Healthy nutritional behavior during COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nutrition Science
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant global health challenge, necessitating widespread public health interventions.
• Understanding the impact of control measures, such as quarantine, on population health behaviors is crucial for effective pandemic response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of COVID-19 quarantine on healthy nutritional behavior and lifestyle practices.
• To assess changes in weight, dietary habits, and physical activity among the Jordanian population during quarantine.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 4473 participants in Jordan using an online questionnaire.
• Data collected included demographic information, anthropometric measurements, nutritional behavior (meals, snacks, water intake), and physical activity.
• The study period was between March and April 2020, coinciding with COVID-19 quarantine measures.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in body weight were reported across all weight categories (underweight, normal, overweight, obese) during quarantine (p < 0.001).
• Participants consumed more main meals and snacks between meals (p < 0.001), and smoking rates also increased significantly.
• No significant differences in physical activity levels were observed across different weight status groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 quarantine led to significant negative changes in healthy nutritional behavior and lifestyle practices among Jordanians.
• Findings indicate increased body weight, appetite, and smoking rates, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.
• Further large-scale studies are recommended to validate these findings and inform future public health strategies.