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- Title
Assessment of lifestyle changes related to quarantine among Saudi population during the early COVID-19 pandemic: pre- and post-analysis.
- Authors
Abu-Elenin, Mira M.; Elshora, Ahmed A.; Shahin, Marwa A.; El-Fatah, Nesrin K. Abd
- Abstract
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.
- Subjects
SAUDI Arabia; JIDDAH (Saudi Arabia); TAIF (Saudi Arabia); COVID-19 pandemic; DIETARY patterns; CONVENIENCE sampling (Statistics); PHYSICAL activity; COVID-19; FOOD habits
- Publication
Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association, 2024, Vol 99, p1
- ISSN
0013-2446
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1186/s42506-023-00149-1