Evaluation of nutritional habits and affecting factors of health care professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic stage: on-line survey study

Purpose: Health workers have been greatly affected by the pandemic, both as a health worker and as a member of the society, and have gone out of their routine lifestyle and habits more than normal individuals. In the pandemic stage;intense, irregular and stressful work pace also disrupted the routine eating habits while increasing the need for nutrition. With this survey study, it is aimed to evaluate the nutritional habits, affecting factors and results of healthcare professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic stage. Materials and methods: For our study a questionnaire of 49 questions was prepared. It was continued between 01/06/2020 and 01/01/2021. Questionnaires were prepared on Google forms and sent to healthcare professionals via e-mail. Multiple-choice questions were asked about personal information such as the number of meals, whether they gained weight during the pandemic stage, foods believed to protect from Covid-19, nutritional supplements used during the pandemic period, and the reason for using supplements. The questions in the second category are;it mostly includes questions about changes in dietary and lifestyle of health workers during the pandemic period. It includes questions such as: ‘‘My meal count has increased'', ‘‘My water consumption has increased'', ‘‘My night eating behavior has improved'', ‘‘My sleep pattern has been disrupted'', ‘‘I gained weight during the pandemic'', ‘‘I smoke more'', ‘‘I drink more tea and coffee'', ‘‘I try to exercise''. The answers were obtained with a 3-point Likert scale (agree, undecided, disagree). Results: It was determined that health workers experienced weight gain during the pandemic stage. It was determined that the average weight and average BMI of health professionals showed a statistically significant increase (p<0.01). It was noticed that the participants had an increase in the number of meals during the pandemic stage (p<0.001). It was noticed that the vast majority of the participants took vitamin and mineral supplements. Conclusion: We found that healthcare workers took additional mineral and vitamin supplements, increased the number of meals, and experienced weight gain during the pandemic. Because of this, health workers should be given healthy snacks with high nutritional value during the pandemic stage. By health managers and administrators;a management and organizational plan including a healthy nutrition program especially in extraordinary situations such as pandemics can be created, for health workers who are exposed to intense, irregular and stressful working conditions and who are in high risk groups. © 2023, Pamukkale University. All rights reserved.

A Risk Profile for Disordered Eating Behaviors in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: A Latent Class Analysis Study.

(1) Background: This multi-center study aimed to identify a risk profile for disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) based on their dietary intake, lipid profile, body mass index (BMI-SDS), and glycometabolic control. (2) Methods: Adolescents aged 11 to 18 years from five centers across Italy were recruited. Lipid profile, HbA1c, BMI-SDS, and dietary intake data were collected. The risk for developing DEBs was assessed via the Diabetes Eating Problems Survey-R (DEPS-R) questionnaire. A latent class analysis (LCA) was performed using a person-centered approach. (3) Results: Overall, 148 participants aged 11-18 (12.1, ±3.34), 52% males with a mean diabetes duration of 7.2 (±3.4), were enrolled. Based on the results of the DEBS-R score, LCA allowed us to highlight two different classes of patients which were defined as "at-risk" and "not at-risk" for DEB. The risk profile for developing DEBs is characterized by higher BMI-SDS (23.9 vs. 18.6), higher HbA1c (7.9 vs. 7.1%), higher LDL cholesterol (99.9 vs. 88.8 mg/dL), lower HDL cholesterol (57.9 vs. 61.3 mg/dL), higher proteins (18.2 vs. 16.1%), and lower carbohydrates (43.9 vs. 45.3%). Adolescents included in the "at-risk" class were significantly older (p = 0.000), and their parents' SES was significantly lower (p = 0.041). (4) Conclusions: This study allowed us to characterize a risk profile for DEBs based on dietary behavior and clinical parameters. Early identification of the risk for DEBs allows timely intervention and prevention of behavior disorders.

