The Impact of COVID-19 Crises on the Diet Quality and Physical Activity among Saudi Adults

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected day-to-day life and is changing how people eat and even how they exercise, as many individuals have developed a passive sedentary lifestyle. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on dietary quality and physical activity among Saudi adults. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 738 adults in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The modified Dietary Quality Score (DQS) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used in this study. Results: In total, 76% of the participants had average dietary habits, while 16% of the participants were identified as having unhealthy dietary habits. The total average amount of time performing physical activity (PA) was 2079.08 ±2454.14 minutes/week, and the highest average was for vigorous PA (1372.47 ±1665.62 minutes/week). Conclusion: The COVID-19 crisis has rapidly affected people’s daily lives, including their dietary quality and physical activity. This pandemic has had significant effects on the lifestyle, quality of life and wellbeing of individuals and societies, and it may continue to affect them in the future.