COVID-19 pandemic and comfort food consumption based on gender in a Brazilian sample: which variables are related to this behavior?

PurposeThis study aims to identify comfort food (CF) consumption and its associated factors during the pandemic period. The study also involves an online survey conducted five months after the quarantine started in Brazil. Design/methodology/approachData on lifestyle, eating habits and anthropometric data were collected before and during the pandemic, and the differences in these habits were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to identify predictors of CF consumption by gender. FindingsA total of 1,363 individuals were included in the sample, with a median age of 31 years old, of whom 80.3% were women. Since individuals were free to respond about the food consumed without predetermined categories, it was possible to carry out a faithful assessment of the occurrence of this behavior. At the same time, allowing the subjectivity and symbolism inherent to the concept of CF to be embraced. CF consumption was present for 54%, with "sweets" being the most mentioned group by both genders. The factors associated with CF consumption in women during the pandemic were increased snacking, increased bread, candies and alcoholic beverage intake, increased time spent at work, worsened sleep quality, reduced meals, perceived stress (PS), emotional eating (EE), age and increased frequency of meat intake. In men, the predictors for CF consumption were remote full-time work/study, PS, EE and early waking time. For both genders, CF consumption during the pandemic period was associated with PS and EE. Originality/valueThis study provides an important overview of the possible contributions of the pandemic on behaviors and food choices related to the consumption of CF in Brazilians. This information is valuable to support further studies to investigate and treat the impacts of the pandemic on lifestyle, eating habits and behavior, mental health and other factors in the postpandemic period.

Determinant factors of the improvement of nutritional status (based on height-for-age index category) in children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cohort study of children's growth and development in Bogor

The COVID-19 pandemic is predicted to trigger a global economic and food supply crisis, which further affects children's nutritional status as a vulnerable group. This study aimed to observe alterations in nutritional status before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (during 2019-2021) and determinant factors involved in the improvement of nutritional status (based on the height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) index category) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings were intended as evidence-based suggestions for policy formulation concerning the improvement of child nutritional status and stunting reductions. This study was part of a cohort study of children's growth and development conducted by National Institute of Health Research and Development (NIHRD) in Bogor city-Indonesia. The analysis was conducted on 565 children under five in 2019 with height measurement data in 2019 and 2021, environmental conditions, parental education, consumption habits, and social assistance. Children were classified as having an improved nutritional status if the HAZ category increased in 2021 compared to 2019. In addition, multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to predict determinant factors involved in improving the child's nutritional status. In this study, 17.5% of children had improved nutritional status, and 79.3% had a steady nutritional status. However, there were 3.2% of children with decreased nutritional status. Model factors determinant related to improved nutritional status includes consumption more than once per week of red meat (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.15;95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-4.35, p=0.034), milk consumption more than once per week (aOR = 1.56;95% CI: 0.89-2.74, p=0.119), and age under 5 years old (aOR = 1.86;95% CI: 1.14-3.15, p=0.016). Children under five years old, the consumption of red meat and milk more than once a week have the opportunity to improve nutritional status (by height-for-age index) in children.

Portable blood glucose meter system for self-monitoring of diabetic patients

The appearance of COVID-19 changed the lifestyle of many people as it spread rapidly around the world, causing concern to the entire health system due to the high number of infected and leading to a general confinement, changing the lifestyle and eating habits of many people causing diabetes, which is a disease caused by the high level of glucose in the blood, which can generate serious problems in the health of the person since it has no cure, this progressive disease is controlled or monitored by conventional glucometer equipment that generates pain in patients because they require blood samples to measure glucose, worse for those diabetics who must have the measurement several times a day. In view of this problem, this article will make a portable blood glucose meter system for the self-monitoring of diabetic patients and determine the blood sugar level to visualize it by means of a screen, with this system the measurement will be made without pain and will show the value of the glucose level accurately, Helping diabetic patients who perform monitoring several times a day. Through the development of l system, it was observed that it works in the best way with an efficiency of 96.97% in the measurement of glucose, when comparing with others equipment glucometers obtained a relative error of 2.99%, being an error accepted to approach the real value. © 2023 IEEE.

Metabolic risks and prognosis of COVID-19: are dietary patterns important? (Special Issue: The relationship between nutrition and COVID-19.)

