scholarly journals The Impact of Corona Pandemic on Consumer’s Food Consumption – Vulnerability of Households with Children and Income Losses

Author(s):  
Adriano Profeta ◽  
Sergiy Smetana ◽  
Shahida Siddiqui ◽  
Mahdi Hossaini ◽  
Volker Heinz

This study clearly shows that the corona pandemic has a significant impact on consumers’ eating habits. More food is eaten overall, and more convenience products such as ready meals and canned food with a longer shelf life are purchased. The consumption of alcohol and confectionery has also increased. In return, the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables has declined. It becomes clear that families who are financially affected by the pandemic represent a vulnerable group. With the increasing duration of the pandemic, repeated lockdowns, corona-related closings of schools and kindergartens, health consequences are to be expected in the medium to long term, especially for this population group.

Author(s):  
Adriano Profeta ◽  
Shahida Siddiqui ◽  
Sergiy Smetana ◽  
Mahdi Hossaini ◽  
Sophie Hieke ◽  
...  

This study clearly shows that the corona pandemic has a significant impact on consumers’ eating habits. More food is eaten overall, and more convenience products such as ready meals and canned food with a longer shelf life are purchased. The consumption of alcohol and confectionery has also increased. In return, the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables has declined. It becomes clear that families who are financially affected by the pandemic represent a vulnerable group. With the increasing duration of the pandemic, repeated lockdowns, corona-related closings of schools and kindergartens, health consequences are to be expected in the medium to long term, especially for this population group.


Author(s):  
Adriano Profeta ◽  
Shahida Anusha Siddiqui ◽  
Sergiy Smetana ◽  
Sayed Mahdi Hossaini ◽  
Volker Heinz ◽  
...  

AbstractThe ongoing corona crisis affected many people worldwide by restrictions in their everyday lives. The question arises to what extent the pandemic has accelerated diet trends or general differences in food consumption between different population groups. For this purpose, an online-survey was carried out in order to determine the effects of the corona lockdown on food consumption, shopping behaviour and eating habits in Germany. The aspects of sustainability and health were given special consideration in this study, reflecting people choices of healthier and more environmentally conscious foods. This study demonstrates that the corona pandemic has a significant impact on consumers’ eating habits. More food was eaten, and more convenience products such as ready-made meals and canned food with a longer shelf life were purchased. The consumption of alcohol and sweets has also increased. In return, there was a reduced consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. The findings reveal that families who are financially affected by the pandemic represent a vulnerable group. With the ongoing pandemic, possible lockdowns, corona-related closings of schools and kindergartens, severe health consequences are expected long term, especially for this population group.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Abouzid ◽  
◽  
Dina M. El-Sherif ◽  
Nael Kamel Eltewacy ◽  
Nesrine Ben Hadj Dahman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected health and lifestyle behaviors of people globally. This project aims to identify the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle behavior of individuals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during confinement. Methods We conducted an online survey in 17 countries (Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, Iraq, and Sudan) from the MENA region on August and September 2020. The questionnaire included self-reported information on lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity, eating habits, smoking, watching television, social media use and sleep before and during the pandemic. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle behaviors. Results A total of 5896 participants were included in the final analysis and 62.8% were females. The BMI of the participants was 25.4 ± 5.8 kg/m2. Around 38.4% of the participants stopped practicing any physical activities during the confinement (P < 0.001), and 57.1% reported spending more than 2 h on social media (P < 0.001). There were no significant changes in smoking habits. Also, 30.9% reported an improvement in their eating habits compared with 24.8% reported worsening of their eating habits. Fast-food consumption decreased significantly in 48.8% of the study population. This direct/indirect exposure to COVID-19 was associated with an increased consumption of carbohydrates (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.02–1.17; P = 0.01), egg (OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.02–1.16; P = 0.01), sugar (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.02–1.16; P = 0.02), meat, and poultry (OR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.06–1.20; P < 0.01). There was also associated increase in hours spent on watching television (OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.02–1.12; P < 0.01) and social media (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.01–1.18; P = 0.03). However, our results showed a reduction in sleeping hours among those exposed to COVID-19 infection (OR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.77–0.94; P < 0.01). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an increase in food consumption and sedentary life. Being exposed to COVID-19 by direct infection or through an infected household is a significant predictor of amplifying these changes. Public health interventions are needed to address healthy lifestyle behaviors during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 4699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Bianca Pocol ◽  
Valentina Marinescu ◽  
Antonio Amuza ◽  
Roxana-Larisa Cadar ◽  
Anda Anca Rodideal

