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.

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.

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.

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.

Effect of the COVID-19 epidemic on body mass index: findings from a large survey during Wuhan lockdown

This study aimed to explore the effect of the Wuhan lockdown on body mass index (BMI) among Wuhan residents as well as factors including food habits affected and changes in physical activity mediating the association. As a survey of the Wuhan lockdown, a random digit dialing method was used to sample residents aged 18 years and older. A computer-aided telephone interview was applied to survey 11,223 residents in Wuhan City in July 2020. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and mediation analysis were used to analyze the influence of the Wuhan lockdown on BMI. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle characteristics, and health status differed statistically significantly between residents living in and those who left Wuhan during the lockdown (mean BMI, 23.05 +or- 0.04 kg/m2 and 22.34 +or- 0.06 kg/m2, respectively). The mean BMI among residents living in Wuhan was 0.42 kg/m2 higher (P < 0.001) than that of residents who left Wuhan during the lockdown, as determined by multivariate OLS regression analysis. Residents living in Wuhan during the lockdown had higher BMI among those aged 18-29 and 30-44 years (P < 0.001), with no difference among those aged 45+ years. The association between living in Wuhan and increased BMI was the strongest among residents who were overweight/obese. The mediation analysis results showed an indirect effect path with living in Wuhan (through decreased physical activity and increasing BMI) and the direct effect of living in Wuhan during the lockdown. The lack of association between living in Wuhan and increased BMI among residents aged 45+ years was due to the indirect influence of living in Wuhan affecting food habits. The findings indicated that the lockdown in Wuhan city increased residents' BMI, especially among those who were young or overweight/obese, partly because of decreased physical activity.

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.

Perception of diet, health habits, personal agency during COVID-19

Analyzing the effect of the variables Eating Habits, Emotional Condition and Physical Activity (PA) Agency on Diet Perception and PA Time, in Colombian university students under COVID-19 confinement conditions. Preliminary correlational research was conducted through a comparative survey with both exploratory and explanatory scope. It was applied to 389 students who voluntarily completed the instrument on a Google Form. The structural model explains respectively 38% and 53% of the variability of the students' diet perception and PA time. The model shows both statistical (X2 = 84 [47 gl p = 0,09]) and practical (IBBAN = 96;IBBANN = 99;IAC = 0,99 and RMSEA = 0,02 [0,00, 0,04]) goodness of fit. Hence, it can be stated that this inclusive model has the same explanatory power as the saturated one, which relates all variables to each other. Eating habits and intention were found to have a direct effect on the university students' diet perception. Just as well, eating habits, intention and diet perception were observed to increase PA time.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on food habits

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that affects the human respiratory system. To reduce the risk of contamination, social isolation was determined, but with people in residences, the effects on eating habits can occur. Thus, the objective of this work was to carry out research on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the population's eating habits. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in Brazil through an online questionnaire that refers to sociodemographic characteristics and changes in lifestyles, knowledge about food safety, eating habits and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey resulted in a total of 120 people to compare eating habits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the participants, 71.1% of people increased the preparation of their own meals in their homes during the pandemic. And regarding the frequency of consumption in restaurants, 59.7% of respondents did not consume in restaurants before and during the pandemic. Regarding the frequency of consumption of processed foods such as biscuits and bread, the daily consumption increased to 38.6% during the pandemic. From this comparison, it can be seen that the eating habits of the majority of the population assessed underwent changes, some positive and some negative. It is concluded that there were changes in the population's eating habits during the pandemic, with a greater increase in the consumption of processed foods and meals prepared in their own homes.

Dietary and eating behaviours during COVID-19 pandemic: with an emphasis on the impact of self-isolation and quarantine on body weight

The COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent restrictions have profoundly influenced the lifestyle and eating habits of global citizens, which may affect their body weight. This review aims to explore the effects of quarantine on body weight, eating behaviours, and dietary patterns of adults. This paper reviewed 21 papers with 29,899 participants. The majority of the studied populations did not depict an outlook of unhealthy eating behaviors. A considerable percentage of reviewed populations gained weight, and a relatively higher percentage exhibited emotional eating. Approximately half of the studied populations practised healthy eating. More country-based research is needed during the COVID-19 quarantine.

A 1:1 ratio case-control study on coronavirus disease 2019

Objective: To compare the characteristics of COVID-19 patients and healthy people, including living habits, living environment etc. so as to provide evidence for policy making in disease control.

COVID-19 and feeding report of three meetings at maker faire 2020: The food system after COVID. the future of healthy and proper nutrition

The unexpected and bursting arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic in a short time has overwhelmed the whole world, bringing changes in every aspect of life: social, work, economic, technological. The lifestyle and eating habits of the Italian population have also undergone significant changes. What happened during the lockdown period? How did the Italians react to the quarantine? How have their eating habits changed? What impact have these changes had on health?

Changing food trends and eating habits among youngsters

A study was conducted to understand the Changing Food Trends and Food Preferences among Youngsters in Pune city of India. The objective of this paper was to identify the key food trends and understand the way they are changing the food habits. The research was conducted using a questionnaire which was administered online. It was observed that the youngsters are getting more inclined towards eating fast food because of its taste, quick service, change from daily routine, emotional eating and follow food trends. However, the observations of the study indicate that consumption of home cooked food was preferred by youngsters during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research by surveying the influence of coronavirus on fruit consumption

Fruit consumption has experienced a huge increase over the past decade as the results of numerous studies indicate a positive effect of fruit ingredients on human health. The spread of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 disease is having an unprecedented effect on all food markets, including the fruit and vegetable market. The aim of the study was to determine whether the COVID-19 virus pandemic has an impact on fruit consumption. The survey was conducted via a Google form within which a survey was conducted which was then posted on the social network Facebook. A total of 463 responses were received. When asked whether they believe that fruit consumption affects the state of the immune system, 97.2% of respondents answered in the affirmative, which speaks volumes about sufficient education and the importance of fruit consumption. According to a survey, 85.1% of respondents believe that the situation caused by the COVID-19 virus did not make it difficult to obtain fresh fruit. 86.4% of respondents believe that their eating habits related to fruit consumption during the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus have not changed.

