for eating (eg, stress or cravings), among adults. A literature search using three EBSCOhost databases and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant articles made available in 2020. A total of 71 articles representing 250,715 individuals from more than 30 countries were reviewed. Findings show eating behaviors changed little during the early COVID-19 pandemic for most participants. Among those whose eating behaviors changed, increases in both intake and frequency of eating meals and snacks were more common than decreases. Findings on timing of eating and healthfulness of food consumed showed mixed results. However, when changes occurred in the type of food consumed, increases were more common for snacks, homemade pastries, white bread/pasta, legumes, and fruits/vegetables; decreases were more common for meats, seafood/fish, frozen foods, fast food, dark breads/grains, and dark leafy green vegetables. During the pandemic, binging, uncontrolled eating, and overeating increased, meal skipping decreased, and restrictive eating had mixed findings. Changes in factors such as emotions and mood (eg, depression), cravings, and environmental factors (eg, food insecurity) were related to changes in eating behaviors. Findings can inform clinical practitioners in efforts to mitigate disruptions to normal, healthy eating patterns among adults both in and outside of global health catastrophes.

Dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A cross-sectional study in Egypt

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown had a significant effect on people's lifestyles and dietary habits resulting in a possible negative health impact, particularly for patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The objective of the study was to assess the changes in dietary habits and lifestyle and how these relate to glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), who attended Zagazig Diabetes Clinic, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 402 patients with T2D were included in this cross-sectional study. A semistructured questionnaire was used to collect information on socioeconomic status, dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and previous medical history. Weight and height were also measured, and hemoglobin A1C levels before and after lockdown were compared. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS. To determine statistical significance, Chi-square test was used for categorical variables whereas, paired t-test or McN-Nemar test, as appropriate, was used to compare change in HbA1c before and after lockdown. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with weight change, whereas binary logistic regression was used to determine factors related with glycemic control.

RESULTS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, 43.8% of the studied groups consumed more than their usual diet with an increase in fruits, vegetables, and immunity-boosting food; 57% depended on home-cooked food, 48.3% did not practice exercise. About 57% reported to have gained weight, 70.9% suffered from mental stress, and 66.7% reported inadequate sleep. Collectively, there was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of good glycemic control in the studied groups (28.1% vs. 15.9%) before and after the COVID-19 lockdown, respectively (P < 0.001). Weight gain, physical inactivity, mental stress, and inadequate sleep were significantly associated with poor glycemic control.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the lifestyle and dietary habits of the studied groups. Therefore, it is very important to ensure better diabetes management in this critical period.

Bone fragility during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of macro- and micronutrients

Bone fragility is the susceptibility to fracture due to poor bone strength. This condition is usually associated with aging, comorbidities, disability, poor quality of life, and increased mortality. International guidelines for the management of patients with bone fragility include a nutritional approach, mainly aiming at optimal protein, calcium, and vitamin D intakes. Several biomechanical features of the skeleton, such as bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular and cortical microarchitecture, seem to be positively influenced by micro- and macronutrient intake. Patients with major fragility fractures are usually poor consumers of dairy products, fruit, and vegetables as well as of nutrients modulating gut microbiota. The COVID-19 pandemic has further aggravated the health status of patients with skeletal fragility, also in terms of unhealthy dietary patterns that might adversely affect bone health. In this narrative review, we discuss the role of macro- and micronutrients in patients with bone fragility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of COVID-19 on a worksite weight loss program for employees with overweight and obesity

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to be negatively associated with physical activity engagement, adherence to healthy diet, and weight management among people with obesity. The current study examined COVID-19-related changes in weight, physical activity (PA), and diet among employees with obesity or overweight who participated in Vibrant Lives (VL), a worksite weight loss program.

Methods

School district employees participated in the 6-month VL weight loss program and were categorized into non-COVID-era participants and COVID-era participants. Participants completed questionnaires about PA and dietary intake at baseline and follow-up. COVID-era participants reported the effects of pandemic on their behaviors. Changes in weight, PA, and diet were compared between groups using multilevel linear mixed models and logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 266 participants (non-COVID, n=173; COVID, n=93) were included. Significant weight loss (non-COVID, -2.3 kg vs. COVID, -1.3 kg) and increases in moderate-to-vigorous PA minutes (non-COVID, 48.7 min vs. COVID, 61.5 min) were observed associated with the program, but no significant differences in changes between the groups were found. Compared to non-COVID participants, COVID participants decreased fast food consumption (P=.008) and increased sugar-sweetened beverage intake (P=.016). Higher frequency of snacking and overeating were reported as barriers to a healthy diet.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic was negatively associated with healthful dietary behaviors. The information obtained from participants regarding the reasons for their pandemic-related changes in diet may help identify strategies to encourage healthier behaviors and weight management among people who have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Body perceptions, occupations, eating attitudes, and behaviors emerged during the pandemic: An exploratory cluster analysis of eaters profiles

