Emotional eating in relation to gastrointestinal symptoms and burnout among young women during the pandemic

Background: The emergence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), created unique constraints in everyday life. Emotional eating is a known phenomenon in disasters and is markedly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. In this study, the aim was to assess the relationship of gastrointestinal symptom severity and COVID-19 burnout with emotional eating among young women during the pandemic disaster. Methods: A cross-sectional study approach was used to allow 462 young women participants in this study. The design of the questionnaires was based on demographics, health behaviors, Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity Scale, Emotional Eating Scale and COVID-19 Burnout Scale. Data were analyzed using percentages, mean values, independent t-test, chi-squared test. The hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed for predicting risk factors of emotional eating. Significance levels were set at the 5% level. Results: Of the women, 73.8% were emotional eaters. The level of COVID-19 burnout was moderate with mean score of 29.4+or-11.1 and emotional eating total score was 21.0+or-8.1. Increased number of meals, increased weight gain and shorter sleep time were significantly associated with emotional eating (p<0.05). Participants with more than three meals per day were more likely to be emotional eaters (Beta=4.26). The regression model showed that indigestion and COVID-19 burnout were strong risk factors of emotinal eating (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that indigestion and COVID-19 burnout were strong risk factors of emotinal eating. Emotional eating could pose an additional health burden to young women in the form of poor food choices.

Investigation of high school students' motivation for physical activity participation and eating attitude levels during the COVID-19 period

The aim of this study is to determine the motivation of high school students to participate in physical activity and their eating attitude levels during the COVID-19 period as well as to examine the relationship between the two variables. In addition, it was also determined whether the motivation for participate in physical activity and eating attitudes differ according to gender, weekly exercise, spending time with technology, family communication times, and participation in exercise during and before the pandemic. A total of 576 high school students, including 406 girls and 170 boys, participated in the study. "Motivation Scale for Participation in Physical Activity (MSPPA)", "Eating Attitude Test (EAT-40)" and "Personal Information Form (KBF)" were used as data collection tools. Data were evaluated using correlation, multiple linear regression, MANOVA and t-test analysis techniques. It was concluded that the motivation of the students to participate in physical activity was moderate, and they did not have eating disorders. It was observed that physical activity motivation did not predict eating attitude, but there were positive and low relationships between sub-factors in relational dimension. According to gender, it was determined that the eating attitudes of female students were more positive than male students. It has been found that the motivation to participate in physical activity is higher for those who exercise before and during the pandemic than those who do not. Consequently, it can be said that during the COVID-19 process, high school students' motivation to participate in physical activity is at a moderate level, and their eating attitudes are generally not at the level of behavioral disorders.

The impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on fruit consumption

Covid-19 is a global pandemic that has an impact on all sectors, when compared to consumption in the period before and after, the consumption of fruit in the province of North Sumatra has decreased but there has been an increase in the average monthly per capita expenditure (rupiah) of fruit commodities. This study aims to analyze the factors that influence people's consumption of fruit in the city of Medan and the impact of the coronavirus (covid-19) on fruit consumption in the city of Medan. The research method used is the case study method. The method of determining the research area used is purposive and the data used are primary data obtained through interviews with 100 respondents. The results of the analysis show that the factors that influence consumption patterns include income, number of family members, age, and education have a significant effect simultaneously on the amount of fruit consumption. Income, number of family members and education partially affect the amount of fruit consumption, while the age variable has no significant effect partially on the amount of fruit consumption. Based on the results of hypothesis testing, it can be concluded that the Covid-19 virus affects the amount of fruit consumption in the city of Medan. Fruit consumption in Medan before, during and after the Covid-19 virus is different. With the Covid-19 pandemic, health and body immunity are very important to maintain their performance. Ways to maintain health during the pandemic, ranging from wearing masks, washing hands with soap to consuming vitamins and minerals that can be obtained from consuming fruits.

Special Issue: The relationship between nutrition and COVID-19. (Special Issue: The relationship between nutrition and COVID-19.)

