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Eilertsen M, Riis A, Nielsen A, Riel H. Physical activity levels before and after the COVID-19 restrictions among Danish adolescents: a retrospective cohort study. Scand J Public Health 2024; 52:284-289. [PMID: 37817568 DOI: 10.1177/14034948231201690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS It has been suggested that the COVID-19 restrictions may have negatively impacted physical activity (PA) levels, especially among adolescents, who often use organised sports to support their intrinsic motivation for staying active. This study aimed to investigate whether adolescents were less physically active after the COVID-19 restrictions compared with before and examine whether participation in organised sports has changed since the COVID-19 restrictions. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of Danish adolescents aged 15 to 19 years. Data was collected using a questionnaire in SurveyXact. The primary variable of interest was moderate or high-intensity PA frequency before and after COVID-19 restrictions (from March 11, 2020, to September 10, 2021). Secondary variables of interest included whether the PA was self-organised (e.g. running, hiking, going to a gym or cycling) or part of an organised sport delivered by a club or other association, before versus after the restrictions. RESULTS A total of 324 participants responded to the questionnaire. The relative risk of not performing PA at least twice per week after COVID-19 restrictions compared with before was significantly larger (1.44; 95%CI: 1.19 to 1.85, p = 0.005). Before the lockdowns, 190 (59%) were engaged in organised sports compared with 152 (47%) after the restrictions (relative risk: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.19 to 1.92, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Compared with activity levels before the pandemic, adolescents became significantly less physically active following the COVID-19 restrictions, beyond what is typically observed during adolescence. These results emphasise a need for strategies to increase PA levels among adolescents to minimise the long-term negative effects of physical inactivity during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Eilertsen
- Department of Physiotherapy, University College of Northern Denmark, Denmark
| | - Allan Riis
- Department of Physiotherapy, University College of Northern Denmark, Denmark
- Center for General Practice at Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Anne Nielsen
- Department of Physiotherapy, University College of Northern Denmark, Denmark
- Center for General Practice at Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Henrik Riel
- Department of Physiotherapy, University College of Northern Denmark, Denmark
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Denmark
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Stavrinos D, McManus B, McGwin G, Underhill AT, George R, Kennedy K. COVID-19 effects on diet, sleep, and physical activity among mid- to late-adolescents residing in the deep south in the United States. J Pediatr Nurs 2023; 72:e40-e46. [PMID: 37330275 PMCID: PMC10247140 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the differential impact of COVID-19 on United States (US) adolescents' physical health as a function of sociodemographic factors over 18 months. It was hypothesized that the impact of COVID-19 and its mitigation efforts on physical health factors would vary by sociodemographic factors. DESIGN AND METHODS Data were drawn from a longitudinal study in which participants (ages 16 or 18) self-reported sleep, diet, and physical activity over 18months. Participants were enrolled between 2018 and 2022. Participants (n = 190, 73% Black/African American, 53% female) provided 1330 reports over 194 weeks (93 weeks before and 101 weeks after COVID-19 restrictions implementation). RESULTS Physical health outcomes moderated by demographic factors were measured and assessed over 18 months. Multilevel models and general estimated equations estimated the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on participants' health outcomes. Sleep and physical activity worsened after COVID-19 regardless of moderating factors, but some specific outcomes varied across subgroups. CONCLUSIONS This study diversifies the literature on the impact of COVID-19 and its mitigation measures on adolescents' social health. Further, it is based in the US's Deep South, largely populated by those identifying as Black/African American or of low socioeconomic status. Both subgroups are underrepresented in US-based health outcomes research. COVID-19 directly and indirectly impacted adolescents' physical health. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Understanding if and how COVID-19 impacted adolescents' health will inform nursing practice to adapt to and overcome adverse sequelae to promote positive patient health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despina Stavrinos
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 916 BLDG, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
| | - Benjamin McManus
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 916 BLDG, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
| | - Gerald McGwin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, EFH 609, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 32594, United States.
