scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on eating habits in Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noara Alhusseini ◽  
Abdulrahman Alqahtani
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
The Impact

Background: COVID-19 virus has been reported as a pandemic in March 2020 by the WHO. Having a balanced and healthy diet routine can help boost the immune system, which is essential in fighting viruses. Public Health officials enforced lockdown for residents resulting in dietary habits change to combat sudden changes. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the eating habits, quality and quantity of food intake among adults in Saudi Arabia. SPSS version 24 was used to analyze the data. Comparison between general dietary habits before and during COVID-19 for ordinal variables was performed by Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, while McNemar test was performed for nominal variables. The paired samples t-test was used to compare the total scores for food quality and quantity before and during COVID-19 periods.Results: 2706 adults residing in Riyadh completed the survey. The majority (85.6%) of the respondents reported eating home-cooked meals on a daily basis during COVID-19 as compared to 35.6% before (p<0.001). The mean score for the quality of food intake was slightly higher (p=0.002) before the COVID-19 period (16.46±2.84) as compared to the during period (16.39±2.79). The quantity of food mean score was higher (p<0.001) during the COVID-19 period (15.70±2.66) as compared to the before period (14.62±2.71).Conclusion: Dietary habits have changed significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic among Riyadh residents. Although some good habits increased, the quality and the quantity of the food was compromised. Public Health officials must focus on increased awareness on healthy eating during pandemics to avoid negative consequences. Future research is recommended to better understand the change in dietary habits during pandemics using a detailed food frequency questionnaire.

scholarly journals Studying the Dietary Habits of Seafood Consumption among Saudis and Residents in the Province of Delam at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University: دراسة العادات الغذائية لاستهلاك الأسماك بين السعوديين والمقيمين بمحافظة الدلم بجامعة الأمير سطام بن عبد العزيز

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maalem Haasan Al- Moaleem
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
University Education ◽  
Seafood Consumption ◽  
Fresh Fish ◽  
Fish Meat ◽  
Side Dish ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Fried Potatoes

  This study was conducted in order to identify the dietary habits of fish consumption in the province of Delam in Saudi Arabia where four hundred and fifty questionnaire were distributed to the employees of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University during the month of Rabee I until Rajab 1440H. The results of the analysis in three hundred answered questionnaire showed that the sample of Saudis was (84.7%) and the percentage of university education (68.7%). The study showed that fish meat ranked third in the preference for meat types and that the fresh fish is preferred in the purchase followed by canned fish. The preferred types of fish are shrimp, grouper, kennad, net, poetic, nagel, and white. Moreover, the study confirmed that (46.3%) of individuals prefer to eat it once a week, cooked at home, and grilled. Furthermore, preferred side dish with fish was fried potatoes. The study indicates that the percentage of fish consumed by non- Saudis is higher which was twice in the week for non- Saudis and once a week for Saudis. This may be due to different dietary habits among individuals or the impact of prices, consumption habits, or distance from the coast. The study concluded the need for further studies to educate individuals about the benefits of fish and the importance of Public Health.  

scholarly journals A Nutritional Counseling Program Prevents an Increase in Workers' Dietary Intake and Body Weight During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia A. Nehme ◽  
Luisa P. Marot ◽  
Luciana F. R. Nogueira ◽  
Elaine C. Marqueze ◽  
Cibele A. Crispim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Counseling Program ◽  
Nutritional Counseling ◽  
Working At Home ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic caused thousands of deaths and changed lives all over the world. Daily life has also altered people's eating habits, mainly among those who stayed working at home. However, changes in the eating habits of workers who remained working during the pandemic are still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dietary habits of day and shift workers from a condominium management company, as well as to measure adherence to a nutritional counseling program and its effect on workers' food intake and body weight. One hundred and fifty-one workers (77.5% of day workers and 22.5% of shift workers) were followed up in the pre-pandemic period and during the pandemic. Data on anthropometry, food consumption, and adherence to nutritional counseling were collected during nutritional meetings, which focused on qualitative modification of food intake and control of energy consumption. The rate of adherence to the program did not differ between shifts. The pandemic significantly increased the intake of calories, macronutrients, and several micronutrients in workers of both shifts. Adherence to the nutritional counseling program had an impact on the consumption of proteins and some micronutrients, and also promoted a reduction in body weight and body mass index of workers of both shifts. Evening/night shift workers overall ate their meals later than day workers and also presented an earlier afternoon snack during the pandemic when compared with the pre-pandemic period. In conclusion, the pandemic seems to contribute to the increase in food intake of workers, regardless of the work shift. Those who joined a nutritional counseling program managed their food intake and lost weight.

scholarly journals Consequences of COVID-19 crisis for persons with HIV: the impact of social determinants of health

