Lifestyle-related Behaviors Research Articles

Association between lifestyle-related, psychosocial factors and obesity among female adolescents in Taiwan

PurposeTo examine a wide range of potential contributors to the risk of obesity in female adolescents. Design and methodsData for this study were collected using a cross-sectional design. A group of 175 female adolescents were recruited, and information on their demographic characteristics, lifestyle-related behaviors, and psychosocial factors was collected using a self-administered questionnaire during September 2018 to January 2019. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0. ResultsAn overestimation of body weight was negatively correlated with overweight in the female adolescents. Age at menarche was negatively correlated with the arisk of overweight. Adolescents who slept for >7 h on weekend nights were less likely to be overweight. Eating more cheese, fish, seafood, and organ meats was negatively correlated with obesity risk. The female adolescents were more likely to become overweight if they ate dinners prepared by family and experienced more disturbances from parents and other family members. ConclusionsFemale adolescents are a unique population affected by obesity. Although incorporating both lifestyle-related behavioral and psychosocial factors in future investigations and developing multicomponent interventions for obesity prevention are crucial, female adolescents should receive the utmost attention from researchers to alleviate the health burden of obesity. Practice implicationsThe intertwined nature of obesity-related factors warrants future investigations to elaborate their roles interplaying with the risk of obesity. Multicomponent interventions should be developed, and nurses and health-care providers should target their efforts on obesity prevention for this specific population.

Lifestyle behaviors and mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic among college students: a web-based study

BackgroundAfter emerging in China, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quickly spread to all parts of the country and became a global public health emergency. The Chinese government immediately took a series of protective and quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the virus, and these measures may have negative effects on behavior and psychological health. This study aimed to examine the associations between factors related to COVID-19 measures and mental health symptoms among Chinese college students in different pandemic areas.MethodsAn online survey was administered to 14,789 college students from February 4 to 12, 2020. After excluding the participants who did not complete the questionnaire, the quality of the questionnaire was checked. Finally, the sample included 11,787 college students from 16 cities and 21 universities in China. The areas included the city of Wuhan (Area 1), the neighboring province of Hubei (Area 2), first-tier cities (Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou [Area 3]), and other provinces (Area 4).ResultsThe average age of the participants was 20.51 ± 1.88 years. One-third of the participants were men. In total, 25.9 and 17.8% reported depression and anxiety, respectively. We also explored COVID-19-related factors, such as infection risk, perceived resistance to COVID-19 (or susceptibility to COVID-19 infection), perceived physical symptoms, family or friends, direct or indirect contact with confirmed cases, and having sought psychological counseling, which were significantly associated with anxiety and depression symptoms. Higher screen time, lower physical activity, higher soda and tea beverages (also called sugar sweetened beverages intake), use of alternative medicines or food supplements (including Chinese herbal medicines and vitamins), and decreased meal frequency were all correlated with higher depression and anxiety symptoms (depression: χ2 = 25.57 and anxiety: χ2 = 39.42). Coping with COVID-19 partially mediated the associations between some related lifestyle behaviors, anxiety, and depression. The conditional process model analysis results supported our hypotheses that lifestyle health behaviors and coping style were both predictors of anxiety and depression symptoms, and their direct and indirect effects were moderated by sex.ConclusionsCompared with the city of Wuhan, other epidemic areas had a lower risk of mental health problems. Lifestyle health behaviors and coping styles alleviated mental health symptoms. COVID-19-related social stressors were positively associated with mental health symptoms.

Seroepidemiology of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. among German National Cohort (NAKO) Participants, Hanover.