| | - Andrea T Underhill
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 916 BLDG, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
| | - Rachael George
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 916 BLDG, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
| | - Kaiden Kennedy
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 916 BLDG, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
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Torlińska-Walkowiak N, Łukaszewicz K, Morawska A, Sowińska A, Pawlaczyk-Kamieńska T, Opydo-Szymaczek J. Diet, Oral Hygiene Habits, and Approach to Dental Visits of Early School-Aged Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Possible Long-Term Health Consequences. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5690. [PMID: 37685757 PMCID: PMC10488684 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175690] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early school-aged children are in a transitional phase from primary to permanent dentition. Established dietary and oral hygiene habits will influence the condition of the oral cavity in the future. AIM This study aimed to evaluate alterations in early school children's dietary and oral hygiene practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and to anticipate potential long-term health implications. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional online study involved guardians of Polish children aged 6-10 years, living in Western Poland, who were socially isolated at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 180 guardians were invited to participate in this study. The questionnaire included 17 questions divided into four different sections-the child's anthropometric data, dietary habits, oral health, and attitude to dental visits. RESULTS The survey was completed by 106 guardians. The mean (standard deviation) age of the children was 8.12 (0.93) years (range 6-10 years). Overall, 24.5% of the surveyed individuals reported buying healthy products (fresh vegetables, fruit) more frequently during the pandemic. Furthermore, 35.8% admitted to snacking between meals more frequently and 16.0% less frequently. Almost one-quarter of the parents acknowledged that their children were less motivated to maintain oral hygiene during the pandemic and 28.3% declared a lower frequency of visits to the dentist from the outbreak of the pandemic for two main reasons: a fear of coronavirus transmission and economic reasons. CONCLUSIONS In the group studied, the results of the assessment indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic had some effects on oral health that may lead to an increased risk of oral disease development, such as tooth decay in children. None of the respondents noticed an increase in their child's motivation about good oral hygiene despite spending more time at home. The irregularity of follow-up visits for one-third of the respondents hindered preventive measures and the continuation of dental treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karolina Łukaszewicz
- Scientific Circle at Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
| | - Alicja Morawska
- Scientific Circle at Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Sowińska
- Department of Computer Science and Statistics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Tamara Pawlaczyk-Kamieńska
- Department of Risk Group Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
| | - Justyna Opydo-Szymaczek
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
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Nardone P, Spinelli A, Buoncristiano M, Andreozzi S, Bucciarelli M, Giustini M, Ciardullo S. Changes in Food Consumption and Eating Behaviours of Children and Their Families Living in Italy during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The EPaS-ISS Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:3326. [PMID: 37571263 PMCID: PMC10421235 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153326] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the EPaS-ISS study was to describe the changes in food consumption and eating behaviours of children (mainly aged 8-9 years) and their families between the pre-COVID-19 period (before February/March 2020) and the COVID-19 period (from February/March 2020 to April 2022). A web questionnaire completed by parents was used to collect data. The sociodemographic characteristics of the children and their parents were also explored through the web questionnaire. Seventeen regions out of nineteen and the two autonomous provinces (PA) of Italy participated in the study. The survey was completed for 4863 children (47.9% females). The study showed that only small changes in children's food consumption happened between the pre-COVID-19 period and the COVID-19 period; in particular, about 25% of parents reported an increase in savoury snacks and sweet food. A decrease in fruit and vegetable (about 8%) and fish (14%) consumption was also found. However, the changes seem to have mainly affected children from most disadvantaged families. The results also indicate positive changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in some families' eating behaviours, such as eating more home-cooked meals (42%) and family meals (39%), as well as cooking more with children (42%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Nardone
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.N.); (A.S.); (S.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Angela Spinelli
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.N.); (A.S.); (S.A.); (M.B.)
| | | | - Silvia Andreozzi
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.N.); (A.S.); (S.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Mauro Bucciarelli
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.N.); (A.S.); (S.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Marco Giustini
- Environment and Health Department, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Ciardullo
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.N.); (A.S.); (S.A.); (M.B.)
