1
|
Samuel M, Park RY, Eastwood SV, Eto F, Morton CE, Stow D, Bacon S, Mehrkar A, Morley J, Dillingham I, Inglesby P, Hulme WJ, Khunti K, Mathur R, Valabhji J, MacKenna B, Finer S. Trends in weight gain recorded in English primary care before and during the Coronavirus-19 pandemic: An observational cohort study using the OpenSAFELY platform. PLoS Med 2024; 21:e1004398. [PMID: 38913709 PMCID: PMC11249215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity and rapid weight gain are established risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and have emerged as independent risk factors for severe disease following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Restrictions imposed to reduce COVID-19 transmission resulted in profound societal changes that impacted many health behaviours, including physical activity and nutrition, associated with rate of weight gain. We investigated which clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were associated with rapid weight gain and the greatest acceleration in rate of weight gain during the pandemic among adults registered with an English National Health Service (NHS) general practitioner (GP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS AND FINDINGS With the approval of NHS England, we used the OpenSAFELY platform inside TPP to conduct an observational cohort study of routinely collected electronic healthcare records. We investigated changes in body mass index (BMI) values recorded in English primary care between March 2015 and March 2022. We extracted data on 17,742,365 adults aged 18 to 90 years old (50.1% female, 76.1% white British) registered with an English primary care practice. We estimated individual rates of weight gain before (δ-prepandemic) and during (δ-pandemic) the pandemic and identified individuals with rapid weight gain (>0.5 kg/m2/year) in each period. We also estimated the change in rate of weight gain between the prepandemic and pandemic period (δ-change = δ-pandemic-δ-prepandemic) and defined extreme accelerators as the 10% of individuals with the greatest increase in their rate of weight gain (δ-change ≥1.84 kg/m2/year) between these periods. We estimated associations with these outcomes using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, index of multiple deprivation (IMD), and ethnicity. P-values were generated in regression models. The median BMI of our study population was 27.8 kg/m2, interquartile range (IQR) [24.3, 32.1] in 2019 (March 2019 to February 2020) and 28.0 kg/m2, IQR [24.4, 32.6] in 2021. Rapid pandemic weight gain was associated with sex, age, and IMD. Male sex (male versus female: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.76, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) [0.76, 0.76], p < 0.001), older age (e.g., 50 to 59 years versus 18 to 29 years: aOR 0.60, 95% CI [0.60, 0.61], p < 0.001]); and living in less deprived areas (least-deprived-IMD-quintile versus most-deprived: aOR 0.77, 95% CI [0.77, 0.78] p < 0.001) reduced the odds of rapid weight gain. Compared to white British individuals, all other ethnicities had lower odds of rapid pandemic weight gain (e.g., Indian versus white British: aOR 0.69, 95% CI [0.68, 0.70], p < 0.001). Long-term conditions (LTCs) increased the odds, with mental health conditions having the greatest effect (e.g., depression (aOR 1.18, 95% CI [1.17, 1.18], p < 0.001)). Similar characteristics increased odds of extreme acceleration in the rate of weight gain between the prepandemic and pandemic periods. However, changes in healthcare activity during the pandemic may have introduced new bias to the data. CONCLUSIONS We found female sex, younger age, deprivation, white British ethnicity, and mental health conditions were associated with rapid pandemic weight gain and extreme acceleration in rate of weight gain between the prepandemic and pandemic periods. Our findings highlight the need to incorporate sociodemographic, physical, and mental health characteristics when formulating research, policies, and interventions targeting BMI in the period of post pandemic service restoration and in future pandemic planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Samuel
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Y. Park
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie V. Eastwood
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiola Eto
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline E. Morton
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Stow
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Bacon
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Amir Mehrkar
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Morley
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Iain Dillingham
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Inglesby
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - William J. Hulme
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kamlesh Khunti
- Diabetes Research Centre, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Rohini Mathur
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Valabhji
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Brian MacKenna
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Finer
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hauner H, Blanken CPS, Holzapfel C. Long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle and body weight: results of representative cross-sectional surveys in adults in Germany. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1199. [PMID: 38684999 PMCID: PMC11059715 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18680-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected people's daily lives and health. Few studies have looked into the persistence of these changes. In the current study, we investigated to what extent changes in lifestyle and body weight were sustained after two years of restrictions. METHODS We performed two representative online surveys among adults living in Germany. The first survey (S1) was performed in April 2021; the second survey (S2) in June 2022. The questionnaire focused on changes in physical activity, dietary habits, body weight, and mental stress levels. The data were weighted to optimally represent the general population of Germany. Using Chi-square tests, results were compared between the two surveys, and - per survey - between subgroups based on sociodemographic factors and mental stress levels. Furthermore, binomial logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with weight gain. RESULTS A total of 1,001 (S1) and 1,005 (S2) adults completed the survey, of which 50.4% were men and 49.6% were women in both surveys. Mean body mass index (BMI) at the time of the survey was 27.4 ± 6.0 kg/m2 (S1) and 27.1 ± 5.5 kg/m2 (S2). Reduced physical activity was reported by 52% of the participants in S1 and by 40% in S2 (p < .001). Moderate to severe stress was reported by 71% of the participants in S1 and by 62% in S2 (p < .001). Less healthy eating compared to before the pandemic was reported by 16% of the participants in S1 and by 12% in S2 (p = 0.033). Weight gain was reported by 40% of the participants in S1 and by 35% in S2 (p = 0.059). Weight gain was associated with higher BMI, reduced physical activity levels, less healthy nutrition and increased consumption of energy-dense food. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that two years and three months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the adverse effects on health-related lifestyle factors and body weight still existed, albeit to a lesser degree than directly after the first year of the pandemic. Targeted strategies are needed to better support the population subgroups most likely to change their lifestyle in unfavorable ways when faced with disruptions of their everyday lives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hans Hauner
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, Munich, 80992, Germany.
