Changes in dietary patterns during social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objectives : to evaluate changes in dietary patterns, after the social isolation decree, of Brazilians living in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods : an online questionnaire self-filled was applied in 2020, with questions about socioeconomic and demographic issues, food consumption, and perception before and after the quarantine decree. Were included people 18 years or more, residents in Sao Paulo, who answered the questionnaire. Confidence intervals of proportions were estimated. Associations were initially investigated through Chi-square or exact Fisher test, and those with a P-value below 0.2 were further investigated through logistic regression or multinomial logistic regression. Associations with a P-value below 0.05 were considered significant. Results : 174 people participated in the research. It was observed two different patterns, people who decreased or increased the consumption of candies, soda, industrialized juice, fried food, industrialized snacks, instant noodles, stuffed cookie, fruits, vegetables, and alcohol. When the socioeconomic level raised, the consumption of fried food increased; as the age raised, the consumption of vegetables decreased, and as the age and the income decreased, there was a rise in physical activity level, and higher educational level was associated with higher consumption of sausages, as revealed by the multinomial logistic regression. Conclusions : the social isolation after the quarantine decree led the participants to change their food routine, which can lead to health consequences long-term.