This special issue contains 8 articles that discuss and highlights the importance of nutrition in mitigating the mental and health-related issues associated with the pandemic, as well as its effects on diet quality and physical activity levels. Topics include: (1) a systematic literature review that emphasizes the role of nutrition in minimizing mental and health-related issues during COVID-19. The review concludes that a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients can play a crucial role in supporting mental health, immune function and overall well-being during the pandemic. In addition, it highlights the need for public health interventions that promote healthy eating habits and provide access to nutritious foods, (2) adherence to the Mediterranean diet in Greek adolescents during COVID-19, (3) a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the effect of synbiotics on inflammatory markers and white blood cell count in COVID-19 patients, (4) COVID-19 pandemic anxiety was reflected in nutritional habits in adults, (5) investigation of the link between metabolic risks, dietary patterns and COVID-19 prognosis, (6) exploration of the factors related to sedentary lifestyle in a Brazilian sample during the COVID-19 initial quarantine.

Special Issue: Diet and nutraceuticals for mental and physical performance in athletes. (Special Issue: Diet and nutraceuticals for mental and physical performance in athletes.)

This supplement containing 7 articles stresses the importance of diet and selected nutraceuticals that may impact both the physical and mental performance of athletes. The past 2.5 years living with the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic have taxed all of us mentally and possibly to a greater extent in the athletic population. While life in general has returned to some form of normalcy for many, emerging from this pandemic has alerted us to the importance of vaccines and physical-distancing measures, especially as they relate to sport. The return of organized sport at all levels has also underscored the important roles that exercise and sport play in the lives and mental health of everyone, including athletes. The goal of this supplement is to provide recent information that will help athletes achieve optimal physical and mental performance in their chosen sport.

The role of healthy eating and functional foods in the protection of the immune system, especially the consumption of vegetables and fruits: lifestyle survey among adult population

Our manuscript focuses on vegetables and fruits as functional foods. Our questionnaire survey was conducted at the end of the third wave of the pandemic, however, we also paid increased attention to lifestyle, mostly dietary, changes in the active stages of the coronavirus pandemic, especially vegetable and fruit consumption patterns. Our quantitative analysis was carried out with the help of 9 questionnaires, including 4 cumulative closed-ended questionnaires, which were divided into four main groups of statistical activities. We first analysed demographic data and then focused on health status, knowledge of concepts, and assessment of consumer needs. For the statistical evaluation of our survey, we performed a descriptive statistical analysis, including a distribution analysis of demography and related issues. Next, we calculated the appropriate type of correlation between the questions, which was evaluated in Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics 26. The number of respondents was n = 109, of which 37% were male and 63% female. Before evaluating our results, we also asked a research question: To what extent did the attitudes related to regular exercise, healthy eating and the importance of health change during the active stages of the pandemic? Based on our empirical analyses, an increase in extremes can be observed with regular exercise. In terms of general health, there was an increase in the "extremely important" category. In the active phase of the pandemic, the number of vegetable consumers was lower, and among the proponents of a healthy diet, the consumption of fruit foods was not significantly higher. Based on our conclusions, this is due on the one hand to the restrictions during the pandemic and on the other hand to the endowment of fruit-containing foods with negative properties (e.g. made with the addition of sugar).

Effects of the COVID-19 crisis on household food consumption and child nutrition in Mozambique

This study investigates the short-term impacts of an aggregate socioeconomic shock on household food consumption and children's nutrition using the case of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mozambique. In response to the economic downturn, households are expected to adjust their food choices both in terms of quality, towards cheaper and unhealthier food, and quantity, reducing diet diversification and increasing the exposure to malnutrition, mainly for children. Empirical evidence on such immediate effects is still scarce, mainly due to a lack of data. This paper aims to fill the evidence gap by relying on household survey data from 2019-20, which includes a detailed consumption module and anthropometric measures for children under five. We use a repeated cross-sectional econometric analysis to look at the variation in household food consumption and child nutrition before and after the pandemic. The results show that there has been a significant reduction in household food consumption and per capita caloric intake and an increase in stunting, especially among newborn children.