Food behavior of the Algerian population at the time of the COVID-19: the first survey carried out in the western Algerian region

The world has been dealing with a coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic since January 2020, which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. To avoid the spread of the disease, drastic measures were implemented. These measures, however, can have a negative impact on people's health because they influence their behavior. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on people's lifestyles, including food consumption, when combined with quarantine measures. In order to shed light on the Algerian population's food habits during the pandemic, an observational and descriptive epidemiological study on 640 people, whether or not they were infected with COVID-19, was conducted in the western region of Algeria. The study used an online and face-to-face interview questionnaire focused on the pandemic's elapsed period between February and September 2020. Our findings showed that half of our participants had influenza during the study period, but only 37.53% of them had COVID-19. As a result, almost all of our test-positive respondents (95%) followed a medical protocol automatically. Furthermore, 31.57% of them stated that they were following a specific diet to avoid COVID-19 contamination. This resulted in a clear shift in Algerian cuisine (70.31%), with processed foods (3.47%) and modern dishes (5%) made outside the home consumed at low levels, while consumption of vegetables (22.39%), fruits (15.87%), and traditional dishes (11.95%) increased. Vulnerable people, such as breastfeeding mothers, were faced with the double burden of nourishing their babies while being Covid-positive, causing 35/40 cases to discontinue breastfeeding completely. Overall, 83.09% of our participants were malnourished. This study is the first draft in the understanding of Algerians' dietary behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it could be used effectively in the delineation of strategies for correction and support of citizens in underdeveloped countries.

Assessment of obesity risk factors in Algerian children during COVID-19 lockdown

COVID-19 is a global pandemic, which has subsequently spread rapidly at all the countries of the world. The first measures taken to limit its spread were the imposition of social distancing and the lockdown. Although these measures are essential, they have important impacts on the behavior of individuals, their health and their lifestyles. The purpose of this study was to know the effect of the confinement on children. We carried out a cross-sectional prospective study on 100 children from the commune of Constantine, Algeria, including 54 boys and 46 girls, aged from 5 to 14 years old. Anthropometric measurements and a validated questionnaire have been completed. Our results showed that lockdown had a negative impact on the physical activity of children (decreased from 79% to 25%). Additionally, daily sitting time in front of TV and computer screens has increased compared to the pre-lockdown period. The frequency of obesity by sex, according to the WHO 2007 z-score references, is more frequent in boys than in girls, whether before or during confinement with a non-significant difference between genders. The high frequency observed of childhood obesity during the lockdown was also associated with eating habits and socio-economic status. This study allowed us to know the negative effects of confinement and its relationship with obesity in children. However, if we really wish to circumscribe the evolution of the phenomenon, it is necessary to act on the various factors identified as each having a share of responsibility in its occurrence.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and COVID-19: a segmentation analysis of Italian and US consumers

The COVID-19 pandemic has led many countries to implement restrictions on individual freedom to stop the contagion. The imposition of lockdowns has affected many socio-economic aspects and, in particular, eating habits, highlighting the need to analyse the healthiness of new consumption patterns. The aim of our study was to investigate the changes in adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a dietary model universally recognized as healthy, that have occurred both during and since the lockdown. The subsequent profiling of consumers allowed us to understand which sociodemographic and psychographic factors favoured the development of more or less adherence to Mediterranean diet consumption patterns. The study was conducted by administering a questionnaire to a representative sample of Italians and New Yorkers. Both groups, defined by deep socio-economic differences and by their own eating habits compared to the Mediterranean diet model, were affected by similar lockdown measures. The data collected were processed by cluster analysis that allowed to identify four homogeneous groups with respect to the adherence to the Mediterranean diet model. The results highlight a worrying situation with respect to the impacts of the pandemic on maintaining a proper dietary style according to the principles of the Mediterranean diet. In fact, there has been a general worsening trend due to an increase in consumption, in part linked to emotional eating, which is a cause for concern about the potential future impacts on the health of consumers. The study highlights the need, therefore, to implement actions by public decision-makers aimed at raising the awareness of citizens on the issue of correct eating habits and at developing adequate food policies to stem the trend towards unhealthy diets.

COVID-19 phobia, mindful eating, eating habits and body weight change among university students during pandemic: A pilot study

To evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 phobia on mindful eating, eating habits and body weight change among university students. This study was carried out with 385 university students who have been in social isolation at home for at least 2 months. The online survey was constituted via an internet-based questionnaire on Google forms. The survey includes demographics features, body weight, eating habits, change in appetite and consumption of food/food groups. COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S) and the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) were used.

Description of the risk factors of children's growth and development

The growth and development of children is very important, as this would form the foundation for the quality of future generations in the nation. The slightest developmental disorders in infancy, if not detected and not handled properly will lead to a bad impact. Various genetic and environmental factors influence Toddler growth and development. Purpose: To distinguish the description of the risk factors related to child growth and development. Method: This research uses quantitative method. The design of the research is based on a cross-sectional approach in the analysis survey design. In the study, all toddlers under 59 month old were collected using a total of 366 samples in 2020 at the Ngalang Village, Gedangsari public health center and Gunungkidul Regency. Data analysis used univariate analysis of frequency distribution.