ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Lockdown due to COVID-19 influenced food habits and lifestyles with potential negative health impact. This study aims to identify patterns of change in eating habits and physical activity during COVID-19 lockdown in Spain and to identify associations with sociodemographic factors and usual habits. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1155 adults recruited online to answer a 10-section questionnaire. The protocol assessed usual diet by means of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, usual physical activity (PA) and supplement use, dietary changes, sedentary time, PA, exposure to sunlight, sleep quality, and smoking during confinement. Patterns of dietary change were identified by factor analysis. Factor scores were included in cluster analysis together with change in PA. RESULTS: Six patterns of dietary change were identified that together with PA changes during lockdown defined three clusters of lifestyle change: a cluster less active, a more active cluster, and a third cluster as active as usual. People who were usually less active were more likely to be classified in the cluster that increased physical activity in confinement. Scores of the Healthy Mediterranean-Style dietary pattern were higher in this group. Conclusions: Different patterns of change in lifestyles in confinement suggest the need to tailor support and advice to different population groups.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/epidemiology , Exercise , Feeding Behavior , Quarantine/psychology , Adult , Aged , COVID-19/psychology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Spain/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
FUNDAMENTOS: El cierre de fronteras, el confinamiento de la población y el distanciamiento físico han sido las principales medidas instauradas en muchos países para contener el alcance y gravedad de la pandemia COVID-19. En este estudio se analizan los cambios en los hábitos alimentarios y en otros estilos de vida durante el periodo de confinamiento en un grupo de población en España. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se ha realizado un estudio transversal, observacional en una muestra de conveniencia de personas mayores de 18 años de edad, reclutada de forma electrónica entre el 21 de abril y 8 de mayo de 2020 (semanas 6-8 de confinamiento) en España (n= 1036). El protocolo contemplaba datos sociodemográficos, características del confinamiento, hábitos de consumo alimentario y actividad física usuales, y modificaciones durante el periodo de confinamiento. RESULTADOS: Los cambios más frecuentes se refieren a mayor consumo de fruta (27%), huevos (25,4%), legumbres (22,5%), verduras (21%) y pescado (20%) y reducción en el consumo de carnes procesadas (35,5%), cordero o conejo (32%), pizza (32,6%), bebidas alcohólicas destiladas (44,2%), bebidas azucaradas (32,8%) o chocolate (25,8%), con algunas diferencias sobre todo en función de la edad y el grado de adecuación de la dieta usual. Un 14,1% que habitualmente no cocina, lo hace en este periodo. El 15% no realiza ejercicio físico, 24,6% pasa sentado más de 9 horas diarias y el 30,7% de las personas fumadoras (14,7%) fuma más. Un 37% refiere no dormir bien. CONCLUSIONES: Los participantes en este estudio refieren cambios alimentarios en el periodo de confinamiento en España con tendencia hacia mayor consumo de alimentos saludables, menor consumo de alimentos de menos interés nutricional y aumento de la práctica de cocinar en casa BACKGROUND: The lockout of borders, lockdown of the population and social isolation are key measures adopted in many countries to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. This study describes changes in eating habits and other lifestyles during confinement in a population group in Spain. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on a convenience sample of people aged 18 yr. and over, recruited online between April 21 and May 8, 2020 (weeks 6-8 of lockdown) in Spain (n = 1036). The protocol considered sociodemographic data, characteristics of confinement, usual food consumption and physical activity, and changes during confinement. RESULTS: Most frequently reported changes in dietary habits are increased consumption of fruit (27%), eggs (25.4%), legumes (22.5%), vegetables (21%) and fish (20%) and reduced consumption of processed meats (35.5%), lamb or rabbit (32%), pizza (32.6%), distilled alcoholic beverages (44.2%), sugary drinks (32.8%) or chocolate (25.8%). Some differences were observed depending on age and adequacy of the usual diet. Some 14.1% who do not usually cook do so during this period;15% do not do physical exercise, 24.6% sit more than 9 hours a day and 30.7% of smokers (14.7%) report increased tobacco use. 37% reported not sleeping well. CONCLUSIONS: Participants in this study report dietary changes during lockdown in Spain with a trend towards greater consumption of healthier foods, less consumption of foods of poor nutritional interest and an increase in the practice of cooking at home