Lyme borreliosis is the leading tick-related illness in Europe, caused by Borrelia Burgdorferi s.l. Lower Saxony, Germany, including its capital, Hanover, has a higher proportion of infected ticks than central European countries, justifying a research focus on the potential human consequences. The current knowledge gap on human incident infections, particularly in Western Germany, demands serological insights, especially regarding a potentially changing climate-related tick abundance and activity. We determined the immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) serostatuses for 8009 German National Cohort (NAKO) participants from Hanover, examined in 2014-2018. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as the screening and a line immunoblot as confirmation for the Borrelia Burgdorferi s.l. antibodies. We weighted the seropositivity proportions to estimate general population seropositivity and estimated the force of infection (FOI). Using logistic regression, we investigated risk factors for seropositivity. Seropositivity was 3.0% (IgG) and 2.1% (IgM). The FOI varied with age, sharply increasing in participants aged ≥40 years. We confirmed advancing age and male sex as risk factors. We reported reduced odds for seropositivity with increasing body mass index and depressive symptomatology, respectively, pointing to an impact of lifestyle-related behaviors. The local proportion of seropositive individuals is comparable to previous estimates for northern Germany, indicating a steady seroprevalence.

Mediating Role of Lifestyle Behaviors in the Association between Education and Cancer: Results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

Many studies have shown that socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with the incidence of malignant tumors at different sites. This study aims to estimate the association between educational level (as proxy for SEP) and cancer incidence and to understand whether the observed associations might be partially explained by lifestyle behaviors. The analyses were performed on data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study, globally and by sex. We used Cox proportional hazards models together with mediation analysis to disentangle the total effect (TE) of educational level [measured through the Relative Index of Inequality (RII)] on cancer incidence into pure direct (PDE) and total indirect (TIE) effect, unexplained and explained by mediators, respectively. PDE and TIE were then combined to compute the proportions mediated (PM). After an average of 14 years of follow-up, 52,422 malignant tumors were ascertained. Low educated participants showed higher risk of developing stomach, lung, kidney (in women), and bladder (in men) cancers, and, conversely, lower risk of melanoma and breast cancer (in post-menopausal women), when compared with more educated participants. Mediation analyses showed that portions of the TE of RII on cancer could be explained by site-specific related lifestyle behaviors for stomach, lung, and breast (in women). Cancer incidence in Europe is determined at least in part by a socioeconomically stratified distribution of risk factors. These observational findings support policies to reduce cancer occurrence by altering mediators, such as lifestyle behaviors, particularly focusing on underprivileged strata of the population.

Psychometric properties of the Iranian version of Scale of Changes in Lifestyle-related Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Psychometric properties of the Iranian version of Scale of Changes in Lifestyle-related Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Assessment of Health Risk Behaviours among the Administrative Staff at an Institution of Higher Education

Background: Health risk behaviours can impair an individual's physical and/or mental health. University administrators experience a sedentary lifestyle such as smoking, drinking, unhealthy eating habits, and work-related stress. Objective: This study assessed the health risk behaviours of administrators at an institution of higher education in the Western Cape, South Africa. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted among 67 participants using an online questionnaire, focusing on demographics, work-related stress and environment, lifestyle-related behavior, and physical activity levels. SPSS, version 26 (2020), was used to compute the data. Results: The results of this study report significant mean value for administrative staff. Participants reported that they preferred physical activity as a coping mechanism. Administrators admitted to being stressed in their work situation for two weeks or more consecutively and to feeling overwhelmed by the workload. They reported working standard office hours from 08:30 to 16:30. On most days of the week, administrators reported they ate breakfast with at least one drink of alcohol and tried smoking. They spend hours playing video or computer games, sitting at a desk, and have poor sleep quality. Conclusion: Health risk behaviors such as smoking, excessive drinking, and having a sedentary lifestyle can harm job productivity.

