scholarly journals Lifestyle habits of adults during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Cyprus: evidence from a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ourania Kolokotroni ◽  
Maria C. Mosquera ◽  
Annalisa Quattrocchi ◽  
Alexandros Heraclides ◽  
Christiana Demetriou ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread adoption of virus control measures have inevitably disrupted efforts to address lifestyle risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCD). This study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on all lifestyle medicine pillars, namely diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, social support and use of risky substances. Methods This was a cross-sectional study on a convenient sample of adults who resided in Cyprus during the Spring 2020 lockdown. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire comprised of six validated tools regarding the following lifestyle behaviours before and during lockdown: adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, stress and social support levels, sleep pattern and use of risky substances such as smoking and alcohol. Paired before and during lockdown comparisons for each lifestyle pillar were undertaken using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test and Bowker symmetry Test where response was numerical (non-parametric data) and categorical respectively. Furthermore, stratified analyses for sociodemographic characteristics were performed. Results Out of 745 participants, 74% were female and median age was 39 years. Overall participants reported significantly higher perceived stress score (22 v 25, p <  0.01), lower social support score (71 v 68, p <  0.001), and worse sleep quality score (4 v 5, p <  0.01) during lockdown. Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence was moderate and increased significantly only in those practicing religious fasting (score of 6 v 7, p <  0.01). Total minutes spent sitting increased (120 v 180, p <  0.01) although overall physical activity score did not significantly change. Smoking intensity increased during lockdown whilst frequency of alcohol consumption decreased (ptrend = 0.03 and <  0.01, respectively). Conclusion Various lifestyle factors were adversely affected by the COVID-19 lockdown in Cyprus. Evidence from this study supports development of holistic lifestyle interventions during and following the pandemic to reduce short and long-term NCD risks by building on lifestyle behaviour strengths and addressing longstanding and emerging gaps and needs.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ourania Kolokotroni ◽  
Maria Mosquera ◽  
Annalisa Quattrocchi ◽  
Alexandros Heraclides ◽  
Christiana Demetriou ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic and widespread control measures disrupted efforts to address lifestyle risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCD). This study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on all lifestyle medicine pillars.Methods This was a cross-sectional study on a convenient sample of adults residing in Cyprus during the Spring 2020 lockdown. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire incorporating six validated tools regarding the following lifestyle behaviours before and during lockdown: adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, stress and social support levels, sleep pattern and use of risky substances such as smoking and alcohol. Median total scores for each lifestyle pillar before and during lockdown were compared using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test and stratified analyses for sociodemographic characteristics were performed.Results Of 745 participants, 74% were female and median age was 39 years. Overall participants reported significantly higher perceived stress score (22 v 25, p<0.01), lower social support score (71 v 68, p<0.001), and worse sleep quality score (4 v 5, p<0.01) during lockdown. Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence was moderate and increased significantly only in those practicing religious fasting (score of 6 v 7, p<0.01). Total minutes spent sitting increased (120 v 180, p<0.01) although overall physical activity score did not significantly change. Smoking intensity increased during lockdown whilst frequency of alcohol consumption decreased (ptrend=0.03 and <0.01, respectively). ConclusionLifestyle was adversely affected by the COVID-19 lockdown in Cyprus. Evidence from this study supports development of holistic lifestyle interventions during and following the pandemic to reduce short and long-term NCD risks by building on lifestyle behaviour strengths and addressing longstanding and emerging gaps and needs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elpiniki Laiou ◽  
Iro Rapti ◽  
Georgios Markozannes ◽  
Luisella Cianferotti ◽  
Lena Fleig ◽  
...  

Abstract There is a growing recognition that social support can potentially exert consistent or opposing effects in influencing health behaviours. The present paper presents a cross-sectional study, including 2,064 adults from Italy, Spain and Greece, who were participants in a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (C4H study), aiming to examine whether social support is correlated with adherence to a healthy Mediterranean diet and physical activity. Social support data were available for 1,572 participants. The majority of the sample reported emotional support availability (84·5 %), financial support availability (72·6 %) and having one or more close friends (78·2 %). Mediterranean diet adherence was significantly associated with emotional support (P = 0·009) and social network support (P = 0·021). No statistically significant associations were found between participant physical activity and the social support aspects studied. In conclusion, emotional and social network support may be associated with increased adherence to the Mediterranean diet. However, further research is needed to evaluate the role of social support in adherence to healthy Mediterranean diet.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e050550
Author(s):  
Gavin R McCormack ◽  
Patricia K Doyle-Baker ◽  
Jennie A Petersen ◽  
Dalia Ghoneim

