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Updated: Aug 30, 2025

Assessment of Social Transmission of Food Preferences Behaviors
Published on: January 25, 2018
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on eating styles: A population based-survey during the first lockdown in Italy
A Andaloro1, M G Maggio2, M C Stagnitti3
1Cognitive Rehabilitation Center, Messina, Italy.
Background:
The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a strong impact on eating behavior. To maintain health and well-being, correct nutrition is essential, especially when the immune system is under pressure.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between emotional aspects and the eating behavior of a group of people living in Sicily during the lockdown due to COVID-19.
Methodology:
We used a cross-sectional survey design with an anonymous online questionnaire, administered through technological means.
Results:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 91 participants experienced high stress (PSS = 18.14 ± 4.1), and eating was associated with emotional behaviors (DEBQ EM = 41.74 ± 10.9). Stress correlated positively with the emotional and external aspects of eating behaviors.
Conclusion:
The present study showed that the COVID-19 lockdown caused high stress with a worsening in eating behaviors. The study participants had difficulty in adequately coping with some emotions and feelings, developing an 'addiction' to food.
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