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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.
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We examine the relationship of home food procurement (HFP) during COVID-19 to emotional eating and stress using a statewide representative survey (n = 600) in Vermont. Women and people with a job change since COVID-19 were more likely to experience higher stress and emotional eating. Engaging in HFP, especially gardening, is associated with less emotional eating. However, people who fished, hunted, or canned more since the pandemic began were more likely to eat for emotional reasons and experience higher stress. These results suggest that gardening, even during a pandemic, may contribute to stress reduction, more so than other nature-based food production activities.Copyright © 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
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Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had marked effects on mental health, including in pediatric populations. Pediatric patients have faced mental health concerns at increased rates including anxiety and depression. Furthermore, patients with eating disorders represent a vulnerable group who have been negatively impacted as well, as a result of lack of support, loss of in-person follow-up and increased relapse. In our centre, and nationally, clinicians have noted a trend towards increased eating disorder referrals and increased hospitalizations during the pandemic. Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, severity and triggers for eating disorders in the adolescent population during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it compares to the year prior. As well, the subset of patients who were hospitalized for medical stabilization were further analyzed to determine severity of illness. Design/Methods A retrospective chart review compared the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-March 2021), to the previous 12 months. Inclusion criteria included referrals to an eating disorder clinic and inpatient admissions to pediatrics or mental health services during the specified time frame. Data collected included age of onset, triggers, comorbid mental health conditions, and weight measures. Among hospitalized patients, orthostatic vital changes, need for NG feeds, length of medical stabilization and length of mental health hospitalization were included. Results Overall, 76 patients were included in the study. 44 (57.9%) were referred after COVID, which was significantly increased from the prior year (p=0.05). On average, patients presented at a younger age (14.2 ± 2.3 vs. 14.9 ± 1.9;p=0.08). Pre-COVID, approximately 44% of referrals were from family physicians and 19% from pediatrics. During COVID, approximately 39% were from family doctors and 25% from pediatricians. There was an increase in the number of patients requiring hospitalization for treatment (16 vs. 3), with 50% of the post-COVID admissions being direct from the ED Clinic on initial assessment. The reason for hospitalization was unstable vitals/ bradycardia in 68.7% of admissions;self-harm comprised the majority of the other admissions. Conclusion Our results support national and international reports that eating disorder incidence has increased during COVID-19. Patients described loss of routine, anxiety, and isolation as triggers related to the pandemic. Disruptions to daily life including school, sports, recreation, and relationships had profound effects on the mental health of children. The effect of social media on body image has also contributed. It is important for clinicians to screen for mental health conditions, including eating disorders at all available opportunities. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the need for increased services at our centre. Limitations for this study include that it is a single-centre study with a relatively small patient population. As well, it does not capture patients who may have been referred only to psychiatry.
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PurposeThis study evaluates the impact of online menus and perceived convenience of online food ordering on consumer purchase intention and shows how a desire for food creates a relationship between an online menu and a customer's purchase intention. Suggestions for management are proposed to design an effective menu to improve business performance in the competitive market in Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows a quantitative method. Quantitative research aims to analyze and critically evaluate the research question(s) to discover new factors.FindingsFindings indicate a positive relationship between menu visual appeal (MV), menu informativeness (MI), desire for food (DF), the perceived convenience (PC) of ordering food online and intention to purchase (PI). The attractiveness of images and information is a significant factor affecting diners' desire to eat, while the demand for food and the convenience of ordering food online are also factors affecting purchase intention.Practical implicationsThe study confirms the importance of online menus to purchase intention. Economically, when supply and demand are reasonable, the market is stable and technology develops. In terms of social, hygiene, attractiveness and price factors, it is helpful to have an overview. Research is the premise for further studies with factors from menu to customer trust.Originality/valueThe study provides a solid foundation for further studies on restaurant menu elements as well as a new perspective on how restaurants improve their dishes.
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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.
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There is a paucity of research on the role of food delivery apps (FDAs) in food waste generation. This gap needs to be addressed since FDAs represent a fast-growing segment of the hospitality sector, which is already considered to be a key food waste generator globally. Even more critically, FDAs have become a prominent source of ordering food during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the growing usage of FDAs warrants an improved understanding of the complexities of consumer behavior toward them, particularly during a health crisis. The present study addresses this need by examining the antecedents of FDA users' food ordering behavior during the pandemic that can lead to food waste. The study theorizes that hygiene consciousness impacts the enablers and barriers to FDA usage, which, in turn, shape the attitude toward FDAs and the tendency to order more food than required, i.e., shopping routine. The conceptual model, based on behavioral reasoning theory, was tested using data collected from 440 users of FDAs during the pandemic. The results support a positive association of trust and price advantage with attitude, but only of trust with shopping routine. Perceived severity and moral norms did not moderate any associations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
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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.