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic changed daily routines, including physical activity, which could influence physical and mental health. In our study, we describe physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns in relation to the pandemic and estimate associations between anxiety and physical activity and sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling adults.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingCalgary, Alberta, Canada.ParticipantsBetween April and June 2020, a random sample of 1124 adults (≥18 years) completed an online questionnaire.Primary and secondary outcomesThe online questionnaire captured current walking, moderate intensity, vigorous intensity and total physical activity and sedentary behaviour (ie, sitting and leisure-based screen time), perceived relative changes in physical activity, sedentary and social behaviours since the pandemic, perceived seriousness and anxiety related to COVID-19, and sociodemographic characteristics. Differences in sociodemographic characteristics, perceived relative change in behaviour and current physical activity and sedentary behaviour were compared between adults with low and high anxiety.ResultsOur sample (n=1047) included more females (60.3%) and fewer older adults (19.2%). Most participants (88.4%) considered COVID-19 as extremely or very serious and one-third (32.9%) felt extremely or very anxious. We found no differences (p>0.05) in current physical activity or sedentary behaviour by anxiety level. The largest perceived change in behaviours included social distancing, driving motor vehicles, use of screen-based devices, watching television and interactions with neighbours. We found anxiety-related differences (p<0.05) in perceived changes in various behaviours.ConclusionsChanges in physical activity, sedentary behaviour and social behaviour occurred soon after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, and some of these changes differed among those with low and high anxiety.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 343
Author(s):  
Angela Yunita Tanggu Bore ◽  
Desak Nyoman Widyanthini

ABSTRAK Kota Denpasar memiliki prevalensi balita gemuk tertinggi di Bali, yaitu sebesar 10,5%.  Balita gemuk berisiko menderita penyakit degenaratif ketika beranjak dewasa. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui faktorfaktor yang memengaruhi kegemukan balita di Kota Denpasar. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian survey analitik dengan rancangan cross-sectional study. Sampel penelitian adalah ibu yang memiliki bayi usia 24 – 59 bulan dan tinggal di Kota Denpasar sebanyak 120 sampel yang dipilih secara Convenient Sampling. Variabel yang diteliti yaitu aktivitas fisik, screen time, kebiasaan makan balita, pengetahuan dan sikap ibu yang dikumpulkan menggunakan kuesioner online dan dianalisis menggunakan analisis jalur. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa kegemukan balita secara langsung dipengaruhi kebiasaan makan dengan loading factor sebesar -0,096 dan secara tidak langsung dipengaruhi screen time melalui aktivitas fisik dengan loading factor sebesar -0,054; dan sikap ibu melalui screen time, aktivitas fisik, dan kebiasaan makan dengan loading factor sebesar 0,079. Aktivitas fisik balita menunjukkan loading factor terbesar, yaitu sebesar 0,214, tetapi tidak bermakna secara statistik. Pengetahuan ibu tidak memengaruhi kegemukan balita dengan loading factor sebesar -0,009. Upaya yang dapat dilakukan bagi orangtua adalah memperbaiki pemahaman mengenai screen time, kebiasaan makan, dan sikap ibu dalam menyikapi perilaku anaknya.  Kata Kunci: Kegemukan Balita, Analisis Jalur, Aktivitas Fisik, Screen Time, Sikap Ibu  ABSTRACT Denpasar City has the highest prevalence of toodler’s overweight in Bali, which is 10,5%. Toodlers with overweight are at risk of suffering from degenerative diseases when they grow up. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that influencing toodler’s overweight in Denpasar City. This research is an analytic survey with cross-sectional study. Sample of this research is mothers who have babies aged 24-59 months and live in Denpasar City which is 120 sample that selected by Convenient Sampling. Variables of this research are physical activity, screen time, toddler’s eating habits, mother’s knowledge and attitudes which were collected using an online questionnaire and analyzed using path analysis. The result showed that overweight toddlers are directly affected by eating habits with loading factor 0,096 and indirectly affected by screen time through physical activity -0,054; eating habits through physical activity 0,096; and maternal attitudes through screen time, physical activity, and eating habits 0,079. Toddler’s physical activity provides the greatest loading factor which is 0,214, but not significant. Mother’s knowledge doesn’t affect toddler’s overweight with loading factor is -0,009.  Parents are suggested to improve understanding of toddler’s screen time and eating habits, and mother’s attitude in responding to their children’s behaviour.  Key Words: Toddlers Overweight, Path Analysis, Physical Activity, Screen Time, Mother’s Attitude


Author(s):  
Andrea Maugeri ◽  
Martina Barchitta ◽  
Valerio Fiore ◽  
Giuliana Rosta ◽  
Giuliana Favara ◽  
...  