The importance of studying the aspects related to the sustainable food consumption behaviour of students lies in the fact that, at this age, they begin to develop certain consumption patterns that will have long-term effects. The study aimed to identify the type of eating behaviour—sustainable vs. unsustainable—and the socio-demographic factors that influence it, among students in Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova. The research method was a survey based on a questionnaire administered to a sample of 2378 subjects in the 2017–2018 period. The ANOVA test and simple linear regression were used to identify the correlation between the various variables analysed. The results indicate both positive aspects, which characterise a sustainable diet—high consumption of fruits and vegetables, and negative—the adoption of a mixed diet, which will have a long-term impact on the environment. Age is a good predictor of unhealthy eating habits among students, as this behaviour leads to weight gain. Gender, number of household members, rural/urban and country residence are also influencing factors for food consumption behaviour. Eating while standing and having the last meal of the day after 23:00 are practices that also have negative consequences for health. Conducting campaigns to educate students on the adoption of sustainable food consumption is necessary for all three countries to empower them to choose a healthy lifestyle.


2005 ◽  
Vol 187 (4) ◽  
pp. 346-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin G. McCreadie ◽  
Ciara Kelly ◽  
Moira Connolly ◽  
Sue Williams ◽  
Gwen Baxter ◽  
...  

BackgroundPeople with schizophrenia make poor dietary choices.AimsTo measure the impact of giving free fruit and vegetables for 6 months on eating habits in schizophrenia.MethodWe randomly allocated 102 people with schizophrenia in two areas of Scotland to receive free fruit and vegetables for 6 months, supported by instruction in meal planning and food preparation; free fruit and vegetables alone; or to continue as before. Diet was assessed using the Scottish Health Survey questionnaire. Blood samples to measure micronutrients were taken and mental state, body mass index, level of physical activity and future risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) were assessed.ResultsAfter the intervention, those who received free fruit and vegetables, or free fruit and vegetables and associated instruction, were consuming significantly more fruit and vegetables than those in the treatment as usual group. Consumption fell to pre-intervention levels 12 months after the intervention stopped. There was no between-group difference at any time in blood micronutrients, body mass index, physical activity or risk of CHD.ConclusionsThe diet of people with schizophrenia improved when they were given free fruit and vegetables but this was not sustained after withdrawal of the intervention. A support programme added no benefit.


2020 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
pp. e020020
Author(s):  
Thalise Yuri Hattori ◽  
Edilaene de Oliveira Silva ◽  
Vagner Ferreira do Nascimento ◽  
Marina Atanaka ◽  
Ana Cláudia Pereira Terças Trettel

Introduction: Chronic diseases stand out on the world stage due to the impact they cause on population morbidity and mortality. In the case of persons deprived of their liberty, the situation is intensified by the restriction in the choice of food and access to physical exercise. Objective: To identify the risk factors that influence the eating habits of overweight and obese incarcerated women. Methods: Cross-sectional study, conducted with 31 participants. Data collection took place in the second half of 2018, comprising individual interviews of incarcerated women using a semi-structured questionnaire and measurement of anthropometric measures. The data were systematized in electronic spreadsheets and statistical analysis was performed in a descriptive way. The study complied with ethical standards from national guidelines. Results: A greater prevalence of overweight and obesity was identified in young, multiparous women, with low education and lower income. Most used tobacco and had less than a year in prison. Despite being overweight and obese, they felt good about their body, which may be reflecting on their lifestyle, through sedentary lifestyle, self-care deficit and consumption of products and foods with low nutritional value. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity are multifactorial and are not related only to behavioral aspects. It is necessary to carry out new research approaches that clarify the health weaknesses in prison, making it possible to provide a better quality of life for this population group.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-25
Author(s):  
Adia Nuraga Galih Pradipta ◽  
Sukmo Wening Andayani ◽  
Dewi Yulyianti ◽  
Latifun Jayanti ◽  
Dewi Kristina Natalia Silalahi ◽  
...  