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The LEARN-COVID pilot study collected data on infants and their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assessments took place between April and July 2021. Parents (N = 357) from Switzerland (predominantly), Germany, and Austria answered a baseline questionnaire on their behaviour related to the pandemic, social support, infant nutrition, and infant regulation. Subsequently, parents (n = 222) answered a 10- day evening diary on infant nutrition, infant regulation, parental mood, and parental soothing behaviour. Data and documentation are stored on Zenodo, https://doi. org/10.5281/zenodo.6946048. These data may be valuable to researchers interested in infant development and parenting during the pandemic as well as to researchers interested in daily variability in infant behaviour, parenting, and nutrition. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
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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.
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Yorùbá conception of eating proffers certain ethical values that are insightful for mitigating Covid-19-related crises of mutual trust, suspicion, unreliability, self-centered interest and blame game among nations. This chapter interrogates the indigenous framework of Yorùbá notion of eating in order to discern its glocal contribution to the ongoing Covid-19 related crises. It employs critical and hermeneutical exposition by explicating key concepts and citations from Ifá corpus and other Yorùbá beliefs about eating as a process of bonding or communion. It argues that the Yorùbá conception of Enulebo substantiates the notion of eating as a process beyond mere indiscriminate consumption. It asserts further that 'eating' is a framework of interdependent relations, which foster the ethical values of fidelity of trust, reliability, tolerance/forbearance and common good devoid of the conspiracy of self-interest, ill-intention, suspicion, and blame-game. It recommends the adoption of the heuristic value of the Yorùbá notion of eating as a strategy to reframe the collective efforts of global stakeholders towards the attainment of viable conditions of solidarity, harmony and wellbeing that would, hopefully, mitigate the far reaching effect of the Covid-19-related crises. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. All rights reserved.
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Aims: Gestational diabetes has been attributed to maternal obesity and suboptimal maternal diet but the relative contribution of maternal eating behaviour is unknown. We compared eating behaviour in women with gestational diabetes and non-pregnant adults, and assessed which eating behaviour traits were most strongly associated with BMI in women with gestational diabetes. Method(s): Participants (total n = 448) including men (n = 67), non-pregnant women (n = 181) and women with gestational diabetes during a singleton pregnancy (n = 200;29 weeks' gestation;NICE / Covid-19 criteria) were recruited prospectively and completed a three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ-R18). Associations between BMI and uncontrolled eating (UE), emotional eating (EE) and cognitive restraint (CR) were assessed using linear regression. Result(s): Women with gestational diabetes had significantly lower UE scores compared to men (53% vs 63%;p < 0.001) and non-pregnant women (53% vs 65%;p < 0.001), and lower EE scores compared to non-pregnant women (60% vs 70%;p < 0.001). In men, BMI showed positive associations with UE (Coeff 25.2;95% CI 10.8-39.6;p = 0.001) and EE scores (Coeff 11.9;95% CI 3.3-20.6;p = 0.007) while CR had no significant association. In non-pregnant women, BMI showed positive associations with UE (Coeff 20.7 95% CI 11.4-30.0), p < 0.001) and EE scores (Coeff 7.7;95% CI 1.8-13.6;p = 0.010) and negative associations with CR (Coef-10.6;95% CI -21.1 to -0.1;p = 0.049). In women with gestational diabetes, only EE scores were significantly associated with BMI (Coeff 7.8;95% CI 3.9-11.7;p < 0.001). Conclusion(s): Women with gestational diabetes have favourable eating behaviour compared to men and non-pregnant women. Addressing EE may provide new translational opportunities to reduce BMI in gestational diabetes.
