Assessment of lifestyle changes related to quarantine among Saudi population during the early COVID-19 pandemic: pre- and post-analysis.

Autor: Abu-Elenin, Mira M., Elshora, Ahmed A., Shahin, Marwa A., El-Fatah, Nesrin K. Abd
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association; 2/1/2024, Vol. 99, p1-14, 14p
Abstrakt: Background: The escalating emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted human life due to the ever-increasing morbidity, containment measures, and the associated emotional distress. This study examined the influence of COVID-19-related measures on the lifestyle behaviors of adults living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: The study recruited 638 participants through convenience sampling in Jeddah and Taif cities, Saudi Arabia. Demographic characteristics and COVID-19-related information were collected through an anonymous self-reported electronic questionnaire. Lifestyle behaviors were assessed before and during the quarantine using the Healthy Dietary Habits Index (HDHI)-A and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). Results: The study revealed significant changes in the dietary pattern: a reduction in fish intake and increased consumption of French fries and candies. Vegetables and fruit intake increased significantly. Sedentary time > 6 h per day increased from 36.7% pre to 60.8% during the pandemic. Healthy dietary index score and physical activity MET-minutes/week values were respectively 3.5% and 37.9% significantly higher before compared to the full quarantine period. Conclusion: The pandemic detrimentally influenced eating habits and physical activity levels that led to weight gain, and hence higher vulnerability to COVID-19 infection and negative outcomes. This analysis provides public health agencies with data to tailor nutrition interventions that mitigate the observed adverse lifestyle behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Databáze: Complementary Index