ABSTRACT
Introduction: An unhealthy lifestyle could have a negative influence on the evolution of multiple sclerosis (MS). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there has been changes that could have affect the lifestyle. The objectives were to evaluate aspects of the lifestyle of people with MS (pwMS) who are members of an association of patients from Argentina, prior to and during the pandemic, its causes and whether they received medical advice on the subject. Subjects and methods: Observational study, pwMS were convened through a patient association to answer online surveys in November 2019 and October 2020. Demographic, disease, height, weight, smoking, diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption and medical care data were collected. Results: 208 pwMS. Women: 76.4%. 43.76 years (± 10.7). Meets recommended physical activity 40.4%, 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily 13.9%, smoking 24.5%, risk alcohol consumption 12.5%, overweight + obesity 53.4%. In the pandemic, smoking decreased (24.9% vs 20%;P = .004), weight increased (BMI = 26.1 vs 27.4;P = .001) and physical activity decreased (39.3% vs 31.5%;P = .016). Regularly received advice on physical exercise 54.3%, healthy diet 32.4%, smoking cessation 33.3%. Conclusions: A significant percentage of the pwMS present unhealthy aspects of lifestyle. In the pandemic following were observed: weight gain, an increase of sedentary lifestyle and a decrease in smoking. Lifestyle advice was not done frequently. Further studies are needed to assess how to improve lifestyle and its implications for evolution and quality of life.