Does COVID-19 change dietary habits and lifestyle behaviours in Kuwait: a community-based cross-sectional study

Wafaa Husain,Fatemah Ashkanani

doi:10.1186/s12199-020-00901-5

Abstract

BackgroundThe coronavirus pandemic has transformed and continues to transform and affect the daily lives of communities worldwide, particularly due to the lockdown restrictions. Therefore, this study was designed to understand the changes in dietary and lifestyle behaviours that are major determinants of health during the COVID-19 outbreak.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire using a convenience sample of 415 adults living in Kuwait (age range 18–73 years).ResultsThe rate of skipping breakfast remained consistent, with a slight increase during the pandemic. Lunch remained the main reported meal before and during COVID-19. Compared to before COVID-19, people were much more likely have a late-night snack or meal during COVID-19 (OR = 3.57 (95% CI 1.79–7.26), p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a drastic decrease in the frequency of fast-food consumption during COVID-19, up to 82% reported not consuming fast food (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the percentage of participants who had their main meal freshly made (OR = 59.18 (95% CI 6.55–1400.76), p = 0.001). Regarding food group patterns, no significant differences were found before and during the pandemic in terms of the weekly frequency of consumption, except in the case of fish and seafood. There were no remarkable changes in beverage consumption habits among participants before and during the pandemic, except for Americano coffee and fresh juice. Furthermore, there was a great reduction in physical activity and an increase in the amount of screen time and sedentary behaviours. A notable increase was detected in day-time sleep and a decrease in night-time sleep among participants.ConclusionIn general, this study indicates some changes in daily life, including changes in some eating practices, physical activity and sleeping habits during the pandemic. It is important that the government considers the need for nutrition education programmes and campaigns, particularly during this critical period of the pandemic in Kuwait.

Highlights

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed and continues to transform and affect the daily lives of communities worldwide, due to the lockdown restrictions
Respondents excluded from the study were those (1) less than 18 years of age; (2) infected with COVID-19; (3) who had illnesses/conditions that can affect their normal eating, including pregnancy; (4) not living in Kuwait; and (5) who did not complete the questionnaire appropriately
The average Body mass index (BMI) was 28.52 ± 6.741 kg/m2, which is indicative of the overweight category according to the definition of the World Health Organization (WHO)

Summary

Introduction

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed and continues to transform and affect the daily lives of communities worldwide, due to the lockdown restrictions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic, since it is spreading rapidly worldwide It has affected more than 200 countries around the world [1]. And people with underlying medical conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes and cancer, are at a higher risk of death as a result of contracting COVID-19 [3,4,5,6]. It can cause severe complications among people with obesity-related conditions [7]. At the time of writing this report, in Kuwait, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases had reached 75,697 and there had been more than 494 registered deaths [9]

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