Until now, no literature exists to explain about the impact of time, and environmental parameters, when using typical commercial grade transparent linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) packaging for protecting vegetable cooking oil during typical shelf-life conditions. We tested long-term impact of temperature and illuminance (light: 100 to 150 lux and darkness <1 lux) on refined bleached deodorized palm olein (RBDPOL), fortified with vitamin A. Results showed degradation of fortified RBDPOL with 70 ppm vitamin A was  approximately 15% at 18-22oC in Light, 10% at 18-22oC in Darkness, 19% at 32-33oC in light and 17% 32-33oC in darkness. Similar trend was observed at 45 ppm vitamin A. Exposure to heat and light impacted vitamin A degradation, but is primarily attributed to temperature, irrespective of packaging. This investigation builds on our previous work (Silalahi et al., 2017), and confirms the impact of challenging environmental conditions on vegetable cooking oil shelf-life over long time periods.


Author(s):  
Germano Rodrigues Couto ◽  
Vanessa Dias ◽  
Isabel de Jesus Oliveira

Background & Aim: The importance of breastfeeding and its exclusivity in the first six months of a child’s life is worldwide recognized. Despite that adherence to exclusive breastfeeding is far from international standards. Therefore, updating evidence on this topic is essential to demonstrate to parents and health professionals the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, demystifying ideas, and promoting adherence. Methods & Materials: An integrative review was conducted with a search in Medline, SciELO, and CINHAL databases, with the descriptors “breastfeeding", "breast", "feeding", "breastfeeding", "exclusive" and "benefits”, combined with the Boolean operator "AND" and “OR”, for studies published between 2014 and 2019. Of the 221 studies identified, eight were included for review. Results: Short-term and long-term benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for children were identified such as healthier eating habits, reduced length of hospital stay, favorable weight increase, lower body mass index, lower adiposity, lower total cholesterol values, better cognitive and behavioral development, as well as stability of metabolic levels in children with metabolic disorders. Conclusion: There are benefits for exclusive breastfeeding that must be explained to parents. Nurses must incorporate the best available evidence into their practice to enable parents to realize the impact of the choice of exclusive breastfeeding on the child's health, increasing their adherence.


2007 ◽  
Vol 107 (5) ◽  
pp. 463-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela G. Springett ◽  
Joyce E.M. Wise

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of educating adolescents in practical ways of looking after their backs to reduce the incidence of back‐pain, with particular focus on the use and carrying method of ergonomically designed schoolbags.Design/methodology/approachAn educational leaflet containing a range of back care information was designed specifically for a target population group of Year 7 schoolchildren, aged 11 to 12 years, and distributed to Year 7 students (n=682) attending three main secondary education schools in West Sussex during September 2004. A feedback form was used to evaluate the impact of the leaflet on one class in each school (total n=81).FindingsThe main findings in this paper indicated education had immediate positive impact on students' awareness of the importance of looking after their backs, and achieving positive back‐health. Information gained was likely to influence future choice of schoolbag type, and intention to change to more back‐health aware schoolbook and equipment carrying behaviours.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows that long‐term impact was not evaluated, and is a limitation of this study. Further research is required to evaluate the long‐term impact of education on back care in adolescents, and at which age optimum educational impact in this area is gained.Originality/valueThis paper contributes evidence, which could be used to inform national and international health agendas, focusing on the specific area of healthy back education for adolescents through a school‐based health promotion initiative.


Genes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1088
Author(s):  
Vesna Milanović ◽  
Lucia Aquilanti ◽  
Stefano Tavoletti ◽  
Cristiana Garofalo ◽  
Andrea Osimani ◽  
...  

Food consumption allows the entrance of bacteria and their antibiotic resistance (AR) genes into the human oral cavity. To date, very few studies have examined the influence of diet on the composition of the salivary microbiota, and even fewer investigations have specifically aimed to assess the impact of different long-term diets on the salivary resistome. In this study, the saliva of 144 healthy omnivores, ovo-lacto-vegetarians, and vegans were screened by nested PCR for the occurrence of 12 genes conferring resistance to tetracyclines, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B, vancomycin, and β-lactams. The tet(W), tet(M), and erm(B) genes occurred with the highest frequencies. Overall, no effect of diet on AR gene distribution was seen. Some differences emerged at the recruiting site level, such as the higher frequency of erm(C) in the saliva of the ovo-lacto-vegetarians and omnivores from Bologna and Turin, respectively, and the higher occurrence of tet(K) in the saliva of the omnivores from Bologna. A correlation of the intake of milk and cheese with the abundance of tet(K) and erm(C) genes was seen. Finally, when the occurrence of the 12 AR genes was evaluated along with geographical location, age, and sex as sources of variability, high similarity among the 144 volunteers was seen.


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