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PurposeThe pervasive impact of the COVID-19 virus on the food services sector in India has created conditions for fundamentally altering the structure of the industry. This paper offers a nuanced evaluation of the transfiguration of the market, explaining descriptive views supported by numerous secondary data sources.Design/methodology/approachThis is a self-driven study grounded in secondary data. Qualitative and quantitative assessments are assimilated from credible market research reports of multiple agencies in the Indian context, as well as news developments during the pandemic period.FindingsDigitally pivoted platforms such as cloud kitchens and delivery aggregators will eclipse all other formats due to the potential long-term prevalence of the COVID-19 virus. These formats would rise to a dominant position in the Indian food services sector in the coming decade.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is entirely driven by secondary data due to the inherent difficulties of collecting sizeable and good quality primary data as a result of the lengthy and stringent lockdowns imposed across India. Future studies should consider collecting consumer responses to get a better picture of changing dining habits in the post-pandemic scenario.Practical implicationsThe dynamic and evolving food services in India, catalyzed by the Internet and digital technologies will help academicians study the long-term implications of this change, and how it would impact society at large. The paper provides a rich body of contemporary data and analysis in the food services sphere.Social implicationsThe COVID-19 pandemic and its long-term persistence would dramatically alter food service consumption across India. This will not only change how the industry is structured, but will reshape how food is consumed into the future.Originality/valueThe study is a holistic examination of the relationship between the coronavirus pandemic and the food services industry in India. The macro perspectives aided by news coverage and industry research would help generate potential research questions on its own merits.
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The present study aimed to investigate the links between internet and social media usage, social media addiction, and eating behaviors of adolescents during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Türkiye. A total number of 346 adolescents (243 girls and 103 boys) participated in the study. Daily internet, social media, and social media tools usage (h/day) were questioned. Participants completed the Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescents for measurement of social media addiction and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire for investigation of eating behaviors. Daily internet and social media usage were found to be 6.1 ± 3.2 and 2.9 ± 2.2 hours, respectively, for boys and 6.0 ± 3.1 and 3.2 ± 2.3 hours, respectively, for girls. Social media addiction levels did not differ between genders, whereas the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire and its subscales (emotional, external, and restrained eating) were statistically higher in girls (p < .001). The Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescents was positively correlated with daily internet and social media usage duration, Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, emotional eating, and external eating. Considering the potential interactions between social media and eating behavior, it is necessary to develop effective interventions regarding adolescents' social media usage, eating behaviors, and attitudes. © Author(s).
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Aims: To provide psychological support for individuals recovering from comorbid eating disorders (EDs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted a 10-session compassion-focused group-based intervention for delivery online using video conferencing technology. This study describes how the group content and resources were adapted and synthesizes qualitative feedback from participants and facilitators. Method(s): Content and format were modified and a new website to host supporting material was developed. Clear guidelines regarding recruitment and acceptance into the group, boundaries within the group, and risk management were implemented. Structured qualitative interviews regarding participants' online group experiences were conducted with 17 women following the group completion. Result(s): In-depth communication concerning group expectations and activities was important during assessment to ensure the intervention was well-suited to prospective participants. Consistent implementation of group guidelines by facilitators was critical in maintaining a safe online environment. Participants indicated online delivery increased logistical accessibility, as many reported they would have been unable to attend otherwise (e.g., time, geographical location), and reduced fear of judgement and anxiety about in-person attendance. Favourable online adaptations reported by participants included inclusion of all group members, opportunities to share in smaller groups/pairs and online resources. Conclusion(s): Delivery of group-based compassion-focused interventions for individuals with comorbid EDs and PTSD are appropriate for overcoming barriers that may otherwise prevent participation. Online resources could potentially increase intervention uptake among individuals in the early stages of recovery from these disorders.
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Aims: The aim of the present study was to study the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic symptoms in Health-Care Workers (HCWs) of three Health Authorities of Emilia-Romagna, Italy during the COVID pandemic. Material(s) and Method(s): An online questionnaire was spread to the staff of the University Hospital of Modena and the Local Health Agencies of Modena and Romagna, including the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Impact of Event Scale - Revised (IES-R), and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale - Short Version (UWES-9). The scores at DASS-21 and IES-R were used as dependent variables in multivariate logistic regression models. Result(s): A total of 5868 HCWs were reached (response rate of 22.4%), 76.1% of which were women, mostly aged between 45 and 54 years. Rates of positive scores were: 27.9% DASS-21 Depression;28.4% DASS-21 Anxiety;34.7% DASS-21 Stress;21.9% IES-R. At the multivariate logistic regression, the following were statistically significant risk factors for positive scores: female sex, young age, and working at the front line. An increase in alcohol and tobacco consumption and worsening of eating habits were also strongly associated with symptoms. At UWES-9, the three samples reported lower vigor than dedication and absorption, which are at a medium-high level. Conclusion(s): HCWs have experienced high levels of emotional distress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant improvements are needed not only in terms of organization and distribution of resources, but also in provision of dedicated psycho-social interventions.Copyright © 2023
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Beyond the classic categorical classifications of eating disorders (ED) (i.e., anorexia nervosa, bulimia, etc.), recent scientific writings, particularly in the context of COVID-19, demonstrate the importance of considering dysfunctional eating attitudes and behaviours (DEAB). Indeed, this continuum of well-being and dietary health ranging from a so-called 'functional' state (absence of DEAB) to a dysfunctional state in dietary health (proven presence of an ED) responds to this holistic and integrated perspective of health. Among existing interventions, the use of the natural environment appears to be a promising prevention and intervention modality for individuals living with DEAB. However, no recent scientific literature conceptualizes the use of the natural environment on the DEAB continuum. The objective of the communication is therefore to present the progress of a research project and to offer a conceptual, methodological, and experimental insight into the use of the context of nature applied to DEAB in a population engaged in a clinical program (eLoriCorps). Quasi-experimental research with mixed design aims for a secondary use of data from the research unit Loricorps' database (BDL) and a research/intervention using nature for people with DEAB. Those studies include individuals aged of at least 18 years old who present DEAB of various severities. The expected results of this study aim to highlight the promising avenues of this non-drug intervention within a clinical program to provide reliable indicators to the scientific community and thus contribute to the development of best practices in the management of this disorder.