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Kołota A, Głąbska D. Analysis of Determinants of Food Preferences in a Polish Population-Based Sample of Primary School Adolescents: Diet and Activity of Youth during COVID-19 (DAY-19) Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112504. [PMID: 37299467 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112504] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
For the choices of food products, food preferences are crucial, as they influence the intake of nutrients and the resultant quality of diet, but in Poland, no studies of food preferences were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic on a population of young adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze the determinants of food preferences in a Polish population-based sample of primary school adolescents as part of the Diet and Activity of Youth during COVID-19 (DAY-19) Study. The DAY-19 Study focused on a national sample of a population of primary school adolescents who were recruited based on cluster sampling of participants from counties and schools, yielding a sample of 5039 individuals. Their food preferences were assessed using the Food Preference Questionnaire (FPQ), and they were compared in subgroups stratified by (1) gender: male and female; (2) age: younger (10-13 years) and older (14-16 years); (3) place of residence: urban and rural; (4) Body Mass Index (BMI): underweight, normal body weight, and overweight/obese (assessed based on Polish growth reference values); and (5) physical activity level: low and moderate (assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for children aged 10-13 (IPAQ-C) and adolescents aged 14-16 (IPAQ-A)). In the population of adolescents, no statistically significant differences in food preferences between subgroups stratified by gender were observed (p > 0.05). For boys, none of the studied factors (age, place of residence, BMI, physical activity level) was statistically significant determinant of food preferences (p < 0.05), while for girls, all of them were statistically significant determinants (p > 0.05). All the assessed factors (age, place of residence, BMI, physical activity level) in girls were associated with preferences for snacks, and older girls, those from a rural environment, those who were underweight and overweight/obese, as well as those having a low physical activity level declared a higher preference for snacks than younger ones (p = 0.0429), those from an urban environment (p = 0.0484), those of a normal body weight (p = 0.0091), and those having a moderate physical activity level (p = 0.0083). Similarly, girls from rural environments declared a higher preference for starches than those from urban environments (p = 0.0103), and girls having a low physical activity level declared a higher preference for fruit than those having a moderate physical activity level (p = 0.0376). Taking this into account, the population of girls, in particular, needs dedicated educational actions to support proper nutritional habits. Additionally, older age, living in a rural environment, being underweight and overweight/obese, and having a low physical activity level may be indicated as factors predisposing one to food preferences potentially promoting unhealthy dietary habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Kołota
- Department of Dietetics, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW-WULS), 159c Nowoursynowska Street, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Głąbska
- Department of Dietetics, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW-WULS), 159c Nowoursynowska Street, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
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Weihrauch-Blüher S, Huizinga O, Joisten C, Pflanz J, Torbahn G, Wiegand S, Holzapfel C, Hauner H. Changes in Lifestyle and Body Weight in Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Representative Survey of Parents in Germany. Obes Facts 2023; 16:301-312. [PMID: 36882019 PMCID: PMC10627114 DOI: 10.1159/000529116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The public restrictions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic have substantially affected lifestyle and health behavior of children and adolescents. In Germany, little is known how these changes influenced daily life in families with children and adolescents. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was performed in April/May 2022 across Germany, similar to a survey performed in 2020. Parents (N = 1,004, 20-65 years) with at least one child aged 3-17 years filled in an online questionnaire released by the Forsa Institute for Social Research and Statistical Analysis. Fifteen questions related to eating habits, dietary patterns, physical activity, media consumption, fitness, mental health, and body weight were included, and standard socioeconomic parameters were assessed. RESULTS Parents' answers indicated that there was a parental self-reported weight gain in every sixth child since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was most obvious in children from families with lower household income and preexisting overweight. Parents also reported that lifestyle patterns had worsened: 70% reported an increase of media consumption during leisure time, 44% a decrease in daily physical activity, and 16% the worsening of dietary habits (e.g., 27% stated to eat more cake and sweets). Children aged 10-12 years were most severely affected. CONCLUSION Negative health effects related to the COVID-19 pandemic are predominantly observed in children 10-12 years of age and in children from families with low household income, suggesting a worsening social disparity. Political action is urgently needed to tackle the adverse consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on childhood lifestyle and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Weihrauch-Blüher
- Clinic for Pediatrics I, Pediatric Endocrinology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | - Christine Joisten
- Department for Physical Activity in Public Health, German Sport University, Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, Cologne, Germany
