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Mohammad Johari MH, Tan ST. Internet addiction and its relationship with food choice motives and the risk of eating disorders among young adults in Malaysia. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5643. [PMID: 38454136 PMCID: PMC10920804 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56050-0] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 lockdown measures have dramatically altered the daily routines of young adults. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the relationships between internet addiction, food choice motives and the risk of eating disorders in young adults during the transition to the endemic phase of COVID-19. The Internet Addiction Test was utilised to evaluate the presence and severity of internet addiction among young adults. The Food Choice Questionnaire was employed to assess the food choice motives of young adults, while the risk of eating disorders was determined using the Eating Attitude Test-26. The relationships between internet addiction, food choice motives, and the risk of eating disorders were assessed using model 4 of the PROCESS macro for SPSS. The findings indicated that 29.0% of young adults experienced moderate-to-severe internet addiction, whereas 32.6% were at risk of eating disorders. Young adults were highly valued for the price, sensory appeal, and mood when deciding food choices. The relationship between internet addiction and the risk of eating disorders was partially mediated by convenience (b = - 0.211, SE = 0.140, - 0.548 to - 0.016) and familiarity (b = 0.219, SE = 0.122, 0.019 to 0.494). A significant direct effect was also observed between internet addiction and the risk of eating disorders (B = 0.793, p = 0.017). There is an urgent need to implement intervention strategies aimed at reducing problematic internet use, promoting healthier food choices, and fostering healthy eating habits among young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Haziq Mohammad Johari
- School of Graduate Studies, Management and Science University, University Drive, Off Persiaran Olahraga, Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Seok Tyug Tan
- Department of Healthcare Professional, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, University Drive, Off Persiaran Olahraga, Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Tan ST, Kannan TM. Comparison of eating behaviour by relative weight change status of young adults throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. DIALOGUES IN HEALTH 2023; 2:100094. [PMID: 36568862 PMCID: PMC9767657 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2022.100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background and purpose The enforcement of nationwide lockdowns has worsened the obesity epidemic in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to compare eating behaviour by relative weight change status among young adults in Malaysia throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach Socio-demographics, body height, pre-pandemic body weight, and post-lockdown body weight were self-reported by the young adults. The eating behaviour was assessed using the validated Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-Revised 18-item (TFEQ-R18). The mean difference in eating behaviour subscales was analysed using MANCOVA with a Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc test. Findings One-third of the young adults put on body weight due to the lockdowns, with an average relative weight gain of 12.44 ± 9.67%. Conversely, about one-fifth of the young adults reported having lighter body weight in the post-lockdown pandemic phase, with an average relative weight loss of 10.10 ± 4.66%. Young adults in the weight loss category had a significantly higher standardised raw score in cognitive restraints than those in the sustained weight and weight gain categories. In addition, young adults in the weight gain category had statistically higher standardised raw scores in uncontrolled eating and emotional eating compared to those in the sustained weight category. Weight trajectory during the COVID-19 pandemic is linked to disordered eating behaviour among young adults in Malaysia. Originality/value The findings presented in this study can be potentially valuable in formulating weight management strategies in the post-COVID-19 era.
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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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Rengarajoo S, Tan ST. Household Income and its Correlation with Child Hunger During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2022.2157693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sharmilla Rengarajoo
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Seok Tyug Tan
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
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Tan ST, Tan CX, Tan SS. Food security during the COVID-19 home confinement: A cross-sectional study focusing on adults in Malaysia. HUMAN NUTRITION & METABOLISM 2022; 27:200142. [PMID: 38620934 PMCID: PMC8789445 DOI: 10.1016/j.hnm.2022.200142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission cases has led to the decision to execute the Movement Control Order (MCO) by the Federal Government of MalaysiaEconomic activities, psychological wellbeing, and food security may be negatively affected by the implementation of MCO. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence of food insecurity and its associated factors during the enforcement of MCO 1.0. A total of 162 respondents were enrolled in this study using convenience and snowball sampling approaches. Socio-demographic information was self-reported by the respondents. Food security and the presence of depressive symptoms during the MCO 1.0 were assessed with Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), respectively. Current findings demonstrated that the prevalence of food insecurity was 43.2%. Ethnicity, marital status, employment status, monthly earned income and being the head of a household were significantly associated (p< 0.05) with food insecurity during the MCO 1.0. A higher odds ratio for food insecurity were observed among Malaysian Indian (OR = 2.541, CI: 1.041-6.205), those with active employment during the MCO 1.0 (OR = 4.175, CI: 1.189-14.660) and those with a monthly income of less than RM4000 during the MCO 1.0 (OR = 5.396, CI: 1.362-21.838). In conclusion, policymakers are urged to pay more attention to these vulnerable populations when formulating economic stimulus plans and coping strategies for food insecurity in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Tyug Tan
- Department of Healthcare Professional, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, University Drive, off Persiaran Olahraga, Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chin Xuan Tan
