scholarly journals An Italian Survey on Dietary Habits and Changes during the COVID-19 Lockdown

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1197
Author(s):  
Luana Izzo ◽  
Antonio Santonastaso ◽  
Gaetano Cotticelli ◽  
Alessandro Federico ◽  
Severina Pacifico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
World Health ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Diet Adherence ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Adherence ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern; the outbreak has led to lockdowns in several parts of the world, and sudden changes in people’s lifestyles. This study explores the impact of the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic period on dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among the Italian population, through an online questionnaire, conducted from April to May 2020, involving 1519 participants. The 14-point Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) highlighted a medium Mediterranean diet adherence in 73.5% of responders, which principally included the younger population, aged 18–30 years (p < 0.05). In regards to changes in eating habits, 33.5% of responders declared an influence of the pandemic period on nutritional practice. A decrease in alcohol consumption was reported by 81% of responders, while an increase in frozen food consumption was reported by 81.3% of responders. In addition, 58.8% reported positive weight modification (40.8%, +1–3 kg); physical activity reduction was reported for 70.5% of responders. Our study contributes toward amplifying the investigation on the dietary habits and changes of the Italian population during the COVID-19 lockdown, although the pandemic is ongoing. Similar studies should be performed around the world to understand how the emergency has impacted people’s habits.

scholarly journals Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Subjective Well-Being in a Sample of Portuguese Adults

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3837
Author(s):  
Vanda Andrade ◽  
Rui Jorge ◽  
María-Teresa García-Conesa ◽  
Elena Philippou ◽  
Marika Massaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
P Value ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Diet Adherence ◽  
Bonferroni Adjustment ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Adherence ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet (MD) and other lifestyle characteristics have been associated with well-being, a broad multiparameter concept that includes individual’s subjective assessment of their own well-being (SWB). Some studies have suggested that diet influences SWB, thus, this work aimed to add novel information on the association of MD and SWB in a sample of Portuguese adults. Data on sociodemographic, economic, lifestyle, diet, and SWB were collected through a self-filled online questionnaire. MD adherence was assessed by the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score. Results showed a moderate adherence to the MD in 490 Portuguese adults (mean MEDAS of 7.4 ± 2.1). A higher MD adherence was found to be significantly positively associated with women, employed individuals, a higher number of meals per day, and those with frequent contact with nature (p-value < 0.0025, using Bonferroni adjustment). As a novelty, this study divided the participants into low SWB, medium SWB, and medium to high SWB profiles (3.9 ± 1.0; 6.2 ± 1.0; 8.2 ± 1.3, respectively; p-value < 0.05), which reported significantly increasing MEDAS scores (6.5 ± 2.1; 7.3 ± 2.1; 7.8 ± 1.9; respectively, p-value < 0.05).