Investigating the Psychological Disorder and Nutritional Disorder During the Covid-19 epidemic

Background: Considering the various effects of the corona epidemic on humans, the current study was conducted to investigate adults' nutritional patterns and psychological status during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was performed on adults in Iran during the Covid-19 epidemic. A total of 315 participants were examined by the convenience sampling method. To collect data from the standard twenty-one questionnaire (das) And Eating Attitudes Test - 26 Items were used. The data were analyzed by SPSS and independent t-test, correlation coefficient, and chi-square analysis of variance at a significance level of less than 0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 31.93 ± 10.02 years. Based on the findings, 31.1% had some degree of depression, 29.5% had some degree of anxiety and 31.7% have been affected by varying degrees of stress. Also, 8.7% of the participants had eating disorders. A statistically significant relationship was observed between depression score, anxiety score, stress score as well as an overall score of mental disorders and eating disorders;In such a way that with the increase of each of these cases, the score of eating disorders also increases. Conclusion: Following the prevalence of the Covid-19 epidemic and its psychological effects, the level of stress and anxiety has increased. Awareness controlled the level of anxiety and stress and prevented its adverse effects on nutrition. o Antecedentes: Teniendo en cuenta los diversos efectos de la epidemia de corona en los humanos, el estudio actual se realizó para investigar los patrones nutricionales y el estado psicológico de los adultos durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Este estudio analítico transversal se realizó en adultos en Irán durante la epidemia de Covid-19. Un total de 315 participantes fueron examinados por el método de muestreo por conveniencia. Para recopilar datos del cuestionario estándar de veintiún (das) y la prueba de actitudes alimentarias, se utilizaron 26 ítems. Los datos fueron analizados por SPSS y prueba t independiente, coeficiente de correlación y análisis de varianza de chi-cuadrado a un nivel de significación de menos de 0,05. Resultados: La edad media de los participantes fue de 31,93 ± 10,02 años. De acuerdo con los hallazgos, el 31,1% presenta algún grado de depresión, el 29,5% presenta algún grado de ansiedad y el 31,7% se ha visto afectado por diversos grados de estrés. Asimismo, el 8,7% de los participantes presentaban trastornos alimentarios. Se observó una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la puntuación de depresión, la puntuación de ansiedad, la puntuación de estrés, así como una puntuación global de trastornos mentales y trastornos alimentarios;De tal forma que con el aumento de cada uno de estos casos, también aumenta la puntuación de los trastornos alimentarios. Conclusión: A raíz de la prevalencia de la epidemia de Covid-19 y sus efectos psicológicos, el nivel de estrés y ansiedad ha aumentado. La conciencia controló el nivel de ansiedad y estrés y previno sus efectos adversos sobre la nutrición.

Evaluation of the relationship between anxiety and nutritional habits in Turkish patients with multiple sclerosis during the Covid-19 outbreak / Avaliação da relação entre ansiedade e hábitos nutricionais em pacientes turcos com esclerose múltipla durante o surto da Covid-19

ABSTRACT Objective The Coronavirus disease 2019 is a global public health problem that has led to psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.), especially in fragile individuals such as those affected by multiple sclerosis. This study investigated the relationship between anxiety and nutritional habits during the Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak in multiple sclerosis patients. Methods This cross-sectional study was an online survey of multiple sclerosis patients living in Turkey. The total sample consisted of 294 multiple sclerosis patients. A questionnaire containing general demographic data, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and nutritional attitudes and habits was applied to multiple sclerosis patients. Results Moderate or severe anxiety scores were found in 42.2% of multiple sclerosis patients. Weight gain was reported in 40.5% of them during the outbreak. A statistically significant difference was found in the distribution of individuals' Beck Anxiety Inventory scores for consumption of nuts/seeds, rice/pasta, cake/cookies, and water. A 1-unit increase in Beck Anxiety Inventory scores led to a 1.04 times increased consumption of bread and rice/pasta and a 1.05 times increased consumption of cake/cookies either before or after controlling for potential confounders. A 1-unit increase in Beck Anxiety Inventory scores led to a 1.06 times decreased consumption of water and a 1.04 times decreased consumption of meat and poultry, fruit (fresh), and rice/pasta, either before or after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusion During the Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, anxiety led to changes in multiple sclerosis patients' nutritional habits and food preferences. The continuous surveillance of psychological consequences and nutritional counseling during outbreaks should become routine as part of preparedness efforts worldwide.