Counselling and training of nutritional snacks making for immunity increasing during COVID 19 pandemic

Increasing body immunity is very necessary after the Covid-19 pandemic. One of the efforts that can be made to increase the body's immunity is to consume functional foods with immunostimulant activity, such as processed snakehead fish products in the form of nuggets, and "parkusel" juice made from a mixture of bitter melon, dates and celery. The purpose of community service is to provide knowledge and skills to housewives and the community at the Veteran ABRI Housing Complex in Medan Estate, Deli Serdang Regency, in making functional food products in the form of snakehead fish nuggets and Perkusel juice. The community service method used is the counseling method with leafet aids and training in making snakehead fish nuggets and perkusel juice. The results of the activity showed that there was an increase in the knowledge of the community participants in community service activities about nutritious snack products that can increase body immunity by 71% in the good value category.

Eating habits and nutritional adequacy of the transgender (Hijra) community residing in and around Mumbai

For centuries, the Hijra enjoyed a special respect in the Hindu and Islamic cultures however, over the time, stigmatization took its toll and today the community is pushed to live on extreme societal margin. The present study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status of 304 transgender (Male to Female) residing in and around Mumbai using a mixed method approach. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique with the help of three Community Based Organisations (CBOs) working in close association with transgender. Data related to their nutritional status was collected before the pandemic using Food Frequency Questionnaire, 24-hr Recall and anthropometric measurements. Data related to impact of COVID-19 pandemic on food habits of transgender was collected from eight key informants working with CBOs using in-depth telephonic interviews. Results indicated that consumption of calorie dense junk foods was high and that of immunity building micronutrient dense foods such as fruits, vegetables and milk was notably low. Mean intake of macronutrients was adequate but that of micronutrients was lower for the majority. BMI assessment showed that 13 and 49% were underweight and overweight /obese respectively. COVID-19 pandemic further worsened nutritional status. The findings of the study may serve as basis for formulation of effective nutrition intervention programmes for transgender community.

Impact of the "coronavirus" emergency on Italian livestock systems

This report describes the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the productive and economic aspects of livestock and aquaculture production in Italy, including farm management, labour, income, marketing and consumption of animal products (meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products), consumer behaviour, food safety, agrotourism and disease control.

Health status and dietary patterns in Poland

The main goal of this paper is to evaluate the health status of Poles in the context of their dietary patterns. Results of a desk research study on dietary habits of persons working during the coronavirus pandemic and attitudes of Poles towards meal delivery services provided to the authors by external research institutions were utilized for the purpose of the article. In the framework of practical scientific cooperation, the following reports containing results of research on dietary patterns of people working during the pandemic have been made available for the purpose of this study: "Healthy, speedy or conveniently?" and "Healthy eating". The results were used with retain of copyright and ethical principles. Data analysis led to the conclusion that people have tended to pay more attention to the food intake as well as spend more time on self-preparation of meals during the pandemic. Based on analysis of the study results, a thesis was formulated that during a pandemic, we pay more attention to what we eat, and we also spend more time preparing meals on our own. Assuming that the population of Poland in 2020 was 38,265 thousand people, it could be stated in the light of the study results that almost 650 thousand Poles were on a well-balanced diet adapted to individual consumer needs.

A study on the dietary behavior of Korean adults: focus on dietary supplement intake, household size, and COVID-19

Objectives: This study investigates dietary supplement intakes by examining the characteristics of dietary and health-related behaviors. Data were obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Dietary and health-related behaviors were also examined before and after the occurrence of COVID-19 and household types (multi-members vs. single person). Methods: Data used in this study were collected from the 2019-2020 KNHANES by including adults aged 19 to 64 years. Pregnant, lactating, and subjects consuming calories less than 500 and more than 5,000 were excluded. Differences in dietary and health-related behaviors before and after COVID-19, and between the two types of households were analyzed by Chi-square analyses using Rao-Scott. Logistic regression analyses were applied to determine which dietary and health-related behaviors affected the dietary supplement intakes. In addition, descriptive analysis was run for demographic characteristics. Results: The dietary supplement intake rate differed significantly with respect to the gender, age, education, marital status, and household income. Dietary supplement intakes, frequency of eating out, obesity, and body weight changes were significantly different before and after COVID-19. In addition, meal evaluation, frequency of eating out, drinking, smoking, activity, subjective health evaluation, and body weight changes showed significant differences by household type. Attitude towards nutrition, activity, meal evaluation, obesity, and smoking were factors that affected the intake of dietary supplements. Conclusions: While increased intake of dietary supplements is a prevalent phenomenon, this intake needs to be monitored and studied closely, considering the sociodemographic characteristics and dietary and health-related behaviors. Furthermore, the dietary supplement intake trend after COVID-19 needs to be studied along with food intake.