scholarly journals Needs assessment and impact of COVID-19 on pharmacy professionals in 31 commonwealth countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Ashiru-Oredope ◽  
◽  
Amy Hai Yan Chan ◽  
Omotayo Olaoye ◽  
Victoria Rutter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
World Health ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Frequency Distributions ◽  
The World ◽  
Pandemic Response ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The declaration of COVID-19 a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020 marked the beginning of a global health crisis of an unprecedented nature and scale. The approach taken by countries across the world varied widely, however, the delivery of frontline healthcare was consistently recognised as being central to the pandemic response. This study aimed to identify and explore the issues currently facing pharmacy teams across Commonwealth countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also evaluates pharmacy professionals’ understanding of key knowledge areas from the COVID-19 webinar hosted by the Commonwealth Pharmacists’ Association (CPA). Method A quantitative survey-based approach was adopted, using a 32-item questionnaire developed from the literature on pharmacy and pandemic response. The survey was hosted on Survey Monkey and pilot tested. The final survey was disseminated by CPA member organisations. A 6-item online questionnaire was sent via email to all attendees of CPA's COVID-19 webinar. Descriptive statistics on frequency distributions and percentages were used to analyse the responses. Data were analysed using Microsoft® Excel (2010). Results There were 545 responses from pharmacy professionals across 31/54 Commonwealth countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. Majority of the respondents reported being at least somewhat worried (90%) and more than 65% were very worried or extremely about the impact of COVID-19 on them personally and professionally. Nearly two-thirds of respondents stated finding it somewhat difficult or very difficult to work effectively during the pandemic. Challenges mostly faced by pharmacy professionals working remotely included; general anxiety about the impact of COVID-19 on their lives (12%), and difficulties in communicating with their co-workers (12%). Most pharmacy professionals had not previously been actively involved in a global health emergency (82%) nor obtained training on global/public health emergency preparedness (62%). Between 45 and 97% of the COVID-19 webinar attendees provided the correct answers to post-webinar questions, suggesting some improvement in knowledge. Conclusion Our study confirms pharmacy professionals’ concerns about practice during a pandemic and provides preliminary data on the challenges and learning needs of the profession. The CPA has since acted on these findings, providing ongoing opportunities to develop and refine resources for the profession as the pandemic evolves. Pharmacy professionals have also demonstrated improved knowledge on the management of COVID-19 and resources available for professionals.

scholarly journals COVID-19: Needs assessment of the pharmacy profession and contributions so far across the Commonwealth

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Ashiru-Oredope ◽  
Amy Chan ◽  
Omotayo Olaoye ◽  
Victoria Rutter ◽  
Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
General Anxiety ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Pharmacy Profession ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BackgroundThe declaration of COVID-19 a pandemic by the World Health Organisation on the 11March 2020 marked the beginning of a global health crisis of an unprecedented natureand scale. The approach taken by countries across the world varied widely, however,the delivery of frontline healthcare was consistently recognised as being central to thepandemic response. This study aimed to identify and explore the issues currentlyfacing pharmacy teams across Commonwealth countries during the COVID-19pandemic. The study also evaluates pharmacy professionals’ understanding of keyknowledge areas from the COVID-19 webinar hosted by the CommonwealthPharmacists’ Association ( CPA) on 5 th June 2020.MethodA quantitative survey-based approach was adopted, using a 32-item questionnairedeveloped from the literature on pharmacy and pandemic response. The survey washosted on Survey Monkey and pilot tested. The final survey was disseminated by CPAmember organisations. A 6-item online questionnaire was sent via email to allattendees of CPA's COVID-19 webinar. Descriptive statistics on frequency distributionsand percentages were used to analyse the responses. Data were analysed usingMicrosoft® Excel (2010).ResultsThere were 545 responses from pharmacy professionals across 31/54 commonwealthcountries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. Majority of therespondents reported being at least somewhat worried (90%) and more than 65% werevery worried or extremely about the impact of COVID-19 on them personally andprofessionally. Nearly two-thirds of respondents stated finding it somewhat difficult orvery difficult to work effectively during the pandemic. Challenges mostly faced bypharmacy professionals working remotely included; general anxiety about the impact ofCOVID-19 on their lives (12%), and difficulties in communicating with their co-workers(12%). Most pharmacy professionals had not previously been actively involved in aglobal health emergency (82%) nor obtained training on global/public healthemergency preparedness (62%). Between 45% to 97% of the COVID-19 webinarattendees provided the correct answers to post-webinar questions, suggesting someimprovement in knowledge.ConclusionOur study confirms pharmacy professional’s concerns about practice during apandemic and provides preliminary data on the challenges and learning needs of theprofession. The CPA has since acted on these findings, providing on-goingopportunities to develop and refine resources for the profession as the pandemicevolves. Pharmacy professionals have also demonstrated improved knowledge on themanagement of COVID-19 and resources available for professionals.

scholarly journals Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown on Dietary Habits and Lifestyle of Food Science Students and Professionals from Spain