Association between overweight, obesity and sleep duration and related lifestyle behaviors is gender and educational stages dependent among children and adolescents aged 6-17 years: a cross-sectional study in Henan

BackgroundTo investigate the associations between overweight, obesity and sleep duration and related lifestyle behaviors in children and adolescents at different gender and educational stages.MethodsA cross-sectional study comprising 18723 children and adolescents with a stratified cluster sampling method of Henan Province was conducted in 2019. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect the information about demographic characteristics as well as sleep and lifestyle behaviors. Anthropometric measurements (height and weight) were taken and body mass index was computered as an indicator of overweight and obesity. The Chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance and multiple logistic regression were used to data analysis.ResultsAmong the respondents, 12657(67.6%) were with normal weight, 3711(19.8%) were overweight and 2355(12.6%) were obesity. The average age of the participants was 12.6 years old. The proportion of overweight and obesity in the 10191 boys was 18.7% and 14.2% respectively. The proportion of overweight and obesity in the 8532 girls was 21.2% and 10.6% respectively. In trend analyses, sleep duration at different gender found with the decreased of the sleep duration, the proportions of overweight/obesity in boys and girls were gradually increased (Ptrend<0.05). In the adjusted logistic regression models, the results showed stratified by gender, compared with the recommended sleep duration group, students with very short sleep duration and short sleep duration showed an increased ORadj of 2.56 and 2.13 in boys, 2.34 and 2.09 in girls respectively. According to different educational stages, those in very short sleep duration and short sleep duration showed an increased ORadj of 2.15 and 1.69 in primary school, 2.26 and 1.58 in middle school, 2.23 and 1.51 in high school respectively.ConclusionsChildren and adolescents with very short sleep duration and short sleep duration may increase the risk of overweight/obesity, the association differed based on the gender-specific and educational stages-specific. Gender and educational stages should be regarded as specific characteristics for the effects on overweight/obesity in Henan Province.

Developing "MinDag" - an app to capture symptom variation and illness mechanisms in bipolar disorder.

IntroductionThe illness course of bipolar disorder (BD) is highly heterogeneous with substantial variation between individuals with the same BD subtype and within individuals over time. This heterogeneity is not well-delineated and hampers the development of more targeted treatment. Furthermore, although lifestyle-related behaviors are believed to play a role in the illness course, such mechanisms are poorly understood. To address some of these knowledge gaps, we aimed to develop an app for collection of multi-dimensional longitudinal data on BD-relevant symptoms and lifestyle-related behaviors.MethodsAn app named MinDag was developed at the Norwegian Center for Mental Disorders Research in Oslo, Norway. The app was designed to tap into selected areas: mood, sleep, functioning/activities (social, occupational, physical exercise, leisure), substance use, emotional reactivity, and psychotic experiences. Ethical, security and usability issues were highly prioritized throughout the development and for the final app solution. We conducted beta- and pilot testing to eliminate technical problems and enhance usability and acceptability.ResultsThe final version of MinDag comprises six modules; three which are presented for the user once daily (the Sleep module in the morning and the Mood and Functoning/Activities modules in the evening) and three which are presented once weekly (Substance Use, Emotional Reactivity, and Psychotic Experiences modules). In general, MinDag was well received in both in the beta-testing and the pilot study, and the participants provided valuable feedback that was taken into account in the final development. MinDag is now in use as part of the research protocol at the NORMENT center and in a specialized treatment unit for BD at Oslo University Hospital in Norway.DiscussionWe believe that MinDag will generate unique longitudinal data well suited for capturing the heterogeneity of BD and clarifying important unresolved issues such as how life-style related behavior may influence BD symptoms. Also, the experiences and knowledge derived from the development of MinDag may contribute to improving the security, acceptability, and benefit of digital tools in mental health.

A web-based survey assessing perceived changes in diet, physical activity and sleeping behaviours in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to poorer self-management (ie, diet, physical activity and sleep) of diabetes mellitus (DM), which might predispose individuals to more severe COVID-19 outcomes.ObjectiveThe first objective...

The cross-sectional study of depressive symptoms and associated factors among adolescents by backpropagation neural network

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the association between depressive symptoms and diet- and lifestyle-related behaviors among adolescents. Study designCross-sectional study. MethodsOur study used stratified random cluster sampling method to recruit 6,251 adolescents aged 11–19 years as samples for research and analysis. The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms. Chi-squared test, t test, and logistic regression were used to explore the diet and lifestyle factors of depressive symptoms. Backpropagation (BP) neural network model was used to investigate the ranking of diet and lifestyle behaviors factors of depressive symptoms. ResultsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescents was 32.1%. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine 10 important variables of depressive symptoms. After ranking the importance by BP neural network, the top three important variables were found, which were sleep duration (100%), screen time (49.1%), and breakfast (23.6%). ConclusionSleep duration, screen time, and breakfast were associated factors with the most significant impacts on depressive symptoms.

