1
|
Farrugia F, Refalo D, Bonello D, Cuschieri S. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Mediterranean diet adherence: A narrative systematic review. Nutr Health 2024; 30:215-233. [PMID: 37439029 PMCID: PMC10345400 DOI: 10.1177/02601060231187511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic upended many aspects of daily life. For some individuals, this was an opportunity to re-evaluate their life and make better choices, while others were overwhelmed with stressors, leading to a deterioration in mental and physical health. AIM The aim of this narrative systematic review is to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Mediterranean diet adherence. METHODS A systematic literature search was carried out on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science electronic databases utilising the search terms 'Mediterranean diet' AND 'COVID-19'. This yielded 73 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. RESULTS The data suggests that a substantial proportion of individuals adhered less to the Mediterranean diet during the COVID-19 lockdown period. However, individuals receiving some form of lifestyle intervention had better adherence to the Mediterranean diet than their unassisted counterparts. CONCLUSION This emphasises the importance of professional support during times of crisis to avoid deterioration of a population's health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Farrugia
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Daniel Refalo
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - David Bonello
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Sarah Cuschieri
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lotti S, Napoletano A, Tristan Asensi M, Pagliai G, Giangrandi I, Colombini B, Dinu M, Sofi F. Assessment of Mediterranean diet adherence and comparison with Italian dietary guidelines: a study of over 10,000 adults from 2019 to 2022. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2024; 75:336-343. [PMID: 38345046 DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2024.2313979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Despite the many well-documented benefits of the Mediterranean diet (MD), many Mediterranean countries seem to be moving away from it. The aim of this study was to investigate the MD adherence in 10,916 adults who completed the validated Medi-Lite questionnaire from January 2019 to December 2022 in Italy, and to assess the consumption of its food groups by comparing them with current national dietary guidelines. The sample showed a good level of MD adherence (12 ± 2.5). However, from 2019 to 2022, a significant (p < 0.001) decline in the adherence level emerged. An overconsumption of fresh red meat, cheese and poultry compared to dietary guidelines was observed. In contrast, an under-consumption of vegetables, bread, legumes, fish and milk and dairy products emerged. In recent years, a decline in MD adherence was observed in Italy, probably determined by an excessive consumption of animal products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Lotti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonia Napoletano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marta Tristan Asensi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giuditta Pagliai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Giangrandi
- Unit of Clinical Nutrition, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Colombini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Monica Dinu
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Sofi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Nutrition, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Scoditti E, Bodini A, Sabina S, Leo CG, Mincarone P, Rissotto A, Fusco S, Guarino R, Ponzini G, Tumolo MR, Magnavita N, Tripepi GL, Garbarino S. Effects of working from home on lifestyle behaviors and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300812. [PMID: 38558099 PMCID: PMC10984516 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak has led to relevant changes in everyday life worldwide. One of these changes has been a rapid transition to and an increasing implementation of working from home (WH) modality. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mandatory WH during the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle behaviors, Mediterranean diet adherence, body weight, and depression. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in the early 2022 at the National Research Council of Italy using ad hoc questions and validated scales collecting information on physical activity, sedentary behavior, hobbies/pastimes, dietary habits including adherence to the Mediterranean diet, body weight, and depression during WH compared with before WH. 748 respondents were included in the study. An increased sedentary lifetime was reported by 48% of respondents; however, the subsample of workers who previously performed moderate physical activity intensified this activity. Body weight gain during WH was self-reported in 39.9% of respondents. Mediterranean diet adherence increased (p≪0.001) during WH compared with before WH. The average level of mental health did not record an overall variation; however, the proportion of subjects with mild and moderate depression increased (p = 0.006), while workers who reported values indicative of depression before the transition declared an improvement. These findings highlight health-related impact of WH during the COVID-19 pandemic that may inform future strategies and policies to improve employees' health and well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Egeria Scoditti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), Lecce, Italy
| | - Antonella Bodini
- Institute for Applied Mathematics and Information Technologies "E. Magenes" (IMATI), National Research Council (CNR), Milano, Italy
| | - Saverio Sabina
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), Lecce, Italy
| | - Carlo Giacomo Leo
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), Lecce, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Mincarone
- Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies (IRPPS), National Research Council (CNR), Research Unit of Brindisi, Brindisi, Italy
| | | | - Stanislao Fusco
- Training and Welfare Unit, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Guarino
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ponzini
- Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies (IRPPS), National Research Council (CNR), Research Unit of Brindisi, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Tumolo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology (DISTEBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Nicola Magnavita
- Post-graduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luigi Tripepi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Sergio Garbarino
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal/Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Scardina A, Tabacchi G, Thomas E, Navarra GA, Petrigna L, Caramazza G, Palma A, Bellafiore M. Relationship between Lifestyle Determinants and Perceived Mental and Physical Health in Italian Nursery and Primary School Teachers after the COVID-19 Lockdown. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2024; 9:33. [PMID: 38390933 PMCID: PMC10885123 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 lockdown and the consequent distance school learning made epochal changes in children's lifestyles; however, little is known about the lockdown effects on school teacher habits. The aim of this observational study is to examine differences in the lifestyle of nursery (NS) and primary (PS) school teachers after one of the COVID-19 lockdowns and investigate the relationship between perceived physical/mental health and demographics, weight status and lifestyle determinants, such as adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and physical activity level (PAL). A total sample of 265 participants (49.22 ± 6.95 years) filled out an online information questionnaire and standardized questionnaires to collect data on the Physical Component Summary (PCS), Mental Component Summary (MCS), PAL and MD-adherence. A t-test or ANOVA analysis was used to assess differences between quantitative variables: Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis tests for qualitative variables. Spearman's correlations and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to identify categorical factors associated with classes of PCS and MCS. Teachers showed sufficient/high PAL, with a significantly higher level in the PS group (p < 0.05). This last showed a higher PCS score (p < 0.05). No differences between groups were found for MD-adherence, which was moderate/fair in both groups, and MCS, which was sufficient/good. Logistic regression showed that the only positive predictor of a high PCS was being physically active (OR 2.10, 95%CI 1.05-4.2, p < 0.05), while MCS was positively associated with normal weight status (OR 0.48, 95%CI 0.33-0.78, p = 0.020). This study highlights that PS teachers are more active than the NS group and perceive a higher physical health level. Mere predictors of physical and mental well-being are PA practice and being normal weight, respectively. This suggests that interventions to improve perceived health in this work category should be focused on the promotion of physical activity practice and on the maintenance of an optimal weight status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Scardina
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy
| | - Garden Tabacchi
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ewan Thomas
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Angelo Navarra
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy
| | - Luca Petrigna
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Science, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Caramazza
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy
- Regional School Office of Sicily (USR Sicilia), 90144 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Palma
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marianna Bellafiore
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gołębiowska J, Zimny-Zając A, Makuch S, Dróżdż M, Dudek K, Żórawska J, Mazur G, Agrawal S. The Impact of Different Types of Diet on the Prevention of Diseases among Polish Inhabitants, Including COVID-19 Disease. Nutrients 2023; 15:3947. [PMID: 37764729 PMCID: PMC10535510 DOI: 10.3390/nu15183947] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper nutrition may help in preventing deaths or at least alleviating the symptoms of many chronic diseases. While the COVID-19 disease was still taking its toll, the world had to adjust to new life conditions, which could change nutritional habits. In this observational, cross-sectional study, we aimed to identify the potential correlations between sociodemographic factors and diet and the presence of common chronic diseases among Polish inhabitants. Furthermore, we tried to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in nutritional habits. Therefore, based on the online study (the National Test for Poles' Health (NTPH), we collected data from 376,102 and 200,000 respondents in two different time frames (before the COVID-19 pandemic: 2019-2020 and during the COVID-19 pandemic: 2021-2022, respectively). Despite the rapid global rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, among our study group, hypertension was still the most commonly occurring disease in both time frames (32.33% in 2019-2020 and 34.95% in 2021-2022, p < 0.001). Furthermore, more chronic diseases were reported during the COVID-19 pandemic than in 2019-2020. Regarding sociodemographic factors, male respondents were more likely to develop hypertension and diabetes (OR = 1.35 CI 95% (1.28-1.43), p < 0.001; and OR = 1.20 CI 95% (1.11-1.30), p < 0.001). Vegetarian diet decreases the likelihood of hypertension, neurological disease, and diabetes (OR = 0.69, CI 95% (0.60-0.81), p < 0.001; OR = 0.72, CI 95% (0.59-0.88), p = 0.001; and OR = 0.73, CI 95% (0.55-0.96), p = 0.026). In line with this, consuming meat meals increases the risk of hypertension (OR = 1.09, CI 95% (1.02-1.17), p = 0.009). Interestingly, a reduced-sodium diet has an association with decreased morbidity of COVID-19 disease (OR = 0.72, CI 95% (0.63-0.82), p < 0.001). This result brings new light to more research to be done to allow efficient prevention of this disease. In conclusion, our study shows the beneficial role of a balanced diet in reducing the incidence rate of common chronic diseases. Our findings may be educational for those who would like to change their nutritional habits and/or for public health professionals to suggest the implementation of proper diets to their patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Gołębiowska
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Anna Zimny-Zając