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1494
Author(s):  
Ricard Celorio-Sardà ◽  
Oriol Comas-Basté ◽  
M. Luz Latorre-Moratalla ◽  
María Fernanda Zerón-Rugerio ◽  
Mireia Urpi-Sarda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
World Health ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Mailing Lists ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, forcing countries around the world to confine their population to halt the rapid spread of the virus. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in dietary habits and lifestyle during the COVID-19 lockdown a specific population with academic and professional knowledge in food sciences from Spain. An online questionnaire, based on 41 items, including sociodemographic data, dietary habits, food-related behaviors, and lifestyle were distributed using academic and institutional mailing lists and social media. Results showed a higher intake of fruit and vegetables, legumes, eggs, fish, and yogurt together with a decrease in consumption of alcoholic beverages between before and during the lockdown period. Nevertheless, an increase in consumption of some fruitive foods and an increase in self-reported weight were also observed, although in lower percentages than in other populations. A worse sleep quality and an increase in working hours and sitting time were also reported. Overall, trends towards healthier dietary habits were observed within the study sample during COVID-19 confinement period.

scholarly journals Study of Physical Fitness, Bone Quality, and Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Professional Female Beach Handball Players: Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1911
Author(s):  
Alejandro Martínez-Rodríguez ◽  
Javier Sánchez-Sánchez ◽  
María Martínez-Olcina ◽  
Manuel Vicente-Martínez ◽  
Laura Miralles-Amorós ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Diet Adherence ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Adherence ◽  
The Mediterranean

(1) Background: Beach handball is a relatively new type of sport, derived from team handball. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the physical fitness of elite players of this sport by studying some variables of sports performance, including strength, endurance and power, and dietary habits, and to assess bone ultrasonographic variables. (2) Methods: 33 beach handball players have participated in this research; 18 juniors (age: 16.7 ± 0.50) and 15 seniors (age: 24.8 ± 4.71). The athletes’ strength was evaluated using the Handgrip Test on the dominant hand, the height of jump was evaluated by a counter-jump on a contact platform, and velocity, agility, and resistance by the Yo-Yo test. The broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and the sound of speed (SOS) through the calcaneus were also measured. The Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED) was the questionnaire used to evaluate eating habits. In the statistical analysis, descriptions and correlations were made between the study variables. (3) Results: Both in the case of the dynamometric hand strength test (p < 0.05) and in the lower extremity power test (p < 0.01), senior players presented significantly higher values compared to junior players (35.1 ± 3.84 vs. 31.8 ± 3.37 and 35.1 ± 6.89 vs. 28.5 ± 5.69 with the dynamometry and Abalakov tests, respectively). However, no differences were observed in the variables by playing position. Significant correlations between different variables have been established, highlighting negative correlations between BMI and weight with the Abalakov Jump Test and positive correlations between Yo-Yo and BUA, and, between BMI and BUA. (4) Conclusions: Older and trained players are in better physical fitness; high weight and BMI have a negative influence on power, agility, speed, and endurance. In general, adherence to the Mediterranean diet is moderate and it seems evident that there is a beneficial influence of beach handball on bone condition, as measured by ultrasound. However future research should be carried on, including dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry assessments and food intake registers for a whole week.

scholarly journals The Impact of Sociocultural Changes on Obesity among Arab Women: Kuwait as a Case

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Yagoub Al-Kandari
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
World Health ◽  
Arab Women ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

This study aims to reveal the impact of sociocultural changes on obesity among Arab women (Kuwait as a case). A sample of 250 Kuwaiti women, ranging in age from 20 years to 76 years, was selected from all Kuwaiti governorates. The sample was selected from groups with different social, cultural, and economic status in the society. Social and health scales were used. Degree of religiosity, food habits, physical activity scales were used. Height, weight, triceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold, hip circumference, and waist circumference were also used. Whereas the World Health Organization indicates in the February 2018 statistics that 40% of women aged 18 years or older around the world are overweight or obese, the results of the current study show that the majority of the women in the sample are overweight or obese. The results also show that there are differences in obesity rates among age groups. The study found a statistically significant relationship between a women's normal weight and age, education level, socioeconomic status, dietary habits, physical activity, family structure, and family size. The results also indicate that women in Kuwait suffer from the highest rates of obesity and overweight in the world.