| | - Juliane Pflanz
- Center for Social-Pediatric Care/Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriel Torbahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Klinikum Nürnberg, Universitätsklinik der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Susanna Wiegand
- Center for Social-Pediatric Care/Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christina Holzapfel
- Institute for Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany,
| | - Hans Hauner
- Institute for Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Arshad A, Shaheen F, Safdar W, Tariq MR, Navid MT, Qazi AS, Awan MA, Sajid MW, Garti HK. A PRECEDE-PROCEED model-based educational intervention to promote healthy eating habits in middle school girls. Food Sci Nutr 2023; 11:1318-1327. [PMID: 36911841 PMCID: PMC10002990 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3167] [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: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to develop Nutrition Education Program (NEP) based on PRECEDE-PROCEED model (PPM) to address healthy eating behavior among middle school girls aged between 4 and 12 years. For this, middle school girls from grade 1 to 8 (n = 900) were consulted for their eating behaviors, followed by the analysis of their health problems. From 15 different schools of three large cities (Faisalabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi) of Pakistan, students were divided into two groups: control group (n = 30) and intervention group (n = 30) from each school. The data were collected through interview-based questionnaires according to the phases of PRECEDE Model and evaluated based on PROCEED model. Implementation of NEP was carried out through lectures. Lessons were prepared to enhance student's awareness about nutritious food and healthy lifestyle through educational pamphlets and influenced their attitude towards selection of food choices from My-Plate. Results showed that NEP was quite successful for long-term results. A significant increase in total caloric intake was observed after 8 weeks of NEP intervention (1694 ± 217 Kcal) as compared to before intervention (1329 ± 318 Kcal). Similarly, carbohydrate, protein, and fat content was also increased in daily diet. Conclusively, NEP based on PPM has great impact on healthy lifestyle of middle school girls. Significant difference was observed in score of health variables before and after NEP intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Arshad
- Quaid-e-Azam Medical College Bahawalpur Pakistan
| | | | - Waseem Safdar
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Medical Sciences, The Mall Rawalpindi Pakistan
| | - Muhammad R Tariq
- Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences University of the Punjab Lahore Pakistan
| | - Muhammad T Navid
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Medical Sciences, The Mall Rawalpindi Pakistan
| | - Asma S Qazi
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Medical Sciences, The Mall Rawalpindi Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad W Sajid
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Sciences COMSATS University Islamabad-Sahiwal Campus Sahiwal Pakistan
| | - Humphrey K Garti
- Department of Nutritional Sciences School of Allied Health Sciences, University for Development Studies Ghana Tamale Ghana
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Kołota A, Głąbska D. Analysis of Association between Adolescents' Food Habits and Body Mass Change in a Population-Based Sample: Diet and Activity of Youth during COVID-19 (DAY-19) Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811772. [PMID: 36142043 PMCID: PMC9517231 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to food habit changes, including some negative ones that may increase the risk of overweight and obesity. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between adolescents' food habits, body mass change, as well as physical activity level in a population-based sample within the Diet and Activity of Youth during COVID-19 (DAY-19) Study. The DAY-19 Study was conducted in a cohort of 1333 students (aged 10-16 years) recruited in schools after stratified random quota sampling of primary schools (sampling counties within voivodeships and schools within counties) in June 2020. The food habits were assessed for the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and the period before the COVID-19 pandemic while using Adolescent Food Habits Checklist (AFHC). The body mass changes were assessed based on body weight and height for the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and the period before the COVID-19 pandemic while using Polish growth reference values. The physical activity changes were assessed based on the subjective assessment of adolescents. It was stated that for female adolescents declaring body mass gain during the COVID-19 pandemic the highest AFHC purchase scores (healthy purchase habits) (p < 0.0001) were accompanied by the lowest AFHC consumption score (unhealthy consumption habits) (p < 0.0001), as well as for female adolescents declaring physical activity decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic the highest AFHC purchase scores (healthy purchase habits) were observed (p = 0.0333). It was stated that for male adolescents declaring physical activity increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, the highest AFHC consumption scores (healthy consumption habits) were observed (p = 0.0003). In the case of a majority of participants, the general food habits were unchanged, which was observed mainly for food habits associated with food preparation. More food habits changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in body mass changes were observed in females than in male adolescents. Body mass gain during the COVID-19 pandemic in adolescents may have resulted from unhealthy consumption habits, accompanied by decreased physical activity, in spite of the fact that this sub-group presented healthy purchase habits, which was observed especially for female adolescents.