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti Bandar Barat, 31900, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Seok Shin Tan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Chusak C, Tangmongkhonsuk M, Sudjapokinon J, Adisakwattana S. The Association between Online Learning and Food Consumption and Lifestyle Behaviors and Quality of Life in Terms of Mental Health of Undergraduate Students during COVID-19 Restrictions. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14040890. [PMID: 35215540 PMCID: PMC8876014 DOI: 10.3390/nu14040890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused the abrupt replacement of traditional face-to-face classes into online classes. Several studies showed that online teaching and learning produced adverse mental health for students. However, no research has been conducted so far analyzing the association between the duration of online and food consumption and lifestyle behaviors and quality of life in terms of mental health of undergraduate students. This study aimed to determine the association between the duration of online learning and food consumption behaviors, lifestyles, and quality of life in terms of mental health among Thai undergraduate students during COVID-19 restrictions. A cross-sectional online survey of 464 undergraduate students was conducted at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, between March and May 2021. The majority of undergraduate students stated that they spent 3–6 h per day on online learning (76.1%) and used their digital devices such as computers, tablets, or smartphones more than 6 h per day (76.9%). In addition, they had 75.4% of skipping breakfast (≥3 times/week) and 63.8% of sleep duration (6–8 h/day). A higher proportion of students who drank tea or coffee with milk and sugar while online learning was observed. The results found that the increased duration of online learning was significantly associated with skipping breakfast and the frequency of sugary beverage consumption. On the other hand, the increased computer, tablet, and smartphone usage for online learning was correlated with lower sleep duration and a poor quality of life in terms of mental health. The findings from this study contribute to a report of the association between online learning and food consumption and lifestyle behaviors and quality of life of undergraduate students, emphasizing the necessity for intervention strategies to promote healthy behaviors.
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Tan ST, Tan CX, Tan SS. Changes in Dietary Intake Patterns and Weight Status during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Study Focusing on Young Adults in Malaysia. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14020280. [PMID: 35057460 PMCID: PMC8778075 DOI: 10.3390/nu14020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) isolation has altered individuals’ food purchasing behaviour and dietary intake patterns. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the changes in dietary intake patterns and their impacts on the weight status of young adults in Malaysia during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 1045 young adults in Malaysia. The changes in dietary intake patterns were assessed using the Dietary Diversity Questionnaire with slight modifications, while anthropometric measurements including body height, body weight before the pandemic and current body weight were self-reported. Results: Overall, nearly half of the respondents (48.8%) gained weight during the confinement, with an average increment of 4.06 ± 3.23 kg. Of 1045, 45.3% reported consuming more fruits and 60.2% had higher plain water intake during the pandemic. It is observed that 41.0% to 66.8% of the young adults changed their dietary intake patterns during the pandemic. Increased consumption in cereals and grains (β = 0.084, p = 0.015, 95% CI = 0.017–0.160), as well as oils and fats (β = 0.123, p = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.059–0.241), was positively associated with weight gain during the pandemic. On the contrary, an increased plain water intake was negatively associated with weight gain during the lockdown (β = −0.100, p = 0.003, 95% CI = −0.171–−0.034). Findings in the current study also suggested that cutting back cereals and grains (β = 0.156, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.122–0.288), as well as oils and fats (β = 0.091, p = 0.012, 95% CI = 0.022–0.183), contributed significantly to weight loss during the pandemic confinement. Conclusion: In conclusion, the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) drove up the prevalence of overweight/obesity among young adults in Malaysia. Increased consumption of cereals and grains and oils and fats contributed to weight gain in the pandemic lockdown. Nonetheless, a noticeable proportion of young adults in Malaysia shifted to a healthier food choice by increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Tyug Tan
- Department of Healthcare Professional, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, University Drive, off Persiaran Olahraga, Seksyen 13, Shah Alam 40100, Malaysia;
| | - Chin Xuan Tan
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, Kampar 31900, Malaysia;
| | - Seok Shin Tan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
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Pung CYY, Tan ST, Tan SS, Tan CX. Eating Behaviors among Online Learning Undergraduates during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312820. [PMID: 34886546 PMCID: PMC8657465 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312820] [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: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has upended education systems. The pandemic switched traditional face-to-face classes to online classes. Poor eating behaviors in undergraduate students' lives may affect the well-being of their later stages of life. This study aimed to investigate the eating behaviors among online learning undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 122 students were recruited. The results revealed more than half of the respondents (52.46%) skipped meals. Breakfast (46.72%) was the most skipped meal. The majority of the respondents (94.26%) snacked between meals. Biscuits (88.52%), bread (84.43%), and fruits (80.33%) were the most common snacked foods. Meal skipping was found to be associated with gender (χ2 = 6.83, p < 0.05). In the future, more health interventions program aimed to promote healthy eating behaviors among undergraduates are highly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Yeong Ying Pung
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti Bandar Barat, Kampar 31900, Perak, Malaysia;
| | - Seok Tyug Tan
- Department of Healthcare Professional, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, University Drive, Off Persiaran Olahraga, Seksyen 13, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Seok Shin Tan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Chin Xuan Tan
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti Bandar Barat, Kampar 31900, Perak, Malaysia;
- Correspondence:
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