- Medonet, Ringier Axel Springer Poland, Domaniewska St. 49, 02-672 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Sebastian Makuch
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Mateusz Dróżdż
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Dudek
- Statistical Analysis Center, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Joanna Żórawska
- Clinical Department of Geriatrics, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteur 4 Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Mazur
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Siddarth Agrawal
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.G.); (G.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Natsis K, Kostares M, Tsakotos G, Koutserimpas C, Kostares E, Triantafyllou G, Totlis T, Karampelias V, Chytas D, Pantazis N, Otountzidis N, Triantafyllou A, Achlatis V, Ediaroglou V, Piagkou M. Physical Activity Level Alterations Due to the Lockdowns: A Multi-Center Greek University-Based Study. Acta Med Acad 2023; 52:119-133. [PMID: 37933509 DOI: 10.5644/ama2006-124.412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study determines the impact of the pandemic lockdowns on physical activity, and evaluates the factors associated with physical activity cessation on students and personnel of eight Greek Higher Education Institutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 6,380 volunteer participants completed a survey reporting their physical activity levels and perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was made available through an online platform. RESULTS Both the conduct and intensity of physical activity were significantly reduced from the pre-pandemic era to the second lockdown (P<0.001). Walking was the most frequently selected type of physical activity, in all periods except for the second lockdown. Loss of interest (52.4%) was the main, self-reported factor for cessation of physical activity. Females had a 31% lower probability of ceasing physical activity during lockdowns. CONCLUSION The conduct and intensity of physical activity decreased significantly during the pandemic. Female gender, annual checkup attendance, and specific physical activity types during the pre-pandemic era were associated with a reduction in the risk of pausing physical activity during lockdowns. Lockdowns may be implemented in future health crises, hence measures for maintaining the physical activity of the general population, such as online group sessions and support from healthcare professionals, should be prepared.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Natsis
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michael Kostares
- Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - George Tsakotos
- Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
| | - Christos Koutserimpas
- Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, "251" Hellenic Air Force General Hospital of Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Kostares
- Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - George Triantafyllou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Trifon Totlis
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasilios Karampelias
- Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Chytas
- Basic Sciences Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Peloponnese, Sparta, Greece
| | - Nikos Pantazis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Nikos Otountzidis
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Triantafyllou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Vlassis Achlatis
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasilios Ediaroglou
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Piagkou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Doğan G, Özyildirim C, Yabanci Ayhan N. Supplementation use and diet changes during COVID-19 pandemic according to anxiety level and Mediterranean diet adherence. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2023; 54:122-129. [PMID: 36963853 PMCID: PMC9873361 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.01.022] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Aim; This study was planned and conducted to examine the change in food consumption and nutritional supplement use during the COVID-19 pandemic according to individuals' status of anxiety and Mediterranean diet adherence. Methods; This prospective, cross-sectional research was completed online with the participation of 949 people (66.4% women). The Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener Scale (MEDAS) and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) were applied. After this section of the questionnaire was completed, the participants were tasked with answering questions regarding changes in food consumption and use of nutritional supplements during the pandemic. Results; While 50.8% of the participants had low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, 18.2% were considered to have a high adherence. It was observed that legume (p = 0.001), milk and dairy (p = 0.01), and fruit (p < 0.001) consumption of participants with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet increased during the pandemic, and packaged food (p < 0.001) consumption decreased. The increase in the consumption of fruit (p < 0.001) and vegetables (p = 0.018) were significantly higher in the group with anxiety. Age, sex, educational status, positive COVID-19 test, place of residence, CAS score and MEDAS score affect the use of dietary supplements according to binary logistic regression (R2 = 0.106 p < 0.001). The three most commonly used supplements were identified as vitamins C, D and B12. Conclusions: These results can shed light on how to prepare for possible future pandemics when it comes to dealing with anxiety through diet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gökcen Doğan
- Health Sciences Faculty, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ankara University, Fatih Cad. No:197 Keçiören, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Caner Özyildirim
- Health Sciences Faculty, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Akdeniz University, Dumlupınar Boulevard 07058, Konyaaltı, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Nurcan Yabanci Ayhan