RESUMO Objetivo A doença do Coronavírus - 2019, causada pelo Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), é um problema de saúde pública global e tem levado os indivíduos desenvolverem distúrbios psicológicos (depressão, ansiedade, etc.), especialmente indivíduos frágeis, como aqueles afetados por esclerose múltipla. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a relação entre ansiedade e hábitos nutricionais em pacientes com esclerose múltipla durante o surto de coronavírus. Métodos Este estudo transversal é resultado de uma pesquisa online com pacientes com esclerose múltipla que vivem na Turquia (n=294). Um formulário de questionário contendo dados demográficos gerais, o Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck e atitudes e hábitos nutricionais foi aplicado a pacientes com esclerose múltipla. Resultados Escores de ansiedade moderados ou graves foram encontrados em 42,2% dos pacientes com esclerose múltipla. O ganho de peso foi relatado em 40,5% durante o surto. Foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa na distribuição dos escores do Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck dos indivíduos para o consumo de nozes/sementes, arroz/massa, bolo/biscoitos e água. Um aumento de uma unidade nas pontuações do Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck levou a um aumento de 1,04 vezes no consumo de pão e arroz/massa e 1,05 vezes no consumo de bolo/biscoitos antes ou depois de controlar possíveis fatores de confusão. Um aumento de uma unidade nas pontuações do Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck levou a uma redução de 1,06 vezes no consumo de água e 1,04 vezes no consumo de carnes e aves, frutas (frescas) e arroz/massa antes ou depois de controlar possíveis fatores de confusão. Conclusão Durante o surto de coronavírus, a ansiedade levou a mudanças nos hábitos nutricionais e nas preferências alimentares dos pacientes com esclerose múltipla. A vigilância contínua das consequências psicológicas e o aconselhamento nutricional para surtos devem se tornar rotina como parte dos esforços de preparação em todo o mundo.

Public nutritional Knowledge toward the COVID-19 among Palestinian Population: A Cross- Sectional Study

Background: COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease that affected multiple countries and sustained person-to-person transmission making it a concerning and serious public health threat. This pandemic has emphasized that good nutrition and a healthy life is the key to strengthening immunity. Aim of the study: To assess knowledge of nutrition toward the COVID-19 among the Palestinian population. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was launched at West Bank and Gaza Strip. A total number of 554 participants have shared the completion of this survey and the response rate was 90.2%. Results: The mean level of knowledge among participants was 65.38% and the study indicated that 55.8% behaving healthy nutritional habits. The analysis revealed that the mean score of knowledge increased by 1.61 comparing the oldest age groups (>30 years) against the youngest group. As the same as, the knowledge mean score increased by 2.46 among the obese individuals according to BMI classification (>30). Whereas, the knowledge mean score was increased significantly among those who work in medical sectors compared to others unemployed individuals. As well, the knowledge score increased by 2.04 among individuals with comorbidity than healthy ones. Conclusion: Nutritional knowledge score during COVID-19 was 67.03% and the knowledge about the body immunity system and the protective measures against COVID-19, scored a weighted mean of 76.21%. The level of knowledge among all participants did not reflect a satisfactory level of knowledge among the public regard COVID-19 while the level of behaving healthy nutritional habits illustrated that nearly 45% of the participants were practicing unhealthy nutritional behaviors.

Post-COVID-19 Status and Its Physical, Nutritional, Psychological, and Social Effects in Working-Age Adults-A Prospective Questionnaire Study.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the evolution of physical and daily routine, dietary habits, and mental and social health in individuals with recent COVID-19 infection. METHODS: A qualitative prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from 01 October 2021 to 01 March 2022, which included 80 working-age adults from the territory of Central Serbia who had PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in the previous six months. Two structured pre-coded closed-ended questionnaires were submitted to the participants: a questionnaire about post-COVID-19 status (pCOVq) and a shortened version of the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). RESULTS: The presence of the COVID-19 disease in the previous period of 6 months among the working-age participants significantly affected the duration of aerobic, anaerobic, and high-intensity physical activities, but also the possibility of performing certain activities such as walking, which represents basic aerobic activity and a measure of general health among middle-aged participants. In the majority of cases (78%), in the post-COVID-19 period, participants indicated a decline in educational and productive activities. CONCLUSION: Post-COVID status in working-aged participants consists of reduced physical activity, lower quality of life, and similar nutritional habits. Health policies should be more focused on these findings.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on eating styles: A population based-survey during the first lockdown in 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.

Physical, Psychological, and Body Composition Differences between Active and Sedentary Adolescents According to the "Fat but Fit" Paradigm.