Introduction

COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted people's mental and physical health. Three areas have been significantly impacted, among others: eating-related behaviors, occupational balance, and exposure to self-image due to videoconferencing. This study aims to explore and document eaters profiles that were reported during the pandemic in the general Canadian population using a holistic perspective, including body perceptions, attitudes, and eating behaviors (i.e., body image, behaviors, attitudes, and motivations regarding food), and occupations (i.e., physical activity and cooking).

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2020. Two hundred and seventy-three Canada's residents, French speaking of 18 years of age and older, participated in an online survey on behaviors, attitudes, and motivations regarding food and eating as well as body image and occupations during the COVID-19 pandemic. A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to determine the eaters profiles. One-way ANOVA and Chi-square test were conducted to differentiate occupational characteristics between eaters profiles.

Results

Three distinctive profiles were found during the COVID-19 pandemic and could be placed on a continuum: the Congruent-driven eater is at the functional pole of the continuum, whereas the Incongruent-driven eater is at the dysfunctional pole of the eaters continuum. In the middle of the continuum, the Incongruent-perceptual eater is at a critical crossing point. Significant differences were reported between eaters profiles.

Discussion

The empirical results based on an eaters continuum conceptualization highlight the importance of understanding how people perceive their body to assess and promote food well-being.

The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on snacking habits, fast-food and alcohol consumption: A systematic review of the evidence

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and lockdown measures, that were implemented in many countries in order to control the virus transmission, had negatively influenced the lifestyle of millions of people worldwide. In this study we aimed to investigate the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown period (March-May 2020) on snacking behavior, fast-food and alcohol consumption. A systematic search in PubMed®, Scopus® and Web of Science® databases was conducted and 32 studies were included. Changes in snacking, in fast-food and ordered food consumption and in alcohol intake were examined. Snacking was found to be increased for a significant portion of the population examined (18.9-45.1%), whereas fast food (15.0-41.3%) and ordered food (33.9%) showed a tendency towards decrease. As per alcohol consumption, an upward trend was observed in a significant part (10.4-51.0%) of the participants examined. The increased snacking and alcohol consumption observed for almost a third of the examined population could be alarming because long-term health problems could arise in cases of repeated lockdowns in the future. The observed downward trend in fast-food consumption and in frequency of ordered food could be an encouraging sign of turning to home-prepared foods, but further research is needed in this field.

Temporal changes in health-related lifestyle during the COVID-19 epidemic in Finland - a series of cross-sectional surveys

BACKGROUND

Public health recommendations and governmental restrictions during the COVID-19 epidemic have affect everyday life. This study aimed to examine temporal changes in health-related lifestyle and the accumulation of positive and negative changes in the key lifestyle factors (vegetable consumption, leisure-time physical activity, sleeping, alcohol consumption, smoking) in the same individuals among Finnish adults during the epidemic.

METHODS

This study was based on a series of cross-sectional surveys conducted between April 2020 and June 2021 to investigate antibody levels for the new coronavirus in the population. In each survey, a random sample of adults (18 to 69 years) from five university hospital regions were invited. A total of 5655 (response rate 32%) responded to the questionnaire including questions on lifestyle changes during epidemic.

RESULTS

On average one-sixth of respondents (17%) reported at least two negative changes in the key lifestyle factors during the study period. An increase in snacking and sleep problems and decrease in leisure-time physical activity and active commuting to work were the most common of individual negative changes. The proportion of negative changes in physical activity increased as the epidemic drags on. In contrast, on average every seventh of the respondents (14%) reported at least two positive lifestyle changes in the key lifestyle factors. The most common individual positive changes were increased consumption of fruit, berries and vegetables and decreased consumption of alcohol. More negative changes were reported on average, when both negative and positive changes in the key lifestyle factors were summed. The most negative changes were reported in the late 2020.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that the lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 epidemic have been diverse being on average more commonly unfavorable than favorable for health. The deteriorated epidemic situation in the late 2020 and, on the other hand, prolonged epidemic predisposed to negative lifestyle changes. Further studies are important to examine whether these changes are maintained over time and to identify the factors that contribute to changes and their accumulation in the same individuals. Health promotion actions are needed to prevent the long-term effects of the epidemic on health and welfare.