- Else Kröner Fresenius Center for Nutritional Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, Munich, 80992, Germany.
| | - Carmen P S Blanken
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, Munich, 80992, Germany
| | - Christina Holzapfel
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, Munich, 80992, Germany
- Department of Nutritional, Food and Consumer Sciences, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Fulda, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fazli GS, Booth GL. Call for Action on the Upstream Determinants of Diabetes in Canada. Can J Diabetes 2023; 47:618-624. [PMID: 37271429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ghazal S Fazli
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto Scarborough, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Gillian L Booth
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Genes D, Sirois FM, Buckland NJ. The impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown on weight management practices in UK adults: A self-regulation perspective. Health Psychol Open 2023; 10:20551029231214058. [PMID: 37953745 PMCID: PMC10637132 DOI: 10.1177/20551029231214058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the impact of the first UK COVID-19 lockdown on individuals' weight management attempts (WMA). A self-regulation theoretical framework was used to identify predictors of continuing with a WMA, and weight change during the lockdown. An online retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted after the first UK COVID-19 lockdown. The sample consisted of 166 UK adults (M:31.08, SD:12.15) that were trying to manage their weight before the lockdown started. The survey assessed changes in WMA and practices, and measured perceived stress, flexible/rigid restraint, uncontrolled eating, craving control, and self-compassion. Results showed that 56% of participants reported disruption to their WMA during the lockdown. Participants with lower levels of perceived stress and higher flexible restraint were more likely to continue their WMA. Flexible restraint was a significant predictor of weight change. Interventions that promote flexibility in weight management may be beneficial for at-risk individuals under lockdown conditions.
Collapse
|
5
|
Luck-Sikorski C, Hochrein R, Döllinger N, Wienrich C, Gemesi K, Holzmann S, Holzapfel C, Weinberger NA. Digital communication and virtual reality for extending the behavioural treatment of obesity - the patients' perspective: results of an online survey in Germany. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2023; 23:100. [PMID: 37226164 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-023-02197-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CBT has been found effective for the treatment of EDs and obesity. However not all patients achieve clinically significant weight loss and weight regain is common. In this context, technology-based interventions can be used to enhance traditional CBT but are not yet widespread. This survey therefore explores the status quo of pathways of communication between patients and therapists, the use of digital applications for therapy as well as attitudes towards VR from the perspective of patients with obesity in Germany. METHODS This cross-sectional online survey was conducted in October 2020. Participants were recruited digitally through social media, obesity associations and self-help groups. The standardized questionnaire included items concerning current treatment, paths of communication with their therapists, and attitudes toward VR. The descriptive analyses were performed with Stata. RESULTS The 152 participants were mostly female (90%), had a mean age of 46.5 years (SD = 9.2) and an average BMI of 43.0 kg/m² (SD = 8.4). Face-to-face communication with their therapist was considered of high importance in current treatment (M = 4.30; SD = 0.86) and messenger apps were the most frequently used digital application for communication. Participants were mostly neutral regarding the inclusion of VR methods in obesity treatment (M = 3.27; SD = 1.19). Only one participant had already used VR glasses as part of treatment. Participants considered VR suitable for exercises promoting body image change (M = 3.40; SD = 1.02). DISCUSSION Technological approaches in obesity therapy are not widespread. Face-to-face communication remains the most important setting for treatment. Participants had low familiarity with VR but a neutral to positive attitude toward the technology. Further studies are needed to provide a clearer picture of potential treatment barriers or educational needs and to facilitate the transfer of developed VR systems into clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Luck-Sikorski
- Research Group "Chronic Diseases and Psychological Health" (COPE), SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, Neue Str. 28-30, 07548, Gera, Germany.