Purpose: This study aims to identify the dietary patterns of two groups of subjects (with and without COVID-19), and to assess the relationship of findings with the prognosis of COVID-19 and metabolic risk parameters. Design/methodology/approach: This study included 100 individuals in the age range of 19-65 years. The medical history, and data on biochemical, hematological and inflammatory indicators were retrieved from the files. A questionnaire for the 24-h food record and the food intake frequency was administered in face-to-face interviews, and dietary patterns of subjects were assessed. Findings: In individuals with COVID-19, the hip circumference, the waist-hip ratio and the body fat percentage were significantly higher (p < 0.05), and the muscle mass percentage was significantly lower (p < 0.05). Mediterranean diet adherence screener (MEDAS), dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015) scores were low in the two groups. A linear correlation of DASH scores was found with the muscle mass percentage (p = 0.046) and a significant inverse correlation of with the body fat percentage (p = 0.006). HEI-2015 scores were significantly and negatively correlated with body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference and neck circumference (p < 0.05). Every one-unit increase in MEDAS, DASH and HEI-2015 scores caused reductions in C-reactive protein levels at different magnitudes. Troponin-I was significantly and negatively correlated with fruit intake (p = 0.044), a component of a Mediterranean diet and with HEI-2015 total scores (p = 0.032). Research limitations/implications: The limitation of this study includes the small sample size and the lack of dietary interventions. Another limitation is the use of the food recall method for the assessment of dietary patterns. This way assessments were performed based on participants' memory and statements. Practical implications: Following a healthy diet pattern can help reduce the metabolic risks of COVID-19 disease. Originality/value: Despite these limitations, this study is valuable because, to the best of the authors' knowledge, it is the first study demonstrating the association of dietary patterns with disease prognosis and metabolic risks concerning COVID-19. This study suggests that dietary patterns during the COVID-19 process may be associated with several metabolic risks and inflammatory biomarkers.

Was COVID-19 pandemic anxiety reflected on nutritional habits in adults? (Special Issue: The relationship between nutrition and COVID-19.)

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the reflection of COVID-19 pandemic anxiety experienced in adults on nutritional habits during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted with 600 adults aged between 19 and 64 years. The general characteristics of the individuals, nutritional habits, use of dietary supplements and COVID-19 pandemic anxiety before and during the pandemic period were questioned via a Web-based questionnaire. COVID-19-related anxiety was assessed using The COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S) and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 24.0. Findings: In this study, 49.8% of the participants stated that their appetite and food consumption amount increased during the pandemic period. The rate of use of dietary supplements among individuals was found to be 40%. It was observed that the mean body weight and body mass index increased significantly in both genders during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been determined that anxiety about COVID-19 is higher in individuals and women who start using nutritional support during the pandemic period. The total C19P-S and STAI scores of those who started using a dietary supplement during the pandemic were significantly higher than those who did not use a dietary supplement. Similarly, those whose eating habits changed positively and those who bought more packaged products had higher C19P-S scale mean scores (p < 0.05). Originality/value: During the COVID-19 period, it is important to reduce the anxiety levels of individuals, provide psychological support, raise awareness of adequate and balanced nutrition and the correct use of dietary supplements to adapt to the new lifestyle.

Physical Activity Levels, Eating Habits, and Well-Being Measures in Students of Healthcare Degrees in the Second Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: When the first cases of COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection) were discovered, exceptional norms to fight the spread of the virus were established by applying movement restrictions (lockdown) in many countries. These unprecedented norms led to sedentary behaviours and less healthy diets which could persist for much longer after lockdown. The aim of this study was to analyse the physical activity, eating habits, self-perceived well-being, and toxic habits, as well as the perceived changes of these habits with respect to the pre-pandemic period, in a population of university students in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A single-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted in a population of university students of healthcare degrees. A total of 961 students (639 (66.5%) women and 322 (33.5%) men) signed the informed consent and completed the questionnaire. The study was conducted through an anonymous survey, which was voluntarily self-completed by the students on an online platform. The questionnaire was based on the Spanish Health Survey and it was divided into six main parts: demographic and anthropometric characteristics, physical activity, eating habits, well-being measures (sleeping habits, health state, and stress), toxic habits, and perception of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the variables described. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that, during the second year of the pandemic, statistically significant dependence was identified for those students that showed higher levels of physical activity with greater perceived physical activity (p < 0.05), healthier eating habits (p < 0.05), and a better self-perceived health state (p < 0.05), with respect to the 12 months before the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, there was a negative correlation between the sedentary students and greater perceived physical activity (p < 0.05). With regard to toxic habits and physical activity, a significant correlation was only detected between sedentary behaviour and cocaine consumption (p < 0.05). Analysing eating habits, it was observed that the students who smoked, consumed alcohol, and binge drank had low adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p < 0.05). In addition, those students with high stress levels slept less than 7 h (p < 0.05).