New Dimension on Quality of Life Differences among Older Adults: A Comparative Analysis of Digital Consumption in Urban and Rural Areas of China

The purpose of this study was to compare the variability in quality of life in the area of digital consumption among older adults in urban and rural China during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study proposed a low-cost mixed research method, and the methodology used a quantitative study of a large regional sample combined with a qualitative study of a small regional sample. Data for the large-scale area sample were obtained from the China family panel study (CFPS) dataset, and data for the small-scale regional sample were obtained from Nanjing, China. The quantitative analysis of the large-scale regional sample used the least squares regression analysis (OSL) and propensity score matching (PSM). The qualitative analysis of the small-scale regional sample used the selection optimization and compensation (SOC) model. The findings show that economic income is a direct driver of digital consumption. Digital consumption had a significant positive relationship with the quality of life for urban and rural older adults. In addition, the study established the semantic network relationships of the coping strategies of digital consumption of older adults and their drivers. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed in the context of other related studies.

How Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Urban Consumers' Ways of Buying Agricultural Products? Evidence from Shanghai, China

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on people's consumption behavior and habits. This paper takes Shanghai, China as a case study and uses a questionnaire survey of urban residents in all districts in Shanghai from April to May in 2022. Herein, we empirically analyze the factors affecting shopping modes for agricultural products, describe how things have changed compared to before the outbreak of the pandemic, and explore the underlying mechanism. This paper can provide a policy reference for how to ensure the safety of people's food supply in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that urban residents pay more attention to the basic attributes of agricultural products such as the quantity guarantee and health safety, and will adjust their consumption modes for agricultural products according to the needs of families and management. Compared with shopping malls and supermarkets, the quantity and quality assurance of community groups and e-commerce platforms can better meet the consumption situation of agricultural products during the pandemic period. The moderating effect of consumer commodity preference in the positive influence of safety evaluation on the transformation of shopping mode is significant. In general, online e-commerce platforms and community group buying have played a significant role in ensuring the acquisition of supplies needed by people during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it remains to be determined whether the changes in the shopping modes for agricultural products of urban consumers brought by the current COVID-19 pandemic are long term or solidified.

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on lifestyle behaviors and their association with personality among adults in Qatar: A cross-sectional study

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) resulted in lockdowns and social distancing measures enforced by governments around the world. This study aimed to identify changes in adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and physical activity (PA) and associations with personality during lockdown. Using a cross-sectional design, a convenient sample of 543 adults in Qatar completed an online questionnaire consisting of validated tools to measure adherence to MD (MEDAS questionnaire, score ranges 0–13), PA (IPAQ, assessing light, moderate high intensity PA) and personality (BFI-10, categorizing individuals’ personalities). The majority of the participants were female (89%), aged between 21 and 29 years (45%). The overall MD adherence decreased during lockdown (5.9 vs. 6.1, p < 0.001). There was an increase in olive oil (9% vs. 12%; p < 0.001), vegetables (54.3% vs. 58.7%; p = 0.005), legumes (11.8% vs. 15.3%; p = 0.007), sofrito (70.9% vs. 77.3%; p < 0.001) and fat (45.9% vs. 53.8%; p < 0.001) consumption and a decrease in fresh fruit (39.4% vs. 15.8%; p < 0.001) and fish/seafood (5.9% vs. 3.9%; p = 0.0035) consumption during lockdown. Met-min/week values of total PA (1330.5 vs. 1836.7), vigorous activity (711.5 vs. 867.4), moderate activity (208.3 vs. 301.3), and walking (410.7 vs. 668.0) all decreased during lockdown (p < 0.001, p = 0.010, p = 0.010 p < 0.001, respectively), while sitting increased (3837.3 vs. 2896.4 p < 0.001). The extraversion personality dimension had a higher MD adherence (p = 0.039) compared to agreeableness before lockdown. No changes in MEDAS scores were observed during lockdown in those with high levels of openness. Openness was positively associated with all PA (p = 0.027), including walking (p = 0.026), and negatively associated with sitting (p = 0.038) before lockdown, while participants with high scores for neuroticism were less likely to be sitting during lockdown (p = 0.042). The findings can be used to guide the development of appropriate personality-tailored lifestyle interventions.

Onset of the COVID-19 pandemic reduced active time in patients with implanted cardiac devices

BACKGROUND

Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are modifiable risk factors for chronic disease and all-cause mortality that may have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 shutdowns.

METHODS

Accelerometry data was retrospectively collected from 332 permanent pacemaker (PPM) and 244 implantable cardiac defibrillation (ICD) patients for 6 time points: March 15-May 15, 2020 (pandemic period), January 1-March 14, 2020, October 1-December 31, 2019, March 15-May 15, 2019, January 1-March 14, 2019, and October 1-December 31, 2018. Paired t-tests, with Bonferroni correction, were used to compare time periods.

