Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic started a worldwide emergency, and tight preventive actions were necessary to protect the population, changing individuals’ daily habits. Dwelling and working at home can change dietary habits, affect food choice and access, as well as the practice of physical activity. In this regard, this study’s goal was to compare eating competence (EC) among Brazilian adults before and during the coronavirus pandemic, using the Brazilian version of the eating competence Satter inventory (ecSI2.0™BR) with the “retrospective post-then-pre” design. This cross-sectional study was performed from 30 April to 31 May 2021 among a convenience sample of the Brazilian adult population using an online platform (Google® Forms). In the studied sample (n = 302 in which 76.82% were females), EC total score lowered during the pandemic (31.69 ± 8.26 vs. 29.99 ± 9.72; p < 0.005), and the decrease was worst after the beginning of the pandemic among those who reported weight gain, decreased the consumption of fruit and vegetables, and increased the consumption of sugary beverages. The contextual skill component seems relevant in this scenario, where our life and routines were changed entirely, demonstrating that the ability to manage the food context is essential, especially when sanitary and economic situations represent a new challenge.
Highlights
Our study focused on comparing eating competence (EC) among a sample of Brazilian adults before and during the coronavirus pandemic, using the Brazilian translation of the eating competence
Considering the sample profile, the outcomes reveal an isolation negative impact on EC that may reflect throughout the family and that should be the focus of public health strategies in the years that follow the pandemic
It is well known that higher educational level has been usually related with higher socioeconomic status, which has been associated with better diet quality [15]
Summary
The pandemic of coronavirus started a worldwide state of emergency. Until 31 May, Brazil had registered 16,545,554 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 462,791 deaths [1]. The measures to control and prevent the disease differed among Brazilian regions. The most common was social distancing to control individuals movability, like the schools’. Universities’ closure, as well as non-essential commerce, public areas, and the use facial masks [2]. While this strict preventive measure is essential to protect people, it can radically change individuals’ quotidian habits. Staying and working at home can affect diet, food choice, and access to food and limit the practice of physical activity [3]
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