Alteration of dietary habits and lifestyle pattern during COVID-19 pandemic associated lockdown: An online survey study

Abstract

Background & aim: A few population-based studies have looked at how the Corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and outbreak-related lockdown has impacted people's daily eating habits and lifestyles. Due to the emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continuous lockdown or social isolation can alter dietary consumption patterns and lifestyle routines, resulting in significant negative health consequences. Focused on the COVID-19 and disease related lockdown effects, this study aims to reflect the evolving trend in dietary habits and lifestyle status during the COVID-19 lockdown in West Bengal through a population mediated retrospective survey distributed via social media platforms.

Methods: This survey was conducted using Google form via online platform from July 7 to July 31, 2020, with 1059 participants reported their eating habits and lifestyle preferences, as well as basic socio-demographic details. Entire variables were qualitatively examined and uttered as frequency (f) and percentage (%). The Chi-square test was performed to conclude whether categorical variables differed.

Results: A high number of participants reported that they were consumed healthy foods and physically active during this pandemic situation. Females were more likely to be involved in exercise and consume protein-rich food, as well as the majority of them, maintain basic dietary and Ayurvedic home remedies precautions like consumption of lemon, consumption of herbs, taking warm water, etc. A majority of older participants were tried to maintain a healthy lifestyle with extra protective essential protection during the COVID-19 stage. The frequency of going to market was decreased by the participants. Females were more likely to decrease their frequency of going to market than males. In terms of hygiene and sanitization of food items after buying from the market, females were more careful than males. Participants with higher education were more likely to be careful regarding the hygiene of food preparation and eating during this situation.

Conclusion: From this study, dieticians, legislators, and public health experts can have a better understanding of the current situation of food intake and lifestyle trends in communities of West Bengal, India. It also has the potential to have a significant impact on future public health research.

Keywords: COVID-19; Dietary changes; Lifestyle changes; Lockdown; Public health.

Fig. 1

Descriptive characteristics of the study participants.

Fig. 2

Life style changes patterns of people during lock down period. 1: Are you physically active during lock down; 2: Are you involved in regular exercise (including walking, running) in this lock down?; 3: Are you spending much time in kitchen than usual?; 4: In the lock down your cooking skills and regularity improved? 5: You browsing frequency to Food blogging or Food preparation channels has increased in Lock down; 6: Do you think you are getting obese (over weight) during the lock down?; 7: Are you regularly sanitizing your food items (grocery) after buying from market?; 8: Frequency for going to market during this period; 9: Level of hygiene during food preparation and eating has increased during current time.; 10: Taking extra care of older and children in term of quality of foods given to them in this Lock down.

Fig. 3

Dietary changes patterns of people during lock down period. 1: In current time overall daily consumption of food; 2: Types of food preferred during current pandemic situation; 3: You are taking your food which are; 4: Are you taking Ayurvedic home remedies?; 5: Whether lock down resulted in increased food consumption; 6: You are preferring which types of foods in this pandemic & lock down situation?; 7: Daily consumption of snacks between meals; 8: Daily intake of salads or raw vegetables; 9: Consumption lemon or citrus fruit in daily basis; 10: At present time you are using extra spices (garam masala) or herbs in your dish?; 11: Is sweet consumption is increased from earlier; 12: Are you taking Warm water in regular basis ?.