scholarly journals Lifestyle Variations During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Dietary, Physical Activities and Weight Gain Among the Adult Population

Author(s):  
Hanan Hammouri ◽  
Fidaa Almomani ◽  
Ruwa Abdel Muhsen ◽  
Aysha Abughazzi ◽  
Rawand Daghmash ◽  
...  

Since its inception in 2019, COVID-19 has been associated with significant changes in lifestyle-related behavior, including physical activity, diet, and sleep, which are vital to maintaining our well-being. This study measures lifestyle-related behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown using a 21-item questionnaire. The responses were collected from March 2021 to September 2021. Four hundred sixty-seven participants were engaged in assessing the changes caused by the pandemic and their effect on BMI. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were tested for 71 participants. Cronbach's alpha values for the questionnaire all exceeded 0.7, demonstrating good validity and internal consistency for it. The effect of each question regarding physical activity and dietary habits over the BMI difference was studied using ANOVA. The study shows that more than half of the participants reported snacking more between meals and increased their sitting and screen time, while 74% felt more stressed and anxious. These indications were the cause of the increase in the BMI rate for individuals in the lockdown. In contrast, 62% of the participants showed more awareness about their health by increasing the intake of immunity-boosting foods, and 56% of the participants showed an increase in the consumption of nutrition supplements. Females and married individuals tended to be healthier, so their BMI showed stability compared to others based on their gender and marital status.

Author(s):  
Wafaa Husain ◽  
Fatemah Ashkanani

Abstract Background The coronavirus pandemic has transformed and continues to transform and affect the daily lives of communities worldwide, particularly due to the lockdown restrictions. Therefore, this study was designed to understand the changes in dietary and lifestyle behaviours that are major determinants of health during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire using a convenience sample of 415 adults living in Kuwait (age range 18–73 years). Results The rate of skipping breakfast remained consistent, with a slight increase during the pandemic. Lunch remained the main reported meal before and during COVID-19. Compared to before COVID-19, people were much more likely have a late-night snack or meal during COVID-19 (OR = 3.57 (95% CI 1.79–7.26), p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a drastic decrease in the frequency of fast-food consumption during COVID-19, up to 82% reported not consuming fast food (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the percentage of participants who had their main meal freshly made (OR = 59.18 (95% CI 6.55–1400.76), p = 0.001). Regarding food group patterns, no significant differences were found before and during the pandemic in terms of the weekly frequency of consumption, except in the case of fish and seafood. There were no remarkable changes in beverage consumption habits among participants before and during the pandemic, except for Americano coffee and fresh juice. Furthermore, there was a great reduction in physical activity and an increase in the amount of screen time and sedentary behaviours. A notable increase was detected in day-time sleep and a decrease in night-time sleep among participants. Conclusion In general, this study indicates some changes in daily life, including changes in some eating practices, physical activity and sleeping habits during the pandemic. It is important that the government considers the need for nutrition education programmes and campaigns, particularly during this critical period of the pandemic in Kuwait.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manar Abduljalil Bakhsh ◽  
Jomana Khawandanah ◽  
Rouba Khalil Naaman ◽  
Shoug Alashmali

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments around the world to impose strict hygiene and national lockdown measures, which in turn has changed the dietary and lifestyle habits of the world’s population. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate whether dietary and physical activity behaviors of Saudi Arabia’s adult population changed during the COVID-19 quarantine. Methods An electronic questionnaire which assessed changes in body weight, dietary habits, and physical activity of Saudi Arabia’s adult population (n = 2255) during the COVID-19 quarantine was distributed on social media between June and July 2020. To test the differences between changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors in relation to changes in body weight a Chi-square test was used. Results Over 40 and 45% of participants reported eating and snacking more, respectively, which led to weight gain in around 28%. Most participants reported that they consumed home-cooked (73%) and healthy meals (47%), while only 7% reported that they consumed foods from restaurants. Feelings of boredom and emptiness (44%) and the availability of time for preparing meals (40%) were the main reasons for changing dietary habits. Honey (43%) and vitamin C (50%) were the most consumed immune-boosting food and dietary supplement, respectively. COVID-19 also had a negative impact on physical activity, lowering the practice in 52% subjects, which was associated with significant weight gain (p < 0.001). Conclusion Assessing the changes to the population’s dietary habits and physical activity during the lockdown will help predict the outcome of the population’s future health and wellbeing after the pandemic.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 498-510
Author(s):  
Maria Chrissini ◽  
◽  
Ioanna Tsiligianni ◽  
Dimitra Sifaki-Pistolla ◽  
Nikolaos Tzanakis

