ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose significant challenges to nations. The Saudi Arabia government aimed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through different health strategies and policies that influence the population’s health and lifestyle. AIM: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of the adult Saudi Arabian people and residents on the coronavirus pandemic and examine their association with dietary habits. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Qunfudhah’s locality – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from September 13 to October 15. Data collection was implemented using a questionnaire divided, into four sections: The first section was directed at the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants;the second was dedicated to assessing the individual’s knowledge about COVID-19;the third section for assessing the lifestyle pattern of COVID-19;the fourth assessed the dietary intake using food frequency questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 400 respondents;Saudis (78%) and residential population (22%) were included in this study. Knowledge about COVID-19 was high (94%) among the participants, primarily obtained from the traditional media platforms and social media. The majority (91%) of the respondents have complied with regular usage of precautionary tools, in addition, physical activity and exposure to sunlight were practiced regularly during the lockdown, by (43%), (49.8%.), respectively. Approximately half of the participants (56.5 %) experienced a change in food habits during the period of confinement. The results revealed a correlation between nutritional awareness and food consumption style for fruits, dietary fibers, traditional drinks, fish, and nuts. CONCLUSION: The respondents have adopted healthier dietary behaviors during the COVID-19 confinement through a closer approach toward the Med Diet. The knowledge of eating habits and the practice of physical activity should guide the authorities and educational agencies to propose strategies that could encourage a balanced and healthy diet (MD) and physical activity practice.