Analytical study of the relationship between lifestyle and biological, mental, and social health during the corona in selected countries

Human beings can no longer continue their former lives due to coronavirus as a new, absolutely unknown, and complex disease. Nowadays, lifestyle and related behaviors have become increasingly important, and the effect of lifestyle-related behaviors on the health of individuals and society emphasizes this importance. This study investigated the relationship between lifestyle and biological, mental, and social health during the corona in selected countries. There was a significant concern in the community in the early stages of the pandemic. Billions of people worldwide used quarantine and social distance to minimize virus transmission. Governments alone cannot relieve the situation. It is necessary to implement a joint effort of support and empathy from citizens, NGOs, public health professionals, and investors to cope with this crisis. This study discussed comparing lifestyle with biological, mental, and social health in different countries and cultures during the corona what differs this study from other studies.

Childhood socioeconomic status, healthy lifestyle, and colon cancer risk in a cohort of U.S. women

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the US. While the socioeconomic status -health gradient has been established, findings linking adult socioeconomic status to colon cancer incidence specifically are mixed. Considering childhood socioeconomic status (CSES) and relevant risk factors, including related lifestyle behaviors, may provide more insight. At baseline in 1976, women from the Nurses' Health Study reported CSES as defined by parents' occupation when participants were age 16. Lifestyle-related factors (i.e., physical activity, body mass index, diet, alcohol, and tobacco consumption) were self-reported in 1988 or 1990, and every 4 years thereafter until 2016. Cox regression models estimated hazards ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of adopting an unhealthy lifestyle (N = 22,507) and developing colon cancer (N = 100,921) between 1976 and 2016, separately, across parents' occupation levels. During follow-up, 2342 cases of colon cancer occurred. Compared to women whose parents were white collar workers, women whose parents were farmers had lower colon cancer risk (HR = 0.84; 95%CI: 0.72, 0.98), but no differences were evident for women whose parents were blue collar workers in models adjusting for age and familial history of colon cancer. Using the same comparison group, risk of adopting an unhealthy lifestyle over follow-up was not significantly different in women with farmer parents (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.02), while children of blue collar workers had slightly greater risk (HR = 1.07; 95%CI: 1.03, 1.12) in age-adjusted models. These findings suggest the impact of CSES on colon cancer risk is modest and varies across outcomes and occupational status.

Lifestyle under the light of nutrological and psychological aspects in the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

Introduction: Due to the emergence of the new coronavirus (whose disease is COVID-19), in 2020 the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Preventive measures can radically change individuals' daily habits, including lifestyle-related behaviors. Sedentary behavior, anxiety, and boredom caused by home confinement can influence motivation to eat and change lifestyle patterns. Objective: To carry out a systematic review on the impacts of COVID-19 on people's diet and lifestyle, as well as to point out the main dietary and lifestyle precautions during and after the new coronavirus pandemic, based on the results of clinical studies. Methods: The rules of the Systematic Review-PRISMA Platform were followed. The search was carried out from December 2021 to April 2022 in Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: Were found 264 articles. A total of 116 articles were fully evaluated and 34 studies were developed in a systematic review. There is scientific evidence that foods/nutrients and natural substances from human physiology and biochemistry such as melatonin and coenzyme Q10 control immune system functions, and many metabolic or chronic diseases have been implicated in poor diet and lifestyle. The results of the pandemic indicate there have been a variety of lifestyle changes, physical inactivity, and psychological problems. Still, adults over 40 years old, with children, unemployed, and those living in a macroeconomic region were shown to be more exposed to unhealthy behaviors. Maintaining dietary intervention through telemedicine can reduce the negative impact of eating habits and physical activity patterns.

