The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on university students' dietary intake, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour.

Leandy Bertrand,Keely A Shaw,Philip D Chilibeck,Dalton Deprez,Jongbum Ko,Gordon A Zello

doi:10.1139/apnm-2020-0990

Leandy Bertrand, Keely A Shaw + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2020-0990

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Abstract

University students are a vulnerable group for poor dietary intake, insufficient physical activity and sedentary behaviour. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on university students' dietary intake, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour. Participants were students (n = 125) from the Universities of Saskatchewan and Regina. An online questionnaire was administered retrospectively (for prepandemic) and prospectively (during the pandemic) to examine students' dietary intake, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour. Overall, nutrient and caloric intakes were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) during the pandemic, and alcohol intake increased (p = 0.03). Before the pandemic, 16% and 54% of the participants were meeting the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults (18-64 years) of 150 min of moderate-vigorous physical activity and 8 h or less of sedentary activity, respectively. Only 10% met the guidelines for physical activity while 30% met the guidelines for sedentary behaviour during the pandemic. The minutes per week spent engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity during the pandemic decreased by approximately 20% (p < 0.001). The hours spent in sedentary activities increased by 3 h per day (p < 0.001). Our findings confirm that during the pandemic, students' inadequate dietary intake, high alcohol consumption, low physical activity, and high sedentary behaviour were significantly compounded. Novelty: During COVID-19, the nutrient and caloric intakes of university students decreased, and alcohol intake increased significantly. University students' physical activity levels decreased, and sedentary activity increased significantly during COVID-19. During COVID-19 students did not engage in sufficient physical activity to offset the increased sedentary behaviour.

Highlights

A healthy diet helps Canadians meet their nutrient needs, but can help reduce the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and osteoporosis
The Canadian Community Health Survey, Cycle 2.2 Nutrition (CCHS 2.2), conducted in 2004, provides food and nutrient intake data for Canadians of all ages
Data on Canadians’ usual nutrient intakes can be used to assess the prevalence of excessive or inadequate intakes of certain nutrients by comparing nutrient intakes to reference values found in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) (Definitions and uses of the DRIs are found in Appendices B & C)[1]

Summary

Key findings:

Five in 10 women and 7 in 10 men have energy intakes that exceed their energy needs. 25% of males and 23% of females, 19 years and older, have fat intakes above the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range. 32% of males and 21% of females, 19 years and older, have carbohydrate intakes below the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range. Many adults have inadequate intakes of magnesium, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin D (see Box 1). For nutrients with an Adequate Intake (AI), there is concern that Canadian adults may not be meeting their needs for potassium and fibre - the interpretation of the adequacy of nutrients with an AI is limited. Canadian adults’ sodium intakes are associated with an increased risk of adverse health effects

Introduction

Findings

Key Points