Food and lifestyles during pandemic confinement in university students from Chiapas, Mexico

Introduction: During the period of confinement due to covid-19, the population modified work and social activities, altering eating patterns, physical activity practices and sleep, causing a direct impact on physical and emotional health. Background: To describe the changes generated in eating behavior and lifestyles during the COVID-19 pandemic in a university population living in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. Material and method: Cross-sectional study, where university students from the state of Chiapas, Mexico participated. Data collection was carried out through a digital survey using Google Forms. Results: 306 students participated with an average age of 20.75 years (SD= 2.062), a statistically significant increase was found in the number of meals eaten per day, the average per week in consumption of processed meat, eggs, cookies (pastries) and sugary drinks. Statistically significant decrease in consumption of fish and shellfish, dairy, fast food. Also, significant increase, sleep time, watching television and use of electronic devices. Conclusions: The population presented a tendency to changes in diet and unhealthy lifestyles, increasing the risk factors of suffering from other types of diseases.

Lifestyle modifications of Chilean adolescents during the first COVID-19 confinement

Background: Confinement is an effective measure to control COVID-19, but it can have repercussions on lifestyle-related behaviors, especially among adolescents. Poor quality diet and low physical activity could trigger weight gain and the appearance of chronic non-communicable diseases at an early age. Aim: To study the changes in eating and physical activity patterns before and during the first COVID-19 confinement in Chilean adolescents. Material and Methods: Chilean adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years were invited to answer an online survey with 47 questions about dietary habits and physical activity. Results: The survey was answered by 420 participants and only four adolescents declined to answer it. Changes in eating patterns were evidenced, such as an increase in lunch consumption from 54.1 to 83%, and a decrease in the consumption of both healthy and unhealthy foods. Also, significant changes were observed in physical activity patterns, and an increase in the time spent sitting, from 4.7 to 5.8 hours during confinement. Conclusions: The first confinement for COVID-19 modified eating and physical activity patterns in Chilean adolescents towards unhealthy habits, which if maintained, could negatively affect their health and quality of life.

Unconventional food plants in the context of gastronomy and food and nutritional education

Non-conventional food plants represent a potential food for the Brazilian population since they are found throughout the national territory, are easy to handle and can be used in various culinary preparations. However, as the consumption of PANC is not yet a habit in Brazilian food culture, it is necessary to expand food and nutrition education actions to spread its consumption. Considering these premises, supported by a bibliographic review, the present work evaluated the potential of non-conventional food plants linked to multidisciplinary actions that also address the gastronomic perspectives associated with EAN. The use of this type of ingredient demands educational actions to disseminate its nutritional benefits, as well as to develop healthier eating habits through the insertion of non-conventional food plants in different menus. In order for these plants to be effectively present in Brazilian food culture, it is necessary to highlight their use in culinary preparations, as well as correlate them with anthropological and gastronomic aspects. It should be noted that, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, non-conventional food plants still represent a tool to contribute to food and nutritional security, as they are easily accessible to the most vulnerable layers of the Brazilian population, who eventually do not recognize these plants as options for foods.

Analysis of the diet of obese elementary school students using various dietary intake survey methods

Purpose: Childhood obesity has become a social problem due to the social distancing necessitated by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This study aimed to identify the dietary problems of obese children through various dietary assessment methods and to confirm the usefulness of each method. Methods: The subjects were 88 students in the 4th to 6th grade of elementary school who participated in the nutrition camp organised by the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education, 2020. To evaluate dietary problems and assess diet quality, 24-hour meal records, monthly food intake frequency, and Dietary Screening Test (DST) data were analyzed. Results: Of the subjects, 15.7%, 30.3%, and 53.9% were normal weight, overweight, and obese, respectively. The average age was 11.77 +or- 0.77 years and the average body mass index was 23.96 +or- 3.01 kg/m2. It was observed from the 24-hour meal record method that the overweight and obese subject groups consumed fewer green vegetables (p < 0.001) and white vegetables (p < 0.01) than the normal weight group. In the monthly food intake frequency method, the consumption of ramen (p < 0.01), snacks (p < 0.05), and sausages (p < 0.05) were high in the obese group, and that of anchovies, broccoli, and sweet pumpkin was high in the normal group (p < 0.05). The comparative data from the DST revealed that the overweight and obese groups had less vegetable intake than the normal weight group (p < 0.01) and had higher intakes of dairy products, fast food, and sweet snacks (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The usefulness of each method in the dietary evaluation of obese children was confirmed. To address the problem of obesity, it is necessary to evaluate the dietary problem and approach it with a customized solution tailor-made for the individual subject.

