Alleviation: An International Journal of Nutrition, Gender & Social Development, ISSN 2348-9340, Volume 9, Number 9 (2022):1-8 © Arya PG College (College with Potential for Excellence Status by UGC) & Business Press India Publication, Delhi http://apcjournals.com, www.aryapgcollege.ac.in

Changes in Diet and Lifestyle During Lockdown During COVID Outbreak

Preeti Dhankhar1⃰, Kalpna2 and Khusboo3
1 Asssistant Professor,2 Asssosiate Professor, 3 MSc Student
BPS Mahila Vishwavidyalaya, Khanpur Kalan
Sonipat (Haryana), India ,
*Email: preetidabas5@gmail.com

Abstract
SARS or Covid is known as a severe acute respiratory syndrome virus. It is apparently transmitted from animals to humans and can spread very quickly and has become a global health emergency spreading and covering all the countries and continents of the earth.
The first confirmed case of Covid -19 was reported from Kerala in India on 30 January 2020. The spread of the disease was so rapid that by June 2020, there were more than 3 million confirmed cases of the disease in the country. The study was undertaken to assess the influence of the epidemic lockdown on the dietary behaviour of the Indian population. This survey was done online during the lockdown period to assess the changes in diet and lifestyle pattern of the individuals residing in nearby districts of Sonipat. The complete lack of socialization and physical activity for an extended period of time drastically altered the eating patterns of individuals and families across a broad spectrum. Lock down also led to crisis of work and resources. It led to sedentary behaviour of individuals and changed the patterns of smoking and sleeping in people who were otherwise quite active physically. Stress and anxiety have been shown to result in an increased intake of alcohol and sugary foods. The interruption of work routine is associated with a greater energy intake especially comfort foods. This condition may compromise maintaining a healthy and regular physical activity. However positive lifestyles have also emerged from the pandemic, including more time for cooking and reduced fast food consumption. The two major influences which emerged while staying at home were - digital education, smart working, in-gym physical activity and stockpiling of food due to restricted shopping.
Keywords: COVID, Dietary Behaviour, Lifestyle, Resources, SARS, Socialization, Sanitation.
Introduction
SARS or Covid is known as a severe respiratory syndrome virus. It is apparently transmitted from animals to humans and very quickly became a global health emergency spreading to all the countries and continents of the earth.
The first confirmed case of Covid -19 was reported from Kerala in India on 30 January 2020. The spread of the disease was so rapid that by June 2020, there were more than3 million confirmed cases of the disease in the country.
Due to the extremely high speed of the spread of the disease in the country and the absolute inability of the health services to bear the load of patients despite all the efforts of the medical fraternity and the respective state governments, the Prime Minister was forced to announce complete lockdown in the country from March 2020. All public and private gatherings were banned. Only essential services were allowed to operate in the country.
The complete lack of socialization and physical activity for an extended period of time drastically altered the eating patterns of individuals and families across a broad spectrum.
Lock down also led to crisis of work and resources. It led to sedentary behaviours of individuals and changed the patterns of smoking and sleeping in people who were otherwise quite active physically. Stress and anxiety have been shown to result in an increased intake of alcohol and sugary foods. The interruption of work routine is associated with a greater energy intake especially comfort foods. This condition may compromise maintaining a healthy and regular physical activity. These foods mainly rich in simple carbohydrates may reduce stress as they encourage serotonin, thus affecting the mood positively. However, this effect is directly proportional to the glycemic index of foods that is directly associated with the risk of developing obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Psychological and emotional response to the outbreak has increased the risk of developing dysfunctional eating behaviours. Excessive use of social media, binge watching on television, and monotonous lifestyles led to stress eating specially of processed foods that were laced with fat and sugar.
The problem was further aggravated by the unavailability of fresh fruits and vegetables especially in urban areas. Workers on the lowest rung of financial ladder were hit the hardest, as they faced severe financial crunch due to unavailability of work. The government tried to distribute free rations to these people but was unable to provide fresh items.
However positive lifestyles have also emerged from the pandemic, including more time for cooking and reduced fast food consumption.
There are two major influences while staying at home are- digital education, smart working, in-gym physical activity and stockpiling of food due to restricted shopping.
There has been a significant interest on the impact of the pandemic on various health outcomes no review has been done on the impact of the disease on diet patterns of the globally.
The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the epidemic lockdown on the dietary behaviour of the Indian population.
Methodology
This survey was done online during the lockdown period to assess the changes in diet and lifestyle pattern of the individuals residing in nearby districts of Sonipat. Total 127 persons participated in this online survey. The sample consisted of both male and female participants in the survey.
After collecting all the responses and data from the online-survey, it was analysed. This study was done to investigate the immediate impact of the Covid -19on eating habits, lifestyle and daily routine habit changes among Indian population.
The main limitation in this research was unequal participation from the cities, age group, and job groups and more retrospective nature needs to be considered.
Total 127 people from different districts had given the answers from 50 different questions and shared their pandemic experience regarding diet and health issue. The overall health was categorized into physical and mental health. In that participants shared their responses based upon before, during and after pandemic situation.