Influence of the covid-19 pandemic in eating habits and lifestyle

Introduction: The dissemination of Covid-19 brought several changes in daily life, which resulted in changes in eating habits and lifestyle, as well as psychological and emotional disorders. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate eating habits and lifestyle due to restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive research, with a quantitative approach and cross-section, which was carried out with 316 individuals, aged between 18 and 59 years, both genders, all residents of the city of Montes Claros - MG. Data collection was through a socio-demographic questionnaire;to assess alcohol and tobacco consumption was used the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - AUDIT;in the assessment of physical activity practice the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - IPAQ Short Version;and also a food consumption questionnaire by the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile - HPLP-II questionnaire. Results and Discussion: It was observed eating and lifestyle changes, such as weight gain being assessed by the Body Mass Index (BMI) with a statistically significant difference between before and after the pandemic, decreased physical activity practice, increased consumption of alcohol more punctually in men and increased food consumption in women. Conclusion: As a result of the covid-19 pandemic were found several changes in food consumption and lifestyle due to restrictive measures caused by social isolation, being those harmful to health.

Mental health, eating habits and physical activity levels of elite Iranian athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life styles of millions of people worldwide. This study investigated changes in the health, physical activity levels and eating habits of elite athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Iran. METHODS: 383 (248 female and 135 male) elite athletes (168.82 ± 0.07 cm; 63.92 ± 7.42 kg; the body mass index (BMI): 22.3 ± 0.78 kg/m2) participated in this study. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) study tools were used to measure levels of physical activity and mental health status, respectively. The Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ) was used to assess food consumption related to emotion. Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis test were used in data analysis. RESULTS: Levels of depression and stress were mild and moderate, while levels of anxiety were severe and very severe in most elite athletes. There were levels of low emotional eating by elite athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical activity levels were negatively correlated with psychological mood measures (p≤0.05), while there were positive correlations between emotional eating behaviours and psychological mood measures (moderate correlation; p≤0.01) and light physical activity levels (weak correlation; p≤0.05). CONCLUSION: This study provides the first preliminary evidence showing that the COVID-19 lockdown conditions negatively influenced the eating habits and levels of physical activity and mental health in elite athletes. Regular high intensity physical activity as health strategy in elite athletes and the general population remains a strategy to improve overall health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, these findings suggest the need to devise strategies to improve the life styles of elite athletes during pandemics such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

CONTEXTE: La pandémie de COVID-19 a changé les modes de vie de millions de personnes dans le monde. Cette étude a examiné certains indicateurs de bonne santé, les niveaux d'activité physique et les habitudes alimentaires d'athlètes Elite iraniens pendant le confinement lié à la pandémie de COVID-19.Méthodes : 383 (248 femmes et 135 hommes) athlètes élites (168,82 ± 0,07 cm ; 63,92 ± 7,42 kg ; indice de masse corporelle (IMC) : 22,3 ± 0,78 kg/m2) ont participé à cette étude. Le questionnaire international sur l'activité physique (IPAQ), l'échelle DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales) et les scores de l'auto-questionnaire Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) ont été utilisés pour mesurer les niveaux respectifs d'activité physique et de l'état de santé mentale. L'Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ) a été utilisé pour évaluer les altérations de la prise alimentaire liées à l'émotion. Le test d'analyse de corrélation de Pearson et Spearman a été utilisé pour l'analyse des données.Résultats : Les niveaux de dépression et de stress étaient légers et modérés, tandis que les niveaux d'anxiété étaient sévères à très sévères chez la plupart des athlètes élites. Il y avait des niveaux de faible alimentation d'origine émotionnelle chez ces athlètes pendant la pandémie de COVID-19. Les niveaux d'activité physique étaient corrélés négativement avec les mesures de l'humeur psychologique (p≤0,05), tandis qu'il y avait des corrélations positives entre les comportements alimentaires émotionnels et les mesures de l'humeur psychologique (corrélation modérée ; p≤0,01) et les niveaux d'activité physique légère (faible corrélation ; p≤0,05). CONCLUSION: Cette étude apporte une preuve préliminaire que les conditions de confinement liées au COVID-19 ont influencé négativement les habitudes alimentaires et les niveaux d'activité physique et de santé mentale chez des athlètes élites. L'activité physique régulière à haute intensité aussi bien chez les athlètes élites que pour la population générale reste une stratégie pour améliorer la santé globale pendant la pandémie de COVID-19. De plus, ces résultats suggèrent la nécessité de concevoir des stratégies pour améliorer les styles de vie des athlètes élites lors de pandémies, telles que celle de Covid-19.