- Health Sciences Faculty, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ankara University, Fatih Cad. No:197 Keçiören, Ankara, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chaabna K, Chaabane S, Jithesh A, Doraiswamy S, Mamtani R, Cheema S. Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the proportion of physically active children and adults worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1009703. [PMID: 36568744 PMCID: PMC9780669 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1009703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Safety measures implemented to address the COVID-19 pandemic have had a profound impact on the mobility of people worldwide We synthesized the global evidence on physical activity (PA) participation before and during the pandemic. Methods We conducted a systematic review, searching PubMed, Embase, WHO Global literature on coronavirus disease (between January 2020 and April 2022), and reference lists. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were conducted to quantitatively synthesize the data. Results and discussion Sixty-three primary studies were included. In children, the global pooled prevalence of PA was 46.4% before the pandemic, 40.6% during the pandemic before movement restriction (MR), and 19.5% during MR. A statistically significant decrease in prevalence was observed between the period before the pandemic and the period during which MR was implemented (p < 0.001). In adults, the global pooled prevalence (both sexes) decreased between the periods before the pandemic (64.7%) and during MR (57.0%). During the period of COVID-19 MR, children had significantly lower odds to meet the WHO PA recommendation than adults (19.5%, 95%CI: 15.8-23.8% vs. 57.0%, 95%CI: 43.3-62.5%; OR = 0.21; p ≤ 0.001). Patient populations were less active than the general population, and their PA levels decreased during the pandemic. Mental and physical health benefits of PA have been well-demonstrated. Prioritizing PA in health campaigns and strategies is critical to address health issues exacerbated during this pandemic. Protocol registration doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/GVABX.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karima Chaabna
- Institute for Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Ar-Rayyan, Qatar
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Melguizo-Ibáñez E, González-Valero G, Puertas-Molero P, Alonso-Vargas JM. Emotional Intelligence, Physical Activity Practice and Mediterranean Diet Adherence-An Explanatory Model in Elementary Education School Students. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9111770. [PMID: 36421219 PMCID: PMC9688524 DOI: 10.3390/children9111770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there is a global concern with regard to the lifestyles of young people. This study aims to study the association between Mediterranean diet adherence, emotional intelligence and physical activity practice in teenagers in the last cycle of elementary education. In turn, this objective is divided into (a) developing an explanatory model of the practice of physical activity, Mediterranean diet adherence and emotional intelligence; and (b) developing a multi-group model according to the gender of the participants. A descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted in a sample of 293 elementary school students (M = 11.45; S.D = 0.31). The instruments used were an ad hoc socio-demographic questionnaire, the Trait Meta Mood Scale-24, the KIDMED questionnaire and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children. The results show that males show a positive relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and emotional intelligence and between emotional intelligence and physical activity. In contrast, in the case of females, a negative relationship was observed between emotional intelligence and physical activity. In conclusion, it can be seen that gender plays a fundamental role in adolescence, being a key factor influencing an active and healthy lifestyle.
Collapse
|
10
|
Dębska-Janus M, Dębski P, Główczyński P, Rozpara M, Badura-Brzoza K. Emotional Functioning in the Context of Health Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Health Sciences Students: The Polish Case. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2022; 15:953-964. [PMID: 35469168 PMCID: PMC9034885 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s352279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Dębska-Janus
- Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Paweł Dębski
- Chair and Clinical Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
- Correspondence: Paweł Dębski, Tel/Fax +48 322854358, Email
| | - Patryk Główczyński
- Chair and Clinical Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Michał Rozpara
- Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Karina Badura-Brzoza
- Chair and Clinical Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Exploring the Correlation between Time Management, the Mediterranean Diet, and Physical Activity: A Comparative Study between Spanish and Romanian University Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052554. [PMID: 35270247 PMCID: PMC8909744 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The investigation started from the premise that there are links between time management (TM), physical activity (PA), and the Mediterranean diet (MD). The aim of our study is to determine the correlation between the variables TM, the MD, and PA in Spanish and Romanian university students. METHODS The study was conducted on a group of 296 students (198 Romanian and 98 Spanish students between the ages of 23.44 ± 5.92 years, with 108 males and 188 females, where 171 were from the sports faculty and 125 were from the psychology faculty), using the Time Management Questionnaire (TMQ) to measure TM, the KIDMED test to measure MD, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) to measure PA. RESULTS The obtained results show that there are significant differences, regarding MD and PA, between the Romanian and Spanish respondents, between the respondents from the sports faculty and those from the psychology faculty, and between the female and male respondents. The TM variable did not show a significant difference depending on the country, faculty, or gender. There was only a significant relationship between the MD and the other two variables (TM and PA). CONCLUSIONS Significant differences were observed between the variables the MD and PA, but not TM, depending on the country, gender, and faculty. There was only a significant correlation between the MD and the other two variables (TM and PA). The results provided us with relevant data for the need for a TM protocol to improve the MD adherence and PA in university students.