Objective: In this study, we assessed Greek and immigrant kindergarteners’ and their families’ body mass index (BMI), nutritional habits, and level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet during the Greek austerity period beginning in 2009. Methods: A cross-sectional study in Attica, Greece, during the school year 2016-17, enrolling 578 guardian parents and 578 kindergarteners aged ≥ 5-6 years, from 63 public kindergartens in 36 municipalities in Attica’s prefecture. Results: Immigrant mothers experienced twice as high the unemployment rate (21.3%) than Greek mothers (10.5%), with consequent degradation in food products purchasing (p = .03)(non-Greeks 54.3%, Greeks: 49.1%). BMI rates between Greeks and immigrant participants were similar, with significant variations in several lifestyle habits, including Greek parents’ heavier smoking and higher physical activity in parents of different ethnic origin. KIDMED score was “poor” in both Greek and other identity kindergarteners, with slight differences in some of the Mediterranean dietary habits and patterns; strong correlation was expressed between the child’s BMI and KIDMED score, guardian parent’s age, BMI, and overall lifestyle. Conclusions: This study could be a springboard for further research in the understudied population of native and immigrant kindergarteners, reflecting on national and international initiatives and action plans to ensure that their similarities and differences are noted.


Kinesiology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Acampado ◽  
Madonna Valenzuela

No published study has been tracked to date on the physical activity (PA) and dietary habits (DH) of Filipino college students. Thus, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine (1) the prevalence of regular PA among college students in a Philippine setting and (2) the reasons for either adherence to PA or for being inactive, (3) to describe DH of the students, (4) to compare PA involvement and DH across year levels, and (5) to correlate PA and diet behaviors. Data were collected using a self-administered survey questionnaire. Results showed that only 32.8% of the 1,706 students in this study engaged in regular PA. There were greater proportions of inactivity at higher-year levels (62.5%, 66.5%, 76.5%, and 84.8% in the first, second, third and&nbsp;fourth year, respectively). The major reason for inactivity was lack of time, while the students’ PA adherence was largely due to predisposing factors such as knowledge about PA, beliefs in benefits and enjoyment of PA, and confidence in performing physical activity. About one of every three students in each year level had below-average to poor dietary habits, meaning they seldom eat proper types of food. Findings of this study indicate the need for an intervention that will effectively increase regular PA and ensure proper food intake in the student population.


2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (06) ◽  
pp. 1113-1116
Author(s):  
Nasira Naseem ◽  
Ijaz-Ul-Haque Taseer ◽  
Sohail Safdar

Objective: To see the frequency of anemia in pregnant ladies and its possible outcomes. Study design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Setting: Fatima Jinnah Women Hospital, Multan. Duration of study: Six months. Material and method: This prospective cross sectional study was conducted at Gynae and Obst. OPD at Fatima Jinnah Women Hospital, Multan. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used. All the pregnant women between 20-35 years irrespective of gestational age or any concurrent illness having parity upto 5 were registered for the study after getting written consent for participation. The pregnant ladies were evaluated by asking history of blood loss, parity, multiple pregnancy, worm infestation, use of NSAIDS and blood transfusion. They were especially asked about dietary habits which were rated as good, average and poor. Their socio economic status was assessed and was placed into high, middle and low income groups. Blood samples were drawn for blood counts and hemoglobin estimation in all the women presenting at hospital. Reflotron photometer, Roche Diagnostic was used for the blood testing. A cut off value of< 11 g/dl irrespective of duration of pregnancy was used for anemia. Peripheral blood film was examined for RBC morphology. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was used to categorize into micorcytic (< 76fl), macrocytic (>98fl) and normocytic (78-98fl). Fetal well being was evaluated by serial abdominal ultrasounds. Results: Three hundred pregnant women attending Gyne and Obst. OPD, Fatima Jinnah Women Hospital, Multan, were registered according to the study protocol. The duration of the study was 6 months. Maternal age was between 25-35 years. 86 % women were multiparous, 79% women presented during 3rd trimester, 15% during the 2nd trimester and 6% during 1st trimester. Thirty eight percent women had hemoglobin 8-9.9 g/dl, 48% had from 7-7.9 g/dl and 10%were falling between 5-7 g/dl. Eighty eight percent had microcytic hypochromic anemia, 12% with dimorphic picture and 4% were having low MCV and MCH but normal MCHC and these were referred for hemoglobin electrophoresis. Fifty eight percent had monthly income 2-4 thousands rupees and only 10% were earning 4-10 thousands per month. Seventy eight percent had poor diet and 22% had an average and no women were fit into the criteria for good diet. History of breast feeding was positive in 92% of the women. History of use of iron supplement was also asked, 28% had used various preparations of iron and folate for a variable period from 1-4 months, 72% never used hematinic supplements. History of previous blood transfusion during pregnancy and labour was present in 16% of the women. Three percent had fetal growth retardation. Conclusions: Prevalence of anemia during 3rd trimester of pregnancy in is high our society. It can have significant effects on maternal and fetal out come. It is a preventable cause which can be treated easily. Poverty and lack of education are the most important causes of anemia during pregnancy.


