Evaluation of Changes in Dietary Habits of Healthcare Professionals during COVID-19

Authors : Gülşah KANER, Gamze ÇALIK, Gamze YURTDAŞ DEPBOYLU, Emre Can ACAR

Pages : 401-409

View : 49 | Download : 56

Publication Date : 2023-06-21

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: The workload and working hours of healthcare professionals have increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate how COVID-19 outbreak restrictions affect dietary habits among healthcare professionals. Material and Method: The study population was 239 adults aged between 18-65 years. An online survey including questions about demographic variables, health information, lifestyle behaviors, and dietary habits were sent via an online platform. Self-reported weight, and height before and during the pandemic were also collected. Results: The percentage of those who skip the main meals during the lockdown insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(48.1%); has increased compared to before the lockdown insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(43.9%);. The most skipped main meal and snack were breakfast and mid-morning, respectively. Among the study population, 48.1% reported that they increased their vegetable-fruit consumption, 38.1% reported increased water intake and 45.6% reported consuming more home-cooked food. The most preferred snacks were fruits-vegetables insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(62.3%);, and nuts insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(55.6%);. Approximately half of the participants insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(46.0%); reported an increased appetite and 50.6% of the participants stated an increase in body weight during COVID-19. The weight gain of the 51-64 age group insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(3.73±4.13 kg); was statistically significantly higher than the 18-50 age group insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(0.43±4.51 kg); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=0.014);. The rate of those who reported doing at least 150 minutes of exercise per week before COVID-19 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(43.9%); decreased during the pandemic insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(30.5%);. Conclusion: Body weight, appetite, some dietary habits, and physical activities were generally adversely affected among healthcare workers during the pandemic. Older groups are most prone to weight gain during the lockdown.
Keywords : Sağlık çalışanları, beslenme, COVID 19, pandemi