Collapse
|
12
|
Wunsch K, Kienberger K, Niessner C. Changes in Physical Activity Patterns Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:2250. [PMID: 35206434 PMCID: PMC8871718 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
With the outbreak of the Corona Virus Disease 19 (Covid-19) in late 2019, governments increasingly imposed containment strategies, including social distancing as well as restricted population movement, potentially having negative impacts on mental and physical health. A growing number of studies have examined the impact of the pandemic on different facets of physical activity (PA); an overview combining these (mixed) results, however, is missing. Thus, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate whether and to which extent PA changed from before to during the Covid-19 pandemic, taking age, gender, and measurement method into account. The literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Results of the main characteristics were descriptively synthesized and analyzed in a meta-analysis quantifying effects of the pandemic on PA divided by age groups, with additional subgroup analyses of the characteristics age, gender, and measurement method being narratively synthesized. Overall, 57 studies with a total sample size of 119,094 participants (N between 10 and 60,560 subjects) from 14 countries worldwide with participants aged between four and 93 years were included. Thirty-two studies revealed a significant decline in PA, whereas only five studies found a significant increase in PA during the Covid-19 pandemic. Fourteen studies revealed mixed results. PA decreased in all age groups, independent of gender. Most self-reported and all device-based measurement methods showed a reduction in PA. However, effects were not found to be significant in all age groups. Nevertheless, the declining trend should be noted and governments should strive to enable PA within periods of pandemic restrictions, or promote alternatives such as digital training to avoid negative health consequences within the population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Wunsch
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (K.K.); (C.N.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lotti S, Dinu M, Pagliai G, Giangrandi I, Colombini B, Sofi F. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet increased during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy: results from the web-based Medi-Lite questionnaire. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2022; 73:650-656. [PMID: 35012423 DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2021.2025213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to assess the Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence in 2566 Italians who completed the validated Medi-Lite questionnaire during the year 2020, and to investigate the effect of COVID-19 confinement on dietary habits and MD adherence. To do this, we compared subjects (n = 389) that answered the questionnaire during the confinement occurred in Italy from March to May 2020 with subjects (n = 653) who completed the questionnaire in the same period (March-May) of the previous year (2019). From the results, a moderate level of MD adherence in the total sample emerged, and a significantly (p<.0001) increased adherence during lockdown was observed. Specifically, during confinement significantly (p < 0.05) higher consumption of vegetables (+9.4%), legumes (+13.5%) and pasta (+12.9%) emerged, while lower consumption was reported for bread (-13.4%) and meat and meat products (-15.4%). This study showed increased adherence to MD and a better-quality diet during the COVID-19 confinement in Italy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Lotti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Monica Dinu
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giuditta Pagliai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Nutrition, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Giangrandi
- Unit of Clinical Nutrition, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Colombini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Sofi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Nutrition, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
García Pérez de Sevilla G, Barceló Guido O, De la Cruz MDLP, Fernández AB, Alejo LB, Ramírez Goercke MI, Pérez-Ruiz M. Remotely Supervised Exercise during the COVID-19 Pandemic versus in-Person-Supervised Exercise in Achieving Long-Term Adherence to a Healthy Lifestyle. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182212198. [PMID: 34831954 PMCID: PMC8619241 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization's global action plan on workers' health establishes that occupational health services should carry out lifestyle interventions within the workplace, to prevent the development of non-communicable diseases. The objective of the study was to compare adherence to a healthy lifestyle six months after completion of a multi-component intervention with remotely supervised physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic versus a multi-component intervention with in-person supervised physical exercise before the COVID-19 pandemic in university employees with unhealthy habits and predisposed to change. A prospective cohort study following the "Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology" (STROBE) guidelines was conducted, with two arms. Each multi-component intervention lasted for 18 weeks, and consisted of education on healthy habits, Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet)-based workshops, and a physical exercise program. Twenty-one middle-aged sedentary university employees with poor adherence to the MedDiet completed the study. Six months after completion of the intervention, both groups increased physical activity levels, adherence to the MedDiet, eating habits, health-promoting lifestyle, health responsibility, and health-related quality of life. There were no differences between groups in any of the variables analyzed. Therefore, remotely supervised physical exercise could be adequate to achieve long-term adherence to a healthy lifestyle in the same way as conventional face-to-face intervention, at least in a population willing to change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo García Pérez de Sevilla
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-6-2920-7357
| | - Olga Barceló Guido
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (O.B.G.); (L.B.A.); (M.P.-R.)