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristie C. Waterfield ◽  
Gulzar H. Shah ◽  
Gina D. Etheredge ◽  
Osaremhen Ikhile
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Persons Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background With the indiscriminate spread of COVID-19 globally, many populations are experiencing negative consequences such as job loss, food insecurity, and inability to manage existing medical conditions and maintain preventive measures such as social distancing and personal preventative equipment. Some of the most disadvantaged in the COVID-19 era are people living with HIV/AIDS and other autoimmune diseases. Discussion As the number of new HIV infections decrease globally, many subpopulations remain at high risk of infection due to lack of or limited access to prevention services, as well as clinical care and treatment. For persons living with HIV or at higher risk of contracting HIV, including persons who inject drugs or men that have sex with men, the risk of COVID-19 infection increases if they have certain comorbidities, are older than 60 years of age, and are homeless, orphaned, or vulnerable children. The risk of COVID-19 is also more significant for those that live in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, rural, and/or poverty-stricken areas. An additional concern for those living the HIV is the double stigma that may arise if they also test positive for COVID-19. As public health and health care workers try to tackle the needs of the populations that they serve, they are beginning to realize the need for a change in the infrastructure that will include more efficient partnerships between public health, health care, and HIV programs. Conclusion Persons living with HIV that also have other underlying comorbidities are a great disadvantage from the negative consequences of COVID-19. For those that may test positive for both HIV and COVID-19, the increased psychosocial burdens stemming from stress and isolation, as well as, experiencing additional barriers that inhibit access to care, may cause them to become more disenfranchised. Thus, it becomes very important during the current pandemic for these challenges and barriers to be addressed so that these persons living with HIV can maintain continuity of care, as well as, their social and mental support systems.

scholarly journals Investigating Community Pharmacy Take Home Naloxone Dispensing during COVID-19: The Impact of One Public Health Crisis on Another

Pharmacy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
George Daskalakis ◽  
Ashley Cid ◽  
Kelly Grindrod ◽  
Michael A. Beazely
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Pharmacy Technicians ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Overdose Deaths

A recent report found that the number of opioid-related deaths in Ontario in the first 15 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic was 38.2% higher than in the 15 weeks before the pandemic. Our study sought to determine if pharmacy professionals self-reported an increase or decrease in naloxone provision due to the pandemic and to identify adjustments made by pharmacy professionals to dispense naloxone during the pandemic. A total of 231 Ontario community pharmacy professionals completed an online survey. Pharmacy professionals’ barriers, facilitators, and comfort level with dispensing naloxone before and during the pandemic were identified. The sample consisted of mostly pharmacists (99.1%). Over half (51.1%) reported no change in naloxone dispensing, while 22.9% of respondents reported an increase and 24.7% a decrease. The most common adjustments made during the pandemic were training patients how to administer naloxone over video or phone, delivering naloxone kits, and pharmacy technicians offering naloxone at prescription intake. Over half (55%) of participants said the top barrier for dispensing was that patients did not request naloxone. Naloxone distribution through pharmacies could be further optimized to address the increased incidence of overdose deaths during the pandemic. Future research should investigate the reasons for changes in naloxone dispensing.

scholarly journals Television and Fertility

2010 ◽  
pp. 67-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart Basten
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mass Media ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Media Presentation ◽  
Sliding Scale ◽  
The Media ◽  
Television Plays ◽  
The Impact

Much research has been conducted in the field of utilising the media - television and radio in particular - to promote particular public health messages. However, a burgeoning canon has examined how mass media can play a role in affecting change in fertility preferences and outcomes. In this paper we review these researches which have primarily focussed upon higher fertility settings. The impact of mass media presentation of families and children in low fertility settings has not yet been subject to rigorous sociological investigation so its impact can not be accurately inferred. However, given the pervasive nature of mass media and celebrity culture, we suggest that this is an important avenue for future research. We conclude that television plays a multi-faceted role in shaping individuals decision-making procedures concerning both demographic events and public health interactions. To illustrate this, we present a model which demonstrates a sliding scale of intent - but not impact - of various genres in order to understand the actual role of the media in shaping attitudes towards family size - either explicitly in terms of edutainment or implicitly as a forms of normalization.

Regulation

2020 ◽  
pp. 372-381
Author(s):  
Lawrence Gostin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
International Law ◽  
Legal Change ◽  
The Face ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
The Law ◽  
The Impact

The objectives of this chapter are to help you understand: the impact of legislation, regulations, and litigation on the public’s health; the powers, duties, and restraints imposed by the law on public health officials; the potential of legal change to improve the public’s health; the role of international law and institutions in securing public health in the face of increasing globalization.

scholarly journals Evidence of the Importance of Dietary Habits Regarding Depressive Symptoms and Depression

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Ljungberg ◽  
Emma Bondza ◽  
Connie Lethin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Public Health Professionals ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Healthy Eating Habits

Background: Mental illness is one of the fastest rising threats to public health, of which depression and anxiety disorders are increasing the most. Research shows that diet is associated with depressive symptoms or depression (depression). Aim: This study aimed to investigate the diets impact on depression, by reviewing the scientific evidence for prevention and treatment interventions. Method: A systematic review was conducted, and narrative synthesis analysis was performed. Result: Twenty scientific articles were included in this review. The result showed that high adherence to dietary recommendations; avoiding processed foods; intake of anti-inflammatory diet; magnesium and folic acid; various fatty acids; and fish consumption had a depression. Public health professionals that work to support and motivate healthy eating habits may help prevent and treat depression based on the evidence presented in the results of this study. Further research is needed to strengthen a causal relationship and define evidence-based strategies to implement in prevention and treatment by public healthcare.