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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.
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Introduction. The relevance of the study is due to the need to analyse the ideas of norma- tive body image in the minds of students in the context of current social changes, including those related to the consequences of the Coronavirus pandemic, as well as updating ideas about the properties and characteristics of the body, its ability to function effectively in modern conditions.Aim. The article aimed to analyse students' ideas about the normative body and to determine its model that is relevant in modern reality.Methodology and research methods. The theoretical and methodological basis of the article is a com- plex of sociological concepts of the body and corporality. An online survey method was used to collect empirical data. The sample consisted of 380 students living in large cities of the Sverdlovsk Region: Ekaterinburg, Nizhny Tagil and Kamensk-Uralsky. The results obtained were processed using the SPSS statistical data processing software. In order to deepen the data obtained, projective methods were ap- plied - the method of an unfinished sentence and the drawing method.Results and scientific novelty. The survey materials showed that students' ideas about the normative body correspond to traditional body stereotypes: attractiveness and beauty are attributed to the female body, and working capacity and endurance are attributed to the male body. However, when using projec- tive methods, the rhetoric of corporality shifted into the normative model of a healthy body. The analysis of body care practices indicates the presence of a core, including physical activity and balanced nutrition, which students use to achieve a healthy body as a body that is aesthetically attractive and functionally hardy. Highly appreciating satisfaction with their body, the younger generation strives for a normative model of a healthy body, which gives a sense of comfort to its wearer and allows the realisation of a wide range of needs and interests. In the post-pandemic context, students more often, compared to the pre-pandemic situation, began to include personal hygiene, mental health care, and physical activity in their daily practices.Practical significance. Empirical data contribute to the understanding of students' ideas about the normative body, the motives for its construction and care for it, and can also serve as the basis for the development of recommendations and programmes for the formation of students' culture of a healthy body in terms of physical and mental characteristics.
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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.
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The lockdowns resulting from the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted deeply on all life activities, including diet. We performed a systematic review to investigate changes in food intake, eating behaviours and diet quality during lockdown as compared to before. A literature search was performed using three electronic databases from inception until June 13, 2021. Observational studies evaluating changes in general populations during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown were eligible. Out of 1,963 studies achieved from the search strategy, 95 met inclusion criteria (85 on adults, 10 on children/adolescents), and the majority were of high quality (72.6%). Most of the studies were web-based surveys using convenience sampling, mainly focused on variations in the consumption of foods and eating behaviours during lockdown, whereas only 15 studies analysed diet quality through dietary indices. On the basis of the definition of a healthful diet as reflected by a traditional Mediterranean diet, an increase in recommended foods such as fruit and vegetables, legumes, cereals and olive oil was observed, although a sharp decrease in fish intake and an increase in dairy products were documented. Accordingly, a reduction in foods that should be eaten less frequently was reported, namely, red and processed meat. However, a higher consumption of unhealthy foods (e.g., snacks and sweets) was also observed. Results indicated improved diet quality in Europe, especially among Mediterranean countries, with the exception of France, while a switching to poor nutrient patterns was observed in Colombia and Saudi Arabia. Analyses of eating behaviours suggest an increase in food intake, number of daily meals and snacking. In conclusion, changes in intake of major food groups, apart from fish intake, were in line with the definition of a traditional Mediterranean diet, indicating a consistent moderate improvement of dietary habits worldwide. This review protocol was registered at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ as CRD42020225292.