ABSTRACT
Mumbai was one of the 1st cities in India to go into total lockdown in March 2020. The lockdown was expected to have an influence on eating habits specially the snacking patterns. The main objective of this study was to access the change in snacking patterns of participants living in Mumbai city, India during lockdown. Data was collected in 256 Mumbai residents (60 males, 196 females) using Google forms. Information regarding number of meals consumed, meals at which snacks were consumed, change in snacking pattern, reasons for increase or decrease in snacking, and type of snacks consumed during lockdown as compared to before lock was collected. Around 20% reported a decrease, 31% reported no change and 49% reported an increase in snack consumption during lockdown. Participants consumed higher number of meals during lockdown (p<0.05). Significantly higher percentage of participants did not consume store brought snacks during lockdown (30.9% vs 13.7%) (p<0.05). Significantly higher percentage of participants consumed snacks at mid-evening (50.4% vs 33.6%), late evening (48% vs 32%) and late night (32% vs 16.8%) during lockdown as compared to before lockdown (p<0.05). Significantly change in lemon-water (57.8% vs 43.4%), coffee (47.3% vs 40.6%) and carbonated beverages (14.8% vs 23.4%) was observed during lockdown as compared to before lockdown (p<0.05). Significant increase in nuts (74.2% vs 65.6%), instant noodles (69.5% vs 60.9%) and biscuits (78.5% vs 68%) was observed during lockdown as compared to before lockdown (p<0.05). Significant decrease in South Indian (61.75 vs 69.1%), Frankie (32.8% vs 51.6%), bhel (50.4% vs 69.1%), Chinese bhel (21.5% vs 35.5%) and usal (32% vs 40.2%) was observed during lockdown as compared to before lockdown (p<0.05). To conclude, snacks were consumed at more number of meals during lockdown in comparison to before lockdown. A change in type of snacks consumed was observed during lockdown. Ready and easy to eat snacks such as nuts, instant noodles and biscuits showed an increase whereas snacks that require elaborate cooking procedure showed a decrease in consumption. With partial lockdown still persisting in many parts of the country and many still working from home it is imperative to circulate more accurate information on appropriate snacking habits.
ABSTRACT
The objective of the study was to evaluate knowledge and attitude regarding immuno-nutrition in Indians residing in different parts of the world and to evaluate practices adopted during lockdown to boost immunity. A rapid assessment survey was conducted using Goog le Forms which was circulated amongst Indian community residing in different countries using various social media platforms. Data was collected from 325 Indians from 11 different countries. Participants were regrouped into 4 groups: South Asia, Europe, East Africa and Western Asia based on geographical location. About 85% participants identified most factors that either boost or suppress immunity. More than 90% participants reported vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B12, proteins and iron as the nutrients that boost immunity. Higher percentage of Indians from South and Western Asia reported that holy basil, asafoetida, cardamom, nuts and Chawanprash helped boost immunity as compared to Indians from Europe and East Africa (p<0.05). The overall minimum knowledge score obtained by participants was 45% and maximum was 100%. Highest marks were obtained by Indians from Western Asia followed by Indians from South Asia then Europe and lastly East Africa. However, there was no significant difference marks obtained by participants of 4 regions (p>0.05). Almost 1/3rd participants had misconception that immunity can be boosted in short amount of time. There was a significant difference in practices adopted by participants across different regions (p<0.001). Indians from Western Asia and South Asia adopted supplement and food based approaches to boost immunity as compared to Indians from other 2 regions. Though the overall knowledge regarding immuno-nutrition was similar in Indians from all 4 regions, the attitude and strategies adopted to boost immunity varied from region to region. There is a need to conduct educational programs to help improve the attitude and strategies adopted to boost immunity in Indians staying across the globe.