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Mazur-Włodarczyk K, Gruszecka-Kosowska A. Conventional or Organic? Motives and Trends in Polish Vegetable Consumption. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084667. [PMID: 35457534 PMCID: PMC9032158 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Vegetables constitute a major component of human food security. They are the main sources of essential nutrients including antioxidants, natural dyes, minerals, and vitamins. Eating habit issues related to the consumption of vegetables are gaining importance within the context of a healthy lifestyle, longevity, and physical fitness. Additionally, food quality is of primary importance, and so-called eco-food (defined as food as natural as possible, without fertilizers, pesticides, or preservatives) seems to be the most popular world-trend in healthy nutrition. Keeping these ideas in focus, research on vegetable consumption in Poland in the context of conventional or organic production was performed using online questionnaire surveys. The results revealed that the rate of vegetable consumption depended primarily on economic status, except for the potato, which was a staple cutting across all economic strata. Among the 108 analyzed respondents, 74% bought vegetables from certified organic farms. However, 59% bought organic vegetables "rarely" or "sometimes", and only 15% "often". Next, respondents chose to buy vegetables from fresh food markets (45%) and in local shops (41%). About 20% of the respondents acquired vegetables from their own farms. Among the reasons for choosing vegetables from certified organic farms, respondents mentioned in decreasing order: "desire for proper nutrition" (30%), "thinking that organic vegetables are healthier" (28%), and "organic vegetables are generally better" (7%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Mazur-Włodarczyk
- Faculty of Economics and Management, Department of Enterprise Management, E-Business and Electronic Economy, Opole University of Technology, E-Business and Electronic Economy, 7 Luboszycka St, 45-036 Opole, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-774498800
| | - Agnieszka Gruszecka-Kosowska
- Department of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics, and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Science and Technology, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland;
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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Consumption Behavior: Based on the Perspective of Accounting Data of Chinese Food Enterprises and Economic Theory. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14061206. [PMID: 35334868 PMCID: PMC8950524 DOI: 10.3390/nu14061206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid spread of COVID-19 around the world has become one of the main focuses of concern in almost every country, and governments have taken numerous measures to prevent/mitigate the spread of the disease. As an essential social determinant, COVID-19 has significantly impacted consumers’ food consumption behavior and healthy eating habits/behaviors. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on food consumption behavior, and the main goal was to assess the possible problems (such as food waste and weight gain) caused by changes in food consumption behavior during the pandemic. Based on the accounting data of Chinese enterprises found in the China Stock Market and Accounting Research (CSMAR) database, this study uses economic theory and the translog function to conduct an average partial effect (APE) analysis of the pandemic, and finds that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased Chinese people’s overall food consumption, and the consumption of food from large food enterprises has increased even more (APE = 0.11 vs. APE = 0.31). This study suggests that food waste and weight gain in the Chinese population may be more severe during the pandemic, and it is necessary to enhance food management and weight management through multiple pathways.
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