Consumption of bee products during the COVID-19 pandemic in Piaui

The aim was to investigate the use of bee products in Piaui state during the COVID-19 pandemic. To that end, data were collected remotely via an online form sent on WhatsApp and Instagram. Sampling was stratified considering the four mesoregions of Piaui and the sex of the participants using the Survey Monkey calculator. After stratification, the study contained 392 participants. A total of 85.46% of the interviewees reported regularly consuming bee products, primarily (24.78%) due to their nutritional potential. During the pandemic, 79.34% used bee products, honey being the most consumed (59.16%), followed by propolis honey (26.04%) and propolis alone (4.82%). With respect to COVID-19-related use, 23.47% and 3.21% of the subjects related consumption for disease prevention and treatment, respectively. In general, there was a 37.24% increase in the consumption of bee products during the pandemic, but most of the participants (52.05%) did not know the extent of the increase.

Determination of egg consumption consciousness of consumers in Bursa province

Objective: In this study, it is aimed to determine the egg consumption consciousness of consumers in Bursa. Materials and methods: For this purpose, data obtained from face-to-face surveys with 460 people determined by simple random sampling from citizens residing in Bursa province in 2019 were used. Results: In the study, 37.6% of the families consisted of 4 people and 31.1% of them were 3 peoples. It has been determined that 5.2% of the consumers are primary school graduates, 6.7% are secondary school graduates, 22.8% are high school graduates and 65.2% are university graduates. 90.2% of consumers stated that they knew what the letters on the egg label meant. It has been determined that 88.3% of consumers have knowledge about egg production systems and 59.3% of consumers stated that freerange system was better than other egg production systems. Also, 80.4% of consumers stated that there is not enough promotion about eggs produced in organic or free-range system. Again, 44% of consumers stated that the most important factors affecting the price of eggs produced in an organic or free-range system is the high production cost. It was determined that 69.3% of consumers prefer organic or free-range eggs because they find them healthier. In addition, 57% of consumers stated that covid-19 cases did not affect their egg consumption, while 26.1% stated that they consumed more eggs. Moreover, 77.4% of the consumers stated that the cases of covid-19 increased egg prices. Conclusion: From time to time, false propaganda is made in the written and visual media against egg utilization leading to a decrease in consumption. For this reason, the importance of eggs in adequate and balanced nutrition should be explained by authorized people or institutions in order to increase the consumption level even more.

3rd International Symposium on Nutrition: Urban Food Policies for Sustainable Nutrition and Health Conference, Online, 27-28 January 2022

This proceedings contains 7 articles that focus on the various issues related to nutrition and health concerning urban food policies. The symposium includes s on several topics, such as the regulation of food advertising, the relationship between the urban foodscape, diet, and health outcomes, the interpretation of observational studies, and the impact of obesity and diet on brain structure and function. Additionally, the issue features meeting reports on plant-rich dietary patterns and their impact on health. Two errata address food insecurity among third-level students in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic and a meeting report on plant-rich dietary patterns and health.

Special Issue: Improving household nutrition security and public health in the CARICOM. (Special Issue: Improving household nutrition security and public health in the CARICOM.)

This special issue includes 9 articles that discuss comparative cost of diets for low-income families in the Caribbean;improving dietary diversity in the Caribbean Community;malnutrition in all its forms in Caribbean countries using a food systems approach;sociodemographic and dietary influences on perceptions of eating habits in Jamaica;determinants of unhealthy dietary habits among a sample of survey participants in Jamaica;integrated food systems approaches for healthy diets in the Caribbean;ecological relationships in social resilience;COVID-19 and the social distribution of hunger in three Caribbean Small Island Developing States.