| | - Regine Hochrein
- Research Group "Chronic Diseases and Psychological Health" (COPE), SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, Neue Str. 28-30, 07548, Gera, Germany
| | - Nina Döllinger
- Human-Technology-Systems, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Wienrich
- Human-Technology-Systems, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Gemesi
- School of Medicine, Institute for Nutritional Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sophie Holzmann
- School of Medicine, Institute for Nutritional Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Holzapfel
- School of Medicine, Institute for Nutritional Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Natascha-Alexandra Weinberger
- Research Group "Chronic Diseases and Psychological Health" (COPE), SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, Neue Str. 28-30, 07548, Gera, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Low Dietary Variety Is Associated with Incident Frailty in Older Adults during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Prospective Cohort Study in Japan. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051145. [PMID: 36904144 PMCID: PMC10005648 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stagnation of social activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic probably reduces motivation to maintain a healthy diet. It is important to report on the dietary changes observed in older adults during a period of restriction on outings and to clarify the relationship between dietary variety and frailty. This one-year follow-up study examined the association between frailty and dietary variety during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted in August 2020 and August 2021, respectively. The follow-up survey was distributed by mail to 1635 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years. Of the 1235 respondents, 1008 respondents who were non-frail at baseline are included in this study. Dietary variety was examined using a dietary variety score developed for older adults. Frailty was assessed using a five-item frailty screening tool. The outcome was frailty incidence. RESULTS In our sample, 108 subjects developed frailty. A linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between dietary variety score and frailty score (β, -0.032; 95% CI, -0.064 to -0.001; p = 0.046). This association was also significant in Model 1, adjusted for sex and age, (β, -0.051; 95% CI, -0.083 to -0.019; p = 0.002) and in a multivariate analysis that added adjustments for living alone, smoking, alcohol use, BMI, and existing conditions to Model 1 (β, -0.045; 95% CI, -0.078 to -0.012; p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS A low dietary variety score was associated with an increased frailty score during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restricted daily routine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will probably continue to have a long-term effect in terms of reduced dietary variety. Thus, vulnerable populations, such as older adults, might require dietary support.
Collapse
|
7
|
Impact of COVID-19 Confinement on the Health-Related Habits of People at High Risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15040841. [PMID: 36839200 PMCID: PMC9967931 DOI: 10.3390/nu15040841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The general lockdown decreed in Spain due to the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the ALAS health promotion intervention aimed at the population at high risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes. We conducted a descriptive study in 2020 through a telephone survey and a comparison with baseline data to determine the impact of confinement on the lifestyles of the participants. We collected sociodemographic variables and conducted assessments before/after confinement on general health status and lifestyle (sleep, physical activity and diet). Additionally, weight, BMI and adherence to a Mediterranean diet were assessed. Descriptive statistical analyses, comparisons of pre-post confinement data and logistic regression were carried out. A total of 387 individuals responded. Among them, 31.8% reported a worse perception of health after confinement, and 63,1% reported no change. Regarding exercise, 61.1% reduced their weekly physical activity time. Regarding diet, 34,4% perceived worse quality, and 53.4% reported no change, despite the fact that 89.4% declared changes in their eating practices. Weight and BMI decreased by 3,1%, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet improved from baseline. Confinement had a negative impact on the general health, diet, sleep and physical activity of this population (at risk of diabetes); however, weight and BMI decreased, and adherence to a Mediterranean diet improved.
Collapse
|
8
|
Ruani MA, Reiss MJ. Susceptibility to COVID-19 Nutrition Misinformation and Eating Behavior Change during Lockdowns: An International Web-Based Survey. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15020451. [PMID: 36678321 PMCID: PMC9861671 DOI: 10.3390/nu15020451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
To understand the susceptibility to nutrition-health misinformation related to preventing, treating, or mitigating the risk of COVID-19 during the initial lockdowns around the world, the present international web-based survey study (15 April-15 May 2020) gauged participants' (n = 3707) level of nutrition-health misinformation discernment by presenting them with 25 statements (including unfounded or unproven claims circulated at the time), alongside the influence of information sources of varying quality on the frequency of changes in their eating behavior and the extent of misinformation held, depending on the source used for such changes. Results revealed widespread misinformation about food, eating, and health practices related to COVID-19, with the 25 statements put to participants receiving up to 43% misinformed answers (e.g., 'It is safe to eat fruits and vegetables that have been washed with soap or diluted bleach'). Whereas higher quality information sources (nutrition scientists, nutrition professionals) had the biggest influence on eating behavior change, we found greater misinformation susceptibility when relying on poor quality sources for changing diet. Appropriate discernment of misinformation was weakest amongst participants who more frequently changed their eating behavior because of information from poor quality sources, suggesting disparities in the health risks/safety of the changes performed.