scholarly journals First report of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae harboring blaKPC-2 in Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharif Hala ◽  
Chakkiath Paul Antony ◽  
Mohammed Alshehri ◽  
Abdulhakeem O. Althaqafi ◽  
Asim Alsaedi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Gulf Region ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Klebsiella Spp

Abstract Background Nosocomial infections caused by multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae are a global public health threat that ought to be promptly identified, reported, and addressed accurately. Many carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae-associated genes have been identified in Saudi Arabia but not the endemic Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases (KPCs), which are encoded by blaKPC-type genes. KPCs are known for their exceptional spreading potential. Methods We collected n = 286 multi-drug resistant (MDR) Klebsiella spp. isolates as part of screening for resistant patterns from a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia between 2014 and 2018. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using both VITEK II and the broth microdilution of all collected isolates. Detection of resistance-conferring genes was carried out using Illumina whole-genome shotgun sequencing and PacBio SMRT sequencing protocols. Results A Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae strain was identified as a novel ST-3510 carrying a blaKPC-2 carbapenemase encoding gene. The isolate, designated as NGKPC-421, was obtained from shotgun Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) surveillance of 286 MDR Klebsiella spp. clinical isolates. The NGKPC-421 isolate was collected from a septic patient in late 2017 and was initially misidentified as K. pneumoniae. The sequencing and assembly of the NGKPC-421 genome resulted in the identification of a putative ~ 39.4 kb IncX6 plasmid harboring a blaKPC-2 gene, flanked by transposable elements (ISKpn6-blaKPC-2–ISKpn27). Conclusion This is the first identification of a KPC-2-producing CRE in the Gulf region. The impact on this finding is of major concern to the public health in Saudi Arabia, considering that it is the religious epicenter with a continuous mass influx of pilgrims from across the world. Our study strongly highlights the importance of implementing rapid sequencing-based technologies in clinical microbiology for precise taxonomic classification and monitoring of antimicrobial resistance patterns.

scholarly journals Public Health Risks Associated with Heavy Metal and Microbial Contamination of Drinking Water in Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (20) ◽  
pp. 3982
Author(s):  
Paul J Molino ◽  
Richard Bentham ◽  
Michael J Higgins ◽  
Jason Hinds ◽  
Harriet Whiley
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Lead Exposure ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
Public Health Risks ◽  
Piping Systems ◽  
The Impact

Recently in Australia concerns have been raised regarding the contamination of municipal drinking water supplies with lead. This is of particular concern to children due to the impact of lead exposure on cognitive development and as such these findings have received much media attention. The response from legislators has been swift, and The Victorian School Building Authority has announced that all new schools and school upgrade works will only use lead-free tapware and piping systems. However, while the immediate replacement of lead-containing brass fittings may seem a logical and obvious response, it does not consider the potential implications on microbial contamination. This is particularly concerning given the increasing public health threat posed by opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs). This commentary explores this public health risk of lead exposure from plumbing materials compared to the potential public health risks from OPPPs. Non-tuberculous mycobacterium was chosen as the example OPPP, and the influence on plumbing material and its public health burden in Australia is explored. This commentary highlights the need for future research into the influence of plumbing material on OPPPs prior to any changes in legislation regarding plumbing material.

scholarly journals Eating habits and appetite control: a psychobiological perspective

1999 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Weight Control ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Eating Behaviour ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Appetite Control ◽  
Physiological Control ◽  
Eating Pattern ◽  
Disordered Eating Patterns

An individual's eating behaviour is shaped by factors ranging from economic conditions and cultural practices to biological influences. The physiological system controlling appetite appears to be adapted to solving the problem of an unevenness of food supply across time, and is fairly permissive in its response to undereating and overeating. Consequently, when food is abundant, the diet is energy dense and energy expenditure is low, there is a strong tendency to become obese (i.e. obesity is better viewed as due to a ‘toxic’ environment than to faulty physiological control of appetite). Under such conditions the most common method of avoiding obesity is through the cognitive control of eating. However, dietary restraint and dieting are demanding tasks, and are associated with psychological costs, including significant impairment of cognitive performance. Restraint is also prone to disinhibition, with the result that it can sometimes undermine eating control, even leading to the development of highly disordered eating patterns. In part, these difficulties are due to the self-perpetuating nature of dietary habits: for example, hunger tends to be diminished during strict unbroken dieting, but increased in individuals having a highly variable eating pattern (such as occurs when eating is frequently disinhibited). These features of appetite control provide both barriers and opportunities for changing behaviour. Accordingly, there is a need for future research to focus on the psycho-social factors and the dieting practices predicting successful eating and weight control, with the objective of identifying the actual cognitive and behavioural strategies used by the many dieters and restrained eaters who are able to achieve weight loss and maintain long-term weight stability.

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