Associations between College Students' Nutrition Knowledge, Eating Habits, and Physical Activity during COVID-19 Pandemic

Obesity is one of risk factors that aggravates when someone exposed to virus;in this case, coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). The Covid-19 virus pandemic has resulted various changes, both in the socioeconomics of the country and individual habits. This study aims to examine the association between nutrition knowledge, physical activity, and college students' eating habits during Covid-19 pandemic. Data collected included nutrition knowledge, eating habits, and physical activity, which were obtained from an online survey using Google form. The analysis showed that there was no significant association between nutrition knowledge and nutrients adequacy levels along with eating habits and physical activity. © 2023 UPM Press. All rights reserved.

Risk Factors of Sleep Duration among Shift Workers

Previous studies showed that shift workers had a higher risk of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) related to the low duration of sleep. This study investigates the association of income reduction, breakfast habits, and exercise with sleep duration. The present study used a case-control design with 148 subjects. The result shows that the sleep duration of shift workers was associated with income reduction and exercise, but not with breakfast habits. This result indicates that the disruption of economic factors during the Covid-19 pandemic affect the sleep quality of shift workers. © 2023 UPM Press. All rights reserved.

Eating Habits and Sleep Quality of University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in West Java

Activity restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic have caused changes in the way of life. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the eating habits and sleep quality of university students in West Java during the pandemic. A total of 152 subjects aged 17-25 years old completed an online survey. The results showed that changes were found in eating habit of vegetables, fruits, and fast-food groups. As many as 93.4% subjects had poor sleep quality. Students' eating habits and sleep quality have changed during the pandemic, and may affect their long-term health if continuously applied. © 2023 UPM Press. All rights reserved.

Adherence to Online Nutritional Monitoring Was Associated with Better Food Habits in People with T1DM during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil.

Until this moment, no research has been found that has assessed adherence to online nutritional monitoring by adults with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 (T1DM) during the pandemic. This article aims to analyze the association between eating habits and adherence to nutritional online care by adults with T1DM during social distancing because of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. A cross-sectional study was carried out in July 2020. An online form was used to collect sociodemographic data, financial status, eating habits, carrying out online nutritional monitoring, and adherence to social distancing. Pearson's chi-squared test was performed with adjusted residual analysis and binomial logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05). Out of the 472 adults, only 8.9% had consulted with a nutritionist. Doing nutritional monitoring online during social distancing was associated with a reduction in the consumption of ultra-processed foods (p = 0.021), eating more servings of fruit (p = 0.036), and doing carbohydrate counting (CC) more frequently (p = 0.000). Doing nutritional monitoring online increased adherence to carbohydrate counting by 2.57 times and increased the consumption of fruits by 0.423 times. Therefore, nutritional monitoring, even if performed remotely, can influence the acquisition and maintenance of healthier eating habits, in addition to assisting adherence to the practice of CC.

Consumption of ultraprocessed foods by elementary school students associated with insufficient physical activity during the covid-19 pandemic

Objective: This study sought to analyze the consumption of ultra-processed foods and associated factors in elementary school II students. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out. Data collection was performed using Google Forms. The variables analyzed in the study were: food consumption, sociodemographic and anthropometric profile, level of physical activity, sedentary behavior, perception of body image, screen time, sleep patterns and self-perception of health status. Pearson's chi-square test was performed to assess associations between variables. Results: A total of 287 adolescents participated in the study, with a mean age of 12.97 years SD +/- 1.30, of which 60.3% (n=173) were female and 39.7% (n=114) were male. It was identified that most students (63.4%;n=182) excessively consumed ultra-processed foods during the period of social isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A significant association was observed among students who practice physical activity less than 180 minutes per week (p=0.022). Conclusion: It is concluded that the social isolation imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the eating behavior of students, with a high prevalence of consumption of ultra-processed foods being recorded, this condition being associated with physical inactivity.

Lifestyles in adults in total quarantine and partial quarantine, during the COVID-19 pandemic

The pandemic containment strategy implemented in the country in its first months considered keeping the population in preventive quarantine, either total (CT) or partial (CP). The study aimed to determine the differences and similarities between the lifestyles (EV) of adults in CT and CP, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A comparative cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. Four hundred adults from country ' s central zone, aged between 20 to 59 years were selected with a non-probabilistic sampling for convenience using different virtual communication networks. The EV were assessed by the FANTASTIC Questionnaire. Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the CT and CP groups;and Cohen's d to measure effect size. The main results were that both groups reported moderate and high levels of EV, highlighting the total absence of Dangerous EV. In comparative terms, the CP group presented better EV scores in general and at a specific level in the domains of Associativity and physical activity, Nutrition, Tobacco, Alcohol and other drugs, Sleep and stress, Insight and Other behaviors;all with a small effect size. It is conclud-ed that adults in PC have healthier EV than those in CT. It is deduced that the conditions proposed by CT negatively affect healthy EV in adults.