Results and Discussion
General Information about Participants
1) Age of Participants
People from 3 different age groups participated in online questionnaire and submitted their responses. About 90.9 per cent of participants belonged to age group of 15-30 years. Remaining participants belonged to age group of 30-45 and 45-60 years.
2) Gender
There were 68.6 per cent of participants who were females whereas 31.4 per cent were males.
3) Educational Qualifications
In this survey, 53.7 per cent of participants were post graduate whereas 32.2 per cent participants were under graduates. Rest were studied up to high school, secondary, PhD and M.Phil.
4) Place of Living
Most of the Participants belonged to different districts and states such as Faridabad, Gohana, Hissar, Palwal, Sonepat, Rewari, Rohtak, Kaithal, Jind in Haryana. Few of the participants also belonged to Mathura, Kanpur, Lucknow, Gaziabad, Saharanpur, Meerut and Delhi.
5) Occupation
There were 63.1per cent of participants who were students and 30.3 per cent were related to other activities.
Eating Habits
It was found that 73 per cent of participants were vegetarian, and 21.3 per cent were both vegetarian and non-vegetarian whereas 6per cent people were non- vegetarian.
Types of Diseases In this survey, 86 per cent of participants were healthy with no severe illnesses and 14 per cent of participants have some kind of disease.
Participants Affected by Corona
There were 90.2 per cent of participants who were not affected by corona virus and 9.8 per cent were those who were affected by corona virus.
Symptoms
There were 88.8 per cent of participants who remained healthy whereas 11.2 per cent were those who had the symptoms such as cough, cold, fever and sneezing.
Precautions Taken
There were 90.1 per cent of participants who took all types of precautions to prevent corona virus, such as social distancing, hand sanitizing, and mask wearing and 9.9 per cent took other precautions.
Who Decided to Stay at Home Only During Pandemic?
There were 62.2 per cent of participants were scared to go outside from home and 37.8 per cent were not scared to go outside from home during Covid -19 pandemic.
Meal Pattern
Before corona outbreak, approx. 69.5 per cent of people consumed a regular pattern of 3 main meals and 2 snacks. On the other hand, during Covid -19 pandemic, 72 per cent of participants had regular meals and 28per cent did not use to have regular meal.
Fast Food and Junk Food as Snacks
There were 81 per cent of participants who did not consume fast food, junk food regularly as a snack before Covid -19 pandemic outbreak whereas 19were those who consumed 2-3 and 3-4 times in a week.
During Covid -19 pandemic, 79.5 per cent persons did not take junk-food and fast food routinely and12per cent used to take fast food and junk food as snacks.
Intake of Fruits and Vegetables
Before Covid -19 pandemic, 49.1 per cent of participants consumed fresh fruits and vegetables daily. On the other hand, 17.2 per cent consumed 2-3 times in a week, 11.5 per cent consumed 3-4 times in a week and 23.3per cent consumed not routinely.
If we talk about during pandemic, approx. 56.9 per cent participants consumed fresh fruits and vegetables. There were 21.6 per cent of participants who consumed 2-3 times in a weak, 12 per cent consumed 3-4 times in a week and 9.5per cent did not consume routinely.
Intake of Whole Grains Legumes, Nuts and Oil Seeds
There were 40 per cent of participants who consumed grains, legumes, nuts and oil seeds daily whereas 12.2 per cent consumed 2-3 times,18.3 per cent consumed 3-4 times, and 29.6 per cent didn’t consume routinely. During Covid -19 pandemic, 41per cent of participants who consumed grains, legumes, nuts and oil seeds daily. There were 23.1 per cent of participants who consumed 2-3 times, 12.8 per cent consumed 3-4 times in a week, 23.1 per cent didn’t consume whole grains, legumes, nuts and oil seeds routinely.
Intake of Milk and Milk Products
There were 64 per cent of participants who consumed milk and milk products regularly whereas 9.6per cent consumed 3-4 times in a week, 14per cent consumed 2-3 times in a week, 11.4per cent did not consume routinely. During Covid -19, 56.9 per cent of participants were those who took milk and milk products regularly,16.4 per cent consumed 2-3 times in a week, 12.9 per cent consumed 3-4 times in a week, 13.8 per cent participants did not consume routinely milk and milk products.
Intake of Pulses
There were 28.1 per cent of participants who consumed pulses daily, whereas 36 per cent consumed 2-3 times in a week, 18per cent consumed 3-4 times in a week, 17.5 per cent were those who did not consume pulses routinely. During Covid -19, 32 per cent used to consume pulses daily, 21.7 per cent consumed 3-4 times,32.2 per cent took pulses 2-3 times in a week as meal, and 13.9 per cent did not take regularly.
Intake of Beverages, Cold Drinks, Flavoured Soda and Juice
There were 64 per cent of participants who didn’t take flavoured soda, and beverages regularly, whereas 9.6 per cent consumed 3-4 times in week and 18.4 per cent consumed 2-3 times in a week. During covid-19 pandemic, 32.2per cent respondents consumed beverages, cold drinks and juice, 32.2 per cent took 2-3 times in a week, 21.7 per cent took 3-4 times in a week,13.9per cent did not consume beverages cold drinks and flavoured soda routinely.