RESULTS

Activity significantly decreased during the pandemic period compared to one year prior by an average of 0.53 ± 1.18h/day (P < 0.001) for PPM patients and 0.51 ± 1.2h/day (P < 0.001) for ICD patients. Stratification of subjects by active time (< 2 versus ≥ 2h/day) showed patients with < 2h, particularly those with ICDs, had modestly greater activity reductions with the pandemic onset. Logistical regression analyses suggest a trend toward a greater reduction in active time at the onset of the pandemic and an increased risk of hospital or emergency department (ED) admission for PPM patients, but not ICD patients.

CONCLUSION

The onset of the pandemic in the United States was associated with a significant drop in PPM and ICD patient active hours that was modestly more pronounced in less active patients and cannot be explained by one year of aging or seasonal variation. If sustained, these populations may experience excess cardiovascular morbidity.

Reported dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors of students before and during COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional survey among university students from Ghana

Background:

COVID-19 lockdowns involved precautions and social rules that resulted in drastic changes to daily life activities in every setting. University students were not left out as their education was affected and they had to resort to online learning from their homes. The lockdowns did not only affect their education but also potentially affected their dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors. We evaluated the reported dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors of students from a Ghanaian University before and during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Materials and Methods:

Following a cross-sectional design, 220 students were recruited from the University for Development Studies in Ghana. Data was collected by means of an online questionnaire. Chi-square test (χ²) analysis was used to examine associations among variables.

Results:

About 59% of the students skipped meals before COVID-19 whereas 47.8% skipped meals during the COVID-19 lockdown. While 64.1% consumed homemade meals before the COVID-19, 82.3% consumed homemade meals during the COVID-19 lockdown. In addition, there was a significant increase in the consumption of homemade food (p < 0.001), level of healthy foods choices (p = 0.029), and a reduced skipping of meals (0.014) during the COVID-19 lockdown. Again, 56.4% of the students engaged in exercise before the lockdown while 45% participated in exercise during the lockdown.

Conclusions:

The lockdown had an impact on some of the dietary and lifestyle habits of the students. University students should be supported with appropriate nutrition education and counseling programs to help them adopt healthy dietary and lifestyle habits.

Consumer Choices and Habits Related to Tea Consumption by Poles

Tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. In the literature, much attention is paid to the influence of tea and its components on human health and consumer purchasing behavior. The aim of the study was to analyze the habits of Polish consumers regarding tea consumption, brewing methods, and their choices related to tea, to describe the characteristics of tea consumers, and present their segmentation based on consumer choices and habits regarding tea consumption. The study was performed using the computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) method on a group of 1700 adult consumers of tea. Information about consumer choices and habits related to tea consumption was collected, including brewing method, place of tea consumption, and factors determining tea choices. Using cluster analysis, six groups of tea consumers were identified. These are “Occasional tea gourmets”, “Yerba mate drinkers”, “Tea gourmets”, “Occasional consumers”, “Undemanding tea consumers,” and “Occasional strong tea consumers”. In summary, it can be said that Poles are not tea gourmets; they prefer black tea, in bags, brewed in cups or glasses for up to 3 min, and usually drink teas without any additives, at home, several times a week, during breakfast and between meals. The most popular brand among the respondents was Lipton. Consumers have little knowledge of the health benefits of tea.

Meal preparation and consumption before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: The relationship with cooking skills of Brazilian university students

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze meal preparation and the place of its consumption by university students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to their individual characteristics and cooking skills.

METHODS

Data were collected with 1919 Brazilian university students using the Brazilian Cooking Skills Questionnaire (BCSQ) and questions about gender, living arrangement, knowing how to cook and location of meal consumption. Bayesian multilevel ordinal regression models were used to estimate the probabilities of meal preparation and local location of its consumption by Brazilian university students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to their individual characteristics and cooking skills.

RESULTS

Most of participants showed reported a high level of cooking skills (70.7%). Also, they reported a decrease in ordering delivery of take-away food and eating fast-food, while increasing homemade meals with fresh ingredients, ultra-processed food or both during the pandemic compared to the period before the quarantine. Lastly, they increased their cooking frequency during the pandemic, regardless of their cooking skills level. However, the group with high cooking skills had a greater increase in the use of fresh ingredients.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that the pandemic was an opportunity for university students to increase their cooking skills and frequency of cooking at home with a variety of foods. Particular attention should be given to those with low cooking skills and that use ultra-processed foods, promoting interventions to disseminate information and with behavior change components to teach about healthy cooking to increase cooking knowledge and skills, focusing on preparation of fresh ingredients.