Is "stay-at-home” synonymous of inactivity? Factors related to sedentary lifestyle in a Brazilian sample during COVID-19 initial quarantine

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle (<150 min of physical exercise/week) and associated factors of this behavior in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach: An observational study was conducted through an online questionnaire in August–September 2020 (5.5 months after the beginning of the pandemic in the country). Socioeconomic, lifestyle, anthropometric, dietary and perceived stress data were evaluated as possible related factors to a sedentary lifestyle through multiple logistic regression analysis. Findings: A total of 1,347 individuals were evaluated (median of 31 years old, 80.1% women), of whom 76.7% were considered sedentary. Associated factors to a sedentary lifestyle were being overweight;a greater difference between current weight and prepandemic weight;female sex;lower percentage of home-cooked meals;greater increase in the frequency of consumption of alcoholic beverages;higher frequency of consumption of cereals, sausages and sweets during the pandemic;and higher score of perceived stress. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, no studies have aimed to reveal the associated factors to a sedentary lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Protective factors against a sedentary lifestyle were eating breakfast, being a student, living with parents, a higher frequency of fruit consumption, a higher rate of alcohol consumption and a higher cognitive restriction of food intake during the pandemic. Most of the study participants were sedentary, especially women. A sedentary lifestyle was associated with worse lifestyle/eating habits and stress. Such findings encourage an interdisciplinary approach because habits and lifestyle have numerous interferences. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.

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 COVID-19 Pandemic on Nutrition, Sleep, Physical Activity, and Mood Disorders of Polish Children.

The harmful consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on children are its impact on eating habits, physical activity, sleep, and mood disorders. In the future, this may result in a higher prevalence of obesity and diet-related diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's eating behavior and lifestyle. The study was conducted using a proprietary questionnaire on dietary and lifestyle habits before and during the pandemic, and the reasons for changes due to the pandemic. The study involved 294 parents of children in grades 1-8 in elementary schools in two regions of Poland. The survey showed that during the pandemic, the percentage of children eating five regular meals daily, including fruits and vegetables, and engaging in daily physical activity decreased. However, the percentage of children spending more than 4 h a day in front of a screen increased (p < 0.05). The main reasons for changes in eating habits and physical activity were less eating out, lack of motivation, obstruction, and lack of access to sports facilities (p < 0.05). The pandemic had a significant impact on reduced levels of physical activity and increased time spent in front of a screen. In summary, among the reasons for changes in children's dietary and lifestyle habits, factors related to the pandemic itself, i.e., social restrictions, restrictions, closure of schools and other facilities, and fear of coronavirus infection, had the greatest impact.

Analysing the residents' food (eating out) behaviour in the pre & post COVID-19 period: a study of Dharamshala region, India

The first epidemic of the modern world that has changed the course of the current civilization & turned out to be a pandemic (i.e. COVID-19) has tremendously affected several industries including that of tourism & hospitality. Due to the multilevel impact, the whole world struggled to overcome this situation but with almost two years of its co-existence, people have now managed to change their style of living & social habits including that of the food habits. One of such food habits i.e. 'Eating out/ Dining out' was bound to change in the post-pandemic period due to the health advisories & closure of several hotels, restaurants and food outlets. The present research tries to find out the changes in the Eating out behaviour of the residents of Dharamshala (H.P.) in the pre & post-pandemic period. Further, it tries to identify the factors which affect the eating out behaviour of the residents & measure their importance in different periods (pre &post pandemic). The data were collected from 286 residents of Dharamshala region, through a structured questionnaire & analysed through reliability checks (Cronbach's Alpha-a), KMO & Bartlett's test, factor analysis, paired sample t-test and analysis of frequency & mean values. The results showed a significant decrease in the frequency of visits, purchasing/ordering, percentage of outside meals consumed, average spending etc, whereas the level of priority given by the residents to hygiene, food safety, quality, service & distribution etc has increased in the post-pandemic period. Hence various strategies were suggested for the restaurants/local eateries like, (1) Use of technology (automatic doors, sensor & timer enabled soap & sanitiser dispenser, online payments), (2) cost reduction tactics (controlling of food wastage, reduction in menu items), (3) training of employees (sanitisation rules, HACCP rules) etc which were if adopted will certainly help them revive from the crisis slowly & steadily over the period.

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.