Who Consumed Less Fast-food?
Responses showed that 31.3 per cent of participants consumed less fast food before corona virus outbreak, 18.3per cent consumed less canned food, and 19.1 per cent consumed less homemade food. During Covid -19, 40.2 per cent were those who ate less outdoor food, 28.2 per cent consumed less fast food, and 13.7 per cent ate less homemade food.
Intake of Supplements
There were 42 per cent of participants who did not take proper supplements, while 12.3 per cent of the participants took immunity booster drinks, 17.5 per cent consumed vitamins and 26.3 per cent consumed all vitamins, minerals and immunity booster to improve their immunity before covid-19 outbreak. On the other side after Covid -19 break, 22.6 percent of people have consumed all types of vitamins andminerals,15.7 per cent have consumed immunity booster, 20.9 per cent have consumed minerals to improve their immunity power 37.4 per cent do not consume immunity booster drinks and vitamins and minerals.
Intake of Vitamins
This shows that how many participants used to take proper vitamins and minerals to improve their health. There were 40.5 per cent of respondents who consumed regularly vitamins before corona breakout, and 59.5 per cent did not consume and after corona virus outbreak, 66.1 per cent people have consumed vitamins, and 33.9 per cent of people are those who did not consume vitamins.
Intake of Kadha to Prevent Diseases
There were 43.5 per cent of respondents who have never taken kadha to prevent diseases before Covid -19 outbreak, whereas 20.9 per cent took regularly, and 35.7 per cent took sometimes. After Covid -19 breakout study shows that people have increased the consumption of homemade kadha. Total 57per cent of respondents used to take regularly kadha and 43per cent respondents didn’t take kadha to prevent diseases.
Intake of Herbal Tea Observation showed that 57.4 per cent of respondents used to drink herbal tea whereas 42.6 per cent of people didn’t take herbal tea before Covid -19 pandemic. After Covid -19 breakout, a greater number of respondents have consumed herbal tea. There were 60 per cent of participants who used to drink herbal tea, and 40 per cent did not consume herbal tea.
Physical Activities Before corona outbreak, 16.1 per cent of participants used to run, 26.3 per cent used to walk, 24.6 per cent used to do yoga, 11.9 per cent did gym, and 19 per cent participants did not do anything.
After corona outbreak, a greater number of participants did physical activities. There were 20.9 per cent of respondents who used to do running, 14.8 percent jogging, 31.3 percent yoga, and 22.6 per cent didn’t do any physical activity.
Sleeping Timings
The sleep timings of participants were average. There were 66.7 per cent of participants who used to sleep 6-8 hours, and 22 per cent used to sleep more than 8 hours.
Smoking Habits
In this study, there were a smaller number of participants who used to smoke, and 94.1 per cent of participants were non-smokers before corona. During Covid -19 pandemic 94.8 per cent were non-smokers.
Consumption of Alcohol
The study of alcohol consumption was observed that 94.1 per cent of participants did not consume alcohol before corona virus outbreak. This might be because most of the participants were students, they were not in the habit of taking alcohol consumption.
After corona outbreak, the percentage of participants who consumed alcohol has increased. There were 29.1 per cent of people who consumed alcohol after pandemic breakout, whereas 70.9 per cent of participants are those who did not consume alcohol.
Habit of Washing Hands
Before corona breakout 55.1 per cent of participants cleaned their hands with sanitizer, whereas 44.9 per cent of participants did not use sanitizer to clean their hands.
On the other hand, 91.3 per cent of participants used sanitizer and 8.7 per cent of participants did not use sanitizer for cleaning their hands after Covid -19 pandemic.
After Covid -19, a greater number of participants adopted habit of hand washing.
Habit of Washing Fruits and Vegetables
Before corona virus outbreak, 94.9 per cent of participants used to wash fruits and vegetables before consuming. After corona outbreak, 93.8 per cent of participants consumed fruits vegetables and other grocery products after washing.
Conclusion
During early emergence of Covid -19 outbreak, many countries imposed protective measures to flatten positive cases including confinement and lock down and physical distance. Although these protective measures flattened the number of positive cases, but these measures as well as media bombardment news about cases of death, losing jobs and restricting individuals’ freedom negatively affected the psychology, life style and eating behaviour of individuals and the community. This is of particular interest when health professionals recommend staying positive psychologically. Balanced diet is important to support immune system and reduce risks of viral infection including Covid -19.
Data also showed that home-processed food consumption seems to be increased.
Furthermore, unhealthy eating and junk foods consumption was significantly increased after quarantine for some individuals. This can be expected since the access to food supply chain of fruits and vegetables during lockdown was usually limited.
In particular, Kurdistan is a place where the majority of the fruits and vegetables were imported.
The closing of the national border with neighbouring countries made it difficult to import. This could have negative effect on consumption of immune supporting micronutrients intake and overall well-being.
Few participants stated that their eating habits had changed and they did not feel their appetite as usual, while most of people were still skipping their food routine.
This study shows that most of the participants have changed their lifestyle, eating habits, daily routine behaviour during and after corona virus break out and most of the people were aware as well as conscious about their health.
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