scholarly journals Mediterranean diet adherence among cosmetology students

2021 ◽  
pp. 301-307
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Jeziorek ◽  
Alicja Szypowska ◽  
Bożena Regulska-Ilow
Keyword(s):  
Olive Oil ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Diet Adherence ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Adherence ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Study Participants

Background. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is universally recognized as the healthiest model of nutrition whose beneficial effects help prevent many diet-related diseases. Objective. The aim of the study was to assess cosmetology students’ adherence to the Mediterranean Diet using the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Material and methods. The study group consisted of 175 cosmetology students of the School of Physiotherapy whose dietary habits were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) consisting of 154 food and drink items representative of the diet during the last year. We analyzed data obtained from FFQ and calculated the average number of daily and/or weekly servings from each of the 9 MDS food groups (grains, vegetables, fruits/nuts, milk/dairy products, meat/meat products, legumes, alcohol, olive oil, fish). To obtain more reliable results, we analyzed other products consumed by study participants (sweets, beverages, eggs and potatoes). Study participants were assigned 0, 1 or 2 points for each MDS ingredient. Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed on a 17-point scale. Low adherence to MD was defined at 0-7 points, moderate at 8-10 points, and high at 11-17 points. Results. The mean MDS was 7.1 ± 2.3. Students who were assigned 11-17 points (n = 20) consumed significantly more vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, fish, olive oil and significantly less meat, meat products, milk, dairy, and sweets compared to study participants who were assigned the lowest number of points (n = 78). We reported significant differences in the amounts of consumed vegetables and sweets between participants who received 8-10 points (n = 77) and those who received 11-17 points. The higher MDS was significantly associated with the higher intakes of vegetables and dietary fiber. Conclusions. The dietary patterns of study group of Polish cosmetology students did not adhere to the MD recommendations.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Lockdown and Lifestyles – A Narrative Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sathyanarayanan Doraiswamy ◽  
Sohaila Cheema ◽  
Ahmad Al Mulla ◽  
Ravinder Mamtani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
World Health ◽  
Obesity And Diabetes ◽  
The World ◽  
Harmful Substances ◽  
The Impact

Background: While controlling the COVID-19 pandemic has been the primary objective worldwide, its effect on human behavior, altered lifestyles, and in turn, the impact on chronic non-communicable diseases cannot be ignored. Ten months into the pandemic, much-published literature has emerged on altered lifestyles following the lockdown measures imposed by governments all over the world to control the virus spread. Objective: In this narrative review, we explore the impact of lockdown measures on the six lifestyle factors &ndash; namely, diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, social connectedness, and the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other harmful substances. Methods: We searched PubMed and the World Health Organization&rsquo;s global literature database on COVID-19 and included 298 articles. Using a meta-ethnographic approach, we provide an interpretative synthesis of relevant articles. Results: Among the six lifestyle factors, most of the retrieved articles focused on stress, emotional well-being, and physical activity. Fewer articles discussed alterations in dietary habits, sleep patterns, and the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other harmful substances. Most of the articles included in our review identified the negative effect of lockdown measures on each of the lifestyle factors in many parts of the world. Interestingly, encouraging lifestyle trends were also highlighted in a small number of articles included in our review. Such trends can positively influence the outcome of lifestyle-related chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. Conclusions: These unprecedented circumstances provide an opportunity to better understand the negative impact of strict lockdown measures on lifestyles, and at the same time, help identify and initiate positive behavioral changes, which if consolidated, may improve chronic disease outcomes in the long run. It would be up to governments, communities, and academia to learn - and benefit from lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic - with the ultimate objective of better educating and promoting healthy lifestyles among communities.

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