Perceived severity of COVID-19, social support, and pandemic-related stress associated with lifestyle changes among undergraduate students in Indonesia

Introduction: COVID-19 affects lifestyles, including those of undergraduate students who are one of the most vulnerable populations. This study aimed to describe changes in lifestyle-related behaviors and assess the correlation between the perceived risk of COVID-19, social support, perceived stress, and lifestyle changes among undergraduate students during the pandemic. Design and methods: A total of 547 students from 32 provinces in Indonesia completed online questionnaires comprising four measures: perceived risk of COVID-19, the Lifestyle-related Behavior Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Pandemic-related Perceived Stress Scale. Results: Undergraduate students who lived with their families had healthier lifestyles than students who lived alone ( p = 0.007). Furthermore, The Pearson’s correlation showed a significant correlation between lifestyle changes with perceived severity ( r = 0.107; p &lt; 0.05), social support ( r = 0.237; p &lt; 0.001and pandemic-related stress ( r = −0.304, p &lt; 0.001). Higher perceived severity of COVID-19 and social support were associated with a healthier lifestyle, whereas increased stress correlated with a less healthy lifestyle. Conclusion: Psychological factors correlated with lifestyle changes of Indonesian undergraduate students during the pandemic. Therefore, psychological aspects should be more considered by relatives and institutions to ensure healthier lifestyles of students.

Modificación de estilos de vida de adolescentes chilenos durante el primer confinamiento por COVID-19

Confinement is an effective measure to control COVID-19, but it can have repercussions on lifestyle-related behaviors, especially among adolescents. Poor quality diet and low physical activity could trigger weight gain and the appearance of chronic non-communicable diseases at an early age. To investigate the changes in eating and physical activity patterns before and during the first COVID-19 confinement in Chilean adolescents. Chilean adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years were invited to answer an online survey with 47 questions about dietary habits and physical activity. The survey was answered by 420 participants and only four adolescents declined to answer it. Changes in eating patterns were evidenced, such as an increase in lunch consumption from 54.1 to 83%, and a decrease in the consumption of both healthy and unhealthy foods. Also, significant changes were observed in physical activity patterns, and an increase in the time spent sitting, from 4.7 to 5.8 hours during confinement. The first confinement for COVID-19 modified eating and physical activity patterns in Chilean adolescents towards unhealthy habits, which if maintained, could negatively affect their health and quality of life.

An examination of temporal trends in health behaviors among United States children, adolescents, and adults from 2005 to 2016

Introduction Lifestyle-related health behaviors are major contributors to preventable chronic diseases. We aimed to characterize temporal trends in health behaviors of US children, adolescents, and adults and examine the association of sociodemographic characteristics with clustering of unhealthy behaviors. Methods The study population included 46,793 participants from the 2005 to 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from three age groups: children (aged 2–11), adolescents (aged 12–19), and adults (aged ≥20). We calculated weighted prevalences of unhealthy behaviors—poor diet quality, low physical activity, screentime, fast food consumption, smoking (adolescents and adults), alcohol use, and short sleep duration (adults)—for each survey wave to examine temporal trends across age groups. Multivariable logistic regression estimated associations of sociodemographic characteristics with unhealthy behavior clustering (≥2 behaviors), stratified by age. Results Results of the study demonstrated that between 2005 and 2016, the proportion of children and adolescents not meeting the physical activity guidelines increased and screentime increased among all ages. Dietary quality improved and smoking prevalence declined among adolescents and adults, while fast food consumption declined among adolescents. Unhealthy behavior clustering among children increased by 13%. The odds of unhealthy behavior clustering were higher among children and adolescents that were older, non-Hispanic Black, or lived in unmarried households, and among adults who were younger, non-Hispanic black, had lower educational attainment, were uninsured or had public insurance, and had lower poverty-to-income ratios. Conclusion The findings suggest that screentime and physical inactivity are growing areas of concern in the U.S. population, and that disparities in adherence to multiple healthy behaviors may