| | | | - Ascensión Blanco Fernández
- Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.F.); (M.I.R.G.)
| | - Lidia B. Alejo
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (O.B.G.); (L.B.A.); (M.P.-R.)
| | - María Isabel Ramírez Goercke
- Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.F.); (M.I.R.G.)
| | - Margarita Pérez-Ruiz
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (O.B.G.); (L.B.A.); (M.P.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Changes in Workers’ Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13179524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has changed the world and strongly affected the health of the people and the quality of their life. These changes might impact employees’ physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). This study aimed to summarize the literature focusing on the COVID-19-caused changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior among the adult working population. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in June 2021 using multiple electronic databases. The following keywords and synonyms were used during the searching process: physical activity, sedentary behavior, COVID-19, employee. After the data cleaning process (duplicates, inclusion criteria), the title and the abstract of all manuscripts from the searches were screened independently by two reviewers. Results: Thirty-nine manuscripts were selected as a result of the searching process. Of these, 5 were SB related, 15 were PA related and 19 addressed both PA and SB. There were longitudinal (10), cross-sectional (28) and a case study (1) in the selected manuscripts. The majority of studies were conducted in the USA (6) and Europe (18), and four studies examined the PA and/or SB in multiple countries. The majority (34 studies) of the studies used subjective, self-reported, but mostly before-validated questionnaires. Objective measures were less common and used only 12.8% of the examined studies. Moreover, 76.4% of the studies described an overall decrease in the amount of PA during the COVID-19 pandemic. In three cases, researchers observed an increase in PA among the workers. Five studies reported no significant changes in the amount of PA during the pandemic. As far as SB is concerned, 18 out of 24 of the studies reported an overall increase in the amount of SB between the two periods. Four manuscripts reported no significant change in the amount of SB, and there was only one manuscript in the examined studies that reported an overall decrease in the SB time before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion: There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic, including lockdown and work from home (WFH) policies, impaired the PA and SB level of the populations. This period has delivered an important message for the adult working population as well. They should be as active as possible and avoid high levels of SB and uninterrupted sitting time. Therefore, organizations, policies and public health bodies should motivate workers, especially office workers, to be more active and interventions must be developed to mitigate the negative effects of the COVID-19 on PA and SB.
Collapse
|
16
|
García Pérez de Sevilla G, Barceló Guido O, De la Cruz MDLP, Blanco Fernández A, Alejo LB, Montero Martínez M, Pérez-Ruiz M. Adherence to a Lifestyle Exercise and Nutrition Intervention in University Employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147510. [PMID: 34299960 PMCID: PMC8305330 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Healthy lifestyles should be encouraged in the workplace through the occupational health teams of the companies. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the adherence to a lifestyle intervention carried out in university employees during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on health-related quality of life (HrQoL). A randomized controlled trial following the CONSORT guidelines was performed, consisting of three supervised interventions lasting for 18 weeks: an educational intervention on healthy habits, a nutritional intervention, and a telematic aerobic and strength exercise intervention. Lifestyle and HrQoL were analyzed six months post-intervention to assess adherence. Twenty-three middle-aged participants completed the study. The intervention group significantly improved their lifestyle according to the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II questionnaire, especially in the categories of Health Responsibility, Physical Activity, and Nutrition, with a large effect size. Sitting time was reduced by 2.5 h per day, with a moderate effect size. Regarding HrQoL, the intervention group showed a clinically significant improvement in the Physical Component Summary. Despite the lockdown and the mobility restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this intervention performed on university employees achieved adherence to a healthier lifestyle and improved their HrQoL, which is of great clinical relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo García Pérez de Sevilla
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-62920-7357
| | - Olga Barceló Guido
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (O.B.G.); (L.B.A.); (M.P.-R.)
| | | | - Ascensión Blanco Fernández
- Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.F.); (M.M.M.)
| | - Lidia B. Alejo
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (O.B.G.); (L.B.A.); (M.P.-R.)
| | - María Montero Martínez
- Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.F.); (M.M.M.)
| | - Margarita Pérez-Ruiz
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (O.B.G.); (L.B.A.); (M.P.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|