2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Whye L. Cheah ◽  
Ching T. Chang ◽  
Rosalia Saimon

Abstract This study examined the relationship between perceived built environment attributes and physical activity, physical fitness and body weight among adolescents aged 14–16 years in Sarawak. This was a cross-sectional study, using multi-stage sampling. A set of questionnaires consisting of socio-demographic information, a self-administered physical activity checklist and a Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale-Youth (NEWS-Y) was used. Body mass index (BMI) was measured and physical fitness was tested using a maximal multistage 20 m shuttle run test. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 17.0. A total of 316 respondents participated. The mean BMI for boys was almost equal to the mean BMI for girls. Only 7.9% of the sampled population was found to be overweight or obese. The overall mean duration spent per day on physical activity was 128.4 min (SD 118.43), with mean of 56.1 min (SD 73.94) after school time. Girls reported to spend longer each day taking physical activity before and during school. Boys were found to have significantly higher VO2max of 27.79±5.91 mL/kg/min as compared to girls (t=11.22, p<0.000). Based on comparison with other countries, the NEWS-Y scores indicated a mixture of low and high walkability neighborhoods. Respondents who had lower BMIs reported living in lower residential density areas and less risk of crime, and respondents who had better physical fitness reported less suitable infrastructure for walking. Promotion of exercise at all levels should be continuously encouraged as it would lead to improvement in the well-being of an individual.


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaneth Herazo-Beltrán ◽  
Yisel Pinillos ◽  
José Vidarte ◽  
Estela Crissien ◽  
Damaris Suarez ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roa Gamal Alamrawy ◽  
Noha Fadl ◽  
Asmaa Khaled

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is influencing all segments of society, including youth. Although the physical complaints in the time of COVID-19 are broadly-studied, a paucity of research targeted psychological ones on the precious youth population. This study aimed to describe the real-time state of Egyptian youth’s psychiatric morbidity, dietary changes, and coping methods during this pandemic and explore probable factors influencing them. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey among 447 Egyptian participants aged 14–24 years. Sociodemographic data, dietary habits, and coping methods during COVID-19 were collected. The Arabic versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used to assess depression, anxiety and insomnia, respectively. Results Overall, 80.5%, 74.0%, and 73.8% of the participants had different grades of depression, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms. 37.4% gained weight. Emotional and night eating emerged as new habits during the pandemic among 17.9% and 29.3% of the participants, respectively. Each of depression, anxiety, and insomnia was significantly associated with each other, female gender and having a COVID-19 infected relative. Adolescents had significantly higher scores of depression and anxiety. Those with a history of physical illness had significantly higher scores of anxiety and insomnia. Bodyweight and dietary changes were significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Participants reported various positive and negative coping methods. Conclusion Psychiatric morbidity and dietary changes are evident in young people during COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological well-being and dietary habits are important but often overlooked components of youth well-being especially in challenging times. Depression, anxiety, and insomnia were almost always present and dietary changes were significantly associated with the presence of them.


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