The practice of physical activity during adolescence is essential for the proper development of the population. In recent decades, the relevance of physical activity has been increasing, due to the development of the "fat but fit" paradigm. This paradigm shows that adolescents with a high level of physical fitness are healthier than adolescents with poorer physical fitness, regardless of their weight, giving importance to sports practice over other aspects. However, few previous studies have analyzed the differences in physical and body composition between active and sedentary adolescents in this paradigm. For this reason, the objectives of the present study were to establish the differences in body composition, physical performance, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet between active and sedentary adolescents; and to analyze the differences between active and sedentary adolescents according to the "fat but fit" paradigm. The sample consisted of 791 adolescent whose body composition, level of physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and physical fitness were measured. It was found significant between active and sedentary adolescents in most of the anthropometric, AMD, and physical fitness variables, with a significant effect of the covariates gender, age, BMI, and biological maturation on the model. The binary logistic regression analysis performed shows that anthropometric variables, AMD, and VO2 max can be considered as primary outcomes to distinguish between active and sedentary groups of adolescents. Furthermore, the results showed that the active adolescents, regardless of their weight status, had lower fat mass and greater muscle mass, as well as a higher performance in the physical fitness tests, and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet than the sedentary adolescents. To conclude, the practice of physical activity is a determinant for the improvement of body composition, physical performance, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet of the adolescent population, regardless of their gender, age, weight, or maturity status.

Nutritional and health behaviour predictors of the weight gain during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the body weight, nutritional habits, physical activity, and food consumption of adults living in Turkey and evaluate the effects of changes in these health behaviours on body weight. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with an online questionnaire. Data were collected through social media platforms using the snowball sampling method. A self-reported questionnaire included socio-demographic information, anthropometric data, dietary habits, food consumption, and lifestyle changes. In this study, 4181 people were included. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the variables associated with the increase in body weight. RESULTS: The findings obtained in this study showed that the bodyweight of 58.5% of the participants increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this increase was the highest (66.3%) among the obese. The rate of those who stated that their physical activity decreased was 69.5%. The foods consumed the most by individuals were homemade desserts (54%), nuts (53.8%) and fresh fruits (52.3%). Those whose serving size increased [OR = 4.98 (3.76-6.60)], those whose physical activity decreased or increased [OR = 2.94 (2.38-3.63) or 2.52 (1.84-3.45), respectively], and those whose number of main meals consumed increased [OR = 2.17 (1.72) - 2.75)], those with increased consumption of white bread (OR = 1.63 (1.20-2.22) and those with increased consumption of packaged sweet products [OR = 1.53 (1.23-1.89)] were more likely to gain weight. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that there are significant changes in the body weight, physical activities, and eating habits of the participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to provide and follow-up specific guidance and support services for different groups to protect public health, improve and prevent nutrition-related diseases.

Changes in Nutritional Habits and lifestyles during the COVID-19 Lockdown period in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to be a pandemic in March 2020 due to growing case notification rates worldwide. This study was designed to investigate nutritional habits and lifestyle changes among people living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during the COVID-19 lockdown. A cross-sectional study of 208 adults aged 18 to 56 years living in the KSA was conducted between March and May 2020. Participants were identified and invited to complete an online survey. Goog le forms were used by participants to self-report their nutritional habits, lifestyles, and physical activity levels during the lockdown. Of the 208 participants, 88.9% were female. More than half of the participants (58.1%) reported an increase in their food consumption during the lockdown, which included a higher intake of fast food (47.1%), sweets (48.5%), and fruits and vegetables (49%). 30.8% of participants reported an increase in body weight during the lockdown, while 32.2% reported a decrease. Staying at home or working from home was associated with decreased levels of physical activity in 39% of participants. This study provides the first data on changes in nutritional habits and lifestyles during the COVID-19 quarantine. Our findings suggest that people should decrease their intake of foods that are high in fat and sugar and increase their physical activity levels to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Selected Lifestyle Elements among Young Women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus from Northeast Poland: A Case-Control COVID-19 Survey.

An appropriate balanced diet and dietary patterns are important at every stage of life, but in the case of young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), it is especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to assess health and nutritional behaviors, mainly adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland among women with T1DM, and to compare them with a healthy population. This survey (based on a questionnaire) was conducted in December 2020 and included 219 young women, healthy (n = 106) and with T1DM (n = 113), from northeast Poland. Over 30% of the study group admitted that they did not engage in any physical activity. A large proportion declared that their screen time was 5-7 h a day (48% in control and 40% in T1DM group). High intakes of sweet-beverages, sweets and red meat, but also low intakes of olive oil, fish and nuts were observed. The vast majority of participants (60% vs. 71%) were moderately adherent to the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). The study demonstrated that despite the similarity between the behaviors of healthy people and those with T1DM, negative health and nutritional practices, such as low physical activity, long screen time, medium and high levels of stress and inappropriate eating habits were observed.