The Mediterranean diet (MD)—the dietary pattern usually consumed by Mediterranean populations—can help promote a favorable health status and better quality of life. Uncovering the main factors associated with the adherence to MD may be useful in understanding and counteracting the global shift toward a Western diet, which has been documented also in the Mediterranean region. Here, we evaluated the adherence to MD and its major social and behavioral determinants in women from Catania, Southern Italy. This cross-sectional study included 841 women, aged 25–64 years, with no history of severe diseases. Adherence to MD was assessed by the Food Frequency Questionnaire and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Associations between variables were tested by multivariable logistic regression analysis and expressed as an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Among social factors, medium and high educational levels were associated with an ideal intake of alcohol (OR = 4.059; 95%CI = 1.311–12.570; p = 0.015; OR = 4.258 95%CI = 1.068–16.976; p = 0.040; respectively), living in a couple with ideal intake of cereals (OR = 2.801 95%CI = 1.188–6.602; p = 0.018), and having children with an ideal intake of fruits (OR = 3.149; 95%CI = 1.245–7.762; p = 0.015). With respect to behaviors, current smoking was negatively associated with an ideal intake of meat (OR = 0.449; 95%CI = 0.0220–0.917; p = 0.028), while more engagement in physical activity was associated with an ideal intake of vegetables (OR = 6.148; 95%CI = 1.506–25.104; p = 0.011) and legumes (OR = 5.832; 95%CI = 1.414–24.063; p = 0.015). In line with these findings, moderately or highly physically active women were more likely to show medium or high adherence to MD than those who performed less physical activity (OR = 6.024; 95%CI = 1.192–30.440; p = 0.040; OR = 9.965 95%CI = 1.683–58.993; p = 0.011; respectively). Our results confirm an urgent need for public health strategies, which should take into account determinants of diet quality. Particularly, our study indicates that more engagement in physical activity is a major positive determinant of the adherence to MD.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz León-Salas ◽  
Edurne Zabaleta-del-Olmo ◽  
Joan LLobera ◽  
Bonaventura Bolíbar-Ribas ◽  
Tomas López-Jiménez ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to compare health status, lifestyle habits, and perceived social support between cancer survivors and people who have never had cancer. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional multicenter study nested in phases II and III of the cluster randomized clinical trial ERIA, designed to analyze the effects of a complex primary care intervention compared with care as usual on smoking cessation, improved adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and increased physical activity. For the cross-sectional study, patients were divided into two groups: cancer survivors and people who had never had cancer (controls). Thirty eight Primary care centers Spanish provinces of Barcelona, Girona, Balearic Islands, Malaga, Seville, Salamanca, Soria, Toledo, Vigo, Vizcaya, and Zaragoza. Adults aged between 45 and 75 years with at least two risk behaviors. Patients being treated for active cancer or in end-of-life care were excluded.Primary outcomes: Sociodemographic variables, diet, physical activity, smoking, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and self-perceived health and social support.Results: Of the 4259 people included, 190 (4.46%) were cancer survivors. Their mean±SD age was 62.8±7 years versus 58.7±8 years (P<0.01) for people who had never had cancer. Long-term sick leave was also more common in this group (11.9% vs 3.5%, P<0.001). No between-group differences were observed for smoking, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, obesity, or perceived social support. Cancer survivors reported worse health (OR 1.82; IC95% 1.02–2.75) and were more likely to have two or more comorbid conditions (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.18–2.39), chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.25–3.78), and depression (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.06–2.57). In the multiple regression analysis, older age and worse self-perceived health continued to be significantly associated with having survived cancer.Conclusions: Cancer survivors have more chronic diseases, a greater likelihood of being on long-term sick leave, and worse self-perceived health than people without a history of cancer, regardless of age. The two groups perceived similar levels of social support.


Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramón Chacón-Cuberos ◽  
Félix Zurita-Ortega ◽  
Asunción Martínez-Martínez ◽  
Eva Olmedo-Moreno ◽  
Manuel Castro-Sánchez

Background: Several studies have shown that following a healthy diet and practicing regular physical activity (PA) are related with multiple health benefits. However, the cognitive and academic implications of these behaviors within adolescents requires further study. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a simple of 1059 adolescents from Spain. The main instruments employed were the Adherence to Mediterranean Diet Test (KIDMED), the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) and the Motivation and Learning Strategies Short Form (MSLQ-SF). Results: Practicing PA for more than three hours per week was related to better dietary habits (p < 0.001) such as increased consumption of vegetables (0.75 ± 0.43 vs. 0.62 ± 0.48), fish (0.67 ± 0.47 vs. 0.58 ± 0.49), cereals (0.85 ± 0.35 vs. 0.77 ± 0.41) and nuts (0.44 ± 0.49 vs. 0.35 ± 0.47). High adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD) was positively related to elaboration strategies (r = 0.116), organizational strategies (r = 0.109), critical thinking (r = 0.116), self-regulation (r = 0.159), time and study habits (r = 0.160), self-regulation of effort (r = 0.118), and intrinsically orientated goals (r = 0.090) (p < 0.01 for all variables). Practicing PA every week was also related to improvements in several of the measured variables and in addition was related to lower levels of anxiety within the academic environment (r = −0.070; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Given the benefits of eating habits and the practice of PA in the cognitive processes involved in adolescent learning, intervention programs within the educational context are recommended to improve healthy habits.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catia Morelli ◽  
Ennio Avolio ◽  
Angelo Galluccio ◽  
Giovanna Caparello ◽  
Emanuele Manes ◽  
...  

In adolescence, health status is influenced by several factors, including dietary pattern and physical activity (PA) which are crucial elements of lifestyle in terms of prevention and treatment of metabolic and chronic diseases. The current study aimed to explore the impact of the different intensity levels of PA along with the adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD), on body composition indices and metabolic parameters in a cohort of adolescents, thereby investigating potential predictors of health behavior in youth. This cross-sectional study was carried out among 92 participants (44 girls and 48 boys, aged 14 to 17 years), which were divided into the following three groups according to intensity levels of PA: Group A (physical inactivity), Group B (moderate PA), and Group C (vigorous-intensity PA). The Questionnaire of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (KIDMED test) was used to assess both diet composition and adherence to a MD. All subjects underwent anthropometric measurements, bio-impedentiometric analysis for body composition parameters, and biochemical and hormonal measurements. The majority of adolescents (60.87%) had a medium adherence to the MD, and even a better distribution of food rates was found in adolescents performing vigorous-intensity PA. A comparison of anthropometric measurements and body composition parameters among groups showed that body mass index and fat mass (FM) were significantly lower while body cell mass (BCM), free fat mass (FFM), phase angle (PhA), and total body water (TBW) were higher in Group C adolescents as compared with those of Group A. In Group C, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was reduced and insulin levels were inversely associated with FFM (r = −0.454 and p = 0.004) and directly correlated with FM (r = 0.331 and p = 0.003). In the same Group C, we observed elevated serum irisin levels and lower lipid profile markers as compared with Group A. Interestingly, irisin negatively correlated with both total cholesterol (r = −0.428 and p = 0.04) and LDL (r = −0.468 and p = 0.02) in Group C. Finally, a receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis revealed irisin, LDL, HDL, and body composition variables (FFM, BMC, PhA, and TBW) as the most predictive measures for vigorous-intensity PA. Our results highlight the importance of developing healthy lifestyle programs that include improving the intensity of PA among a young population as a superior strategy for ensuring a better quality of life.


Author(s):  
Alessandro Porrovecchio ◽  
Pedro R. Olivares ◽  
Philippe Masson ◽  
Thierry Pezé ◽  
Linda Lombi

The objective of this cross-sectional study is to analyze the changes in physical activity (PA) practice of a sample of 2099 French adults, mostly females, who answered an online questionnaire during the first COVID-19 lockdown (March–May 2020). A descriptive analysis of participants was performed using relative frequencies. Chi-squared tests were performed to compare the responses of selected variables. Multinomial logistic regressions were performed to compare the variations of PA with all the variables identified. The age of participants ranged from 18 to 88. Among people who practiced PAs before the first lockdown, the probability to keep practicing PAs is higher among those with a lower level of education, among housewives and retirees and among those who lived in cities of 10,000–19,999 inhabitants. For those who did not practice PAs before the social distancing, the probability of starting to practice is greater in those with a lower level of education and for those who suffered from a chronic disease. Our results place the emphasis on the complexity and multifactoriality of the changes that emerged during the first lockdown. The “education” factor emerges, as a significant determinant of PA that should certainly be explored further.


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