Collapse
|
9
|
Li Z, Ma Y, Huo S, Ke Y, Zhao A. Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Confidence on Dietary Practices among Chinese Residents. Foods 2022; 11:foods11091365. [PMID: 35564088 PMCID: PMC9104347 DOI: 10.3390/foods11091365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthy diets promote immune functions and have been shown to reduce COVID-19 severity. In 2021, COVID-19 vaccines have become available to the general public. However, whether vaccination status could affect individual and populational health behaviors is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of vaccination status and confidence on dietary practices. An online survey was conducted in August 2021. We collected data on dietary intake, diversity and behaviors, vaccination status and confidence and socio-demographic characteristics. Among the 5107 responses received, a total of 4873 study participants were included in the final analysis. Most of our participants aged between 18 and 45 years and 82% of them were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Household level dietary diversity was found to be higher among people who were fully vaccinated (β = 0.321, 95%CI: 0.024 to 0.618) or who were more confident in the protectiveness of the vaccine (β for tertile 3 comparing with lowest tertile = 0.544, 95%CI: 0.407, 0.682). Vaccination promoted the intake of seafood, but it was also positively associated with the consumption of sugar, preserved, fried and barbequed foods and reduced vegetable intake. Higher vaccination confidence was associated with increased consumption of seafood, bean, fruits and vegetables and reduced fat intake. Changes in dietary behaviors compared with early 2021 (when vaccination was not common) were observed and differed by vaccination status and confidence level. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination status and confidence had varied, and possibly negative, impacts on dietary intake and behaviors. Our results suggest that vaccination status and confidence might be significant influencing factors affecting people’s health behaviors and highlight that healthy eating should be consistently promoted to prevent poor dietary practices during global health crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyu Li
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100091, China;
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Yidi Ma
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; (Y.M.); (S.H.); (Y.K.)
| | - Shanshan Huo
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; (Y.M.); (S.H.); (Y.K.)
| | - Yalei Ke
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; (Y.M.); (S.H.); (Y.K.)
| | - Ai Zhao
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100091, China;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-138-1113-1994
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cheikh Ismail L, Osaili TM, Mohamad MN, Al Marzouqi A, Habib-Mourad C, Abu Jamous DO, Ali HI, Al Sabbah H, Hasan H, Hassan H, Stojanovska L, Hashim M, AlHaway M, Qasrawi R, Shaker Obaid RR, Al Daour R, Saleh ST, Al Dhaheri AS. Assessment of Dietary and Lifestyle Responses After COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in Selected Arab Countries. Front Nutr 2022; 9:849314. [PMID: 35495916 PMCID: PMC9048021 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.849314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has been consistently associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and dietary practices. This study aimed to assess the dietary and lifestyle behaviors of adults after COVID-19 vaccine availability and their attitude toward the vaccine in selected Arab countries. Methods A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted between October 2021 and December 2021 using Google Forms (n = 2259). A multi-component questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine, and behavioral, dietary, and lifestyle responses after easing the restriction. Participants were given a score based on the sum of positive dietary and lifestyle changes. The generalized linear models were used to identify the association between positive dietary and lifestyle changes score and sociodemographic characteristics. Results Weight gain during the pandemic was reported by 39.5% of the participants, 36.1% reported ever getting infected with the COVID-19 virus, and 85% received at least one dose of the vaccine. The key adverse reactions of the COVID-19 vaccine were fatigue, headache, and joint pain, and the main reason for vaccination was protection against infection. Most participants were concerned about the vaccine side effects (45.8%) and inadequate testing (50.7%). After easing of restriction, 54.3% of the participants reduced the frequency of disinfecting objects, and 58.3% joined social events. Most dietary and lifestyle behaviors remained unchanged after vaccine availability but there was an increase in the time spent behind the screen for work (50.1%) and entertainment (42.9%). The results of the multivariate regression analyses revealed that older participants (p = 0.001), those with higher education (p = 0.010), and those working from home (p = 0.040) were more likely to have higher positive dietary and lifestyle changes scores. Conclusion Although most participants were concerned about vaccine safety, low vaccine hesitancy rates were observed among the study sample. The availability of the COVID-19 vaccines resulted in loosening some of the safety social measures among Arab adults but the negative impact of the pandemic on dietary and lifestyle behaviors remained unaltered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Cheikh Ismail
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tareq M. Osaili
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Maysm N. Mohamad
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amina Al Marzouqi
- Department of Health Services Administration, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Carla Habib-Mourad
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dima O. Abu Jamous
- Research Institute of Medical & Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Habiba I. Ali
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haleama Al Sabbah
- College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hayder Hasan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hussein Hassan
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lily Stojanovska
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mona Hashim
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Muna AlHaway
- Blood Transfusion and Research Center, Emirates Health Services, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Radwan Qasrawi
- Department of Computer Science, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
- Department of Computer Engineering, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Reyad R. Shaker Obaid
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rameez Al Daour
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sheima T. Saleh
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|