ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Elevated body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased risk of not only cardiovascular (CVD) morbidity and mortality, but also lower risk of depression, type 2 diabetes, inflammation, carciongenesis. Vegetarian diet contributes to lower CVD risk and lower BMI. The aim of the study was assessment of the diet quality during the COVID-19 pandemic among vegetarian and non-vegetarian subpopulations. MATERIAL AND METHODS An online survey was distributed via social media channels. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic questions and the assessment of dietary habits based on the Polish komPAN questionnaire. Data were collected from 1987 people, 1956 met all study conditions. 40.23% respondents (n = 787) were vegetarians, 84% (n = 1649) were females. BMI and Prohealthy-Diet-Index-10 (pHDI-10) were established based on the collected data. Chi-square tests were performed between sexes, vegetarians and non-vegetarians. RESULTS The prevalence of excessive body weight (BMI >24.99 kg/m2) was higher among non-vegetarians than vegetarians (28.91% vs 17.03% respectively, P <0.05). Males were overweight or obese more often than females (44.95% vs 20.25% respectively, P <0.05). Among vegetarian males, recommended body weight (BMI >15.99 and <24.99) occurred more often than among non-vegetarian males (66.27% vs 49.11% respectively, P <0.05). Among non-vegetarian respondents who declared meat consumption less often than once a day the prevalence of excessive body weight was lower than among those who consumed meat at least once a day (22% vs 34% respectively, P <0.05). According to the pHDI-10 24.52% vegetarians had a 'moderately healthy' diet (pHDI >6.67 and pHDI <13.33) and none of the vegetarians had a 'very healthy diet' (pHDI >13.33), 36.61% non-vegetarians had a 'moderately healthy' diet and 0.34% non-vegetarians had a 'very healthy' diet. CONCLUSIONS Vegetarians have recommended body weight more often than non-vegetarians. Less frequent meat consumption was associated with higher prevalence of recommended body weight. According to pHDI-10, intensity of prohealthy dietary habits was higher among non-vegetarians.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 pandemic and following restrictions have impacted every life domain. Students are an especially affected group where social distancing, numerous quarantine periods and e-learning changed lifestyle as we knew. It is well documented that physical activity (PA) has a crucial impact on cardiovascular diseases prevention and is a healthy lifestyle habit. Aim of the study is assessment of physical activity among Polish university students during the normal week in the pandemic period (since 20th March 2020 to 20th March 2021). MATERIAL AND METHODS An online based survey distributed via different social media channels (e.g.: Facebook and e-mail newsletters). Data were collected from 1491 Polish undergraduates and 1200 met all study conditions (80.48%;77.25% were females;0.5% didn't specify gender;49.75% were medical university students). The questionnaire included IPAQ-Short Form and one authorès question. Respondents declared body mass index (BMI) and the amount of weekly physical activity (number of active days/week, active type and time every day, sitting hours and summary question in -5-0-+5 scale which compared activity changes with times before restrictions). Finally, we calculated total MET-min/week. RESULTS 33.17% (n = 398) of students were in a low physical activity group, 41.42% (n = 497) in a medium and 25.41% (n = 305) in a high. Average BMI was 22.26 kg/m2 (13.62-48.29 kg/m2). 11.5% (n = 138) participants were underweight (BMI <18.5), 14.67% (n = 176) overweight (BMI ≥25.0) and 3.92% (n = 47) obese (BMI ≥30.0). However correlations between higher BMI (r = -0.00369;P = 0.898) or gender (P = 0.145) with, respectively, lower MET-min/week or lower PA level werenèt statistically significant. 71.92% (n = 863) reported that pandemic negatively influenced their physical activity level, 8.25% (n = 99) didnèt notice any changes and 19.83% (n = 238) observed positive impact. CONCLUSIONS High number of Polish students didnèt meet physical activity requirements to be described as medium or highly active people. Moreover most students declared a negative impact on their PA due to COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to be aware by public health workers and physicians to encourage undergraduates to stay physically active even during restrictions (while taking all appropriate precautions) because of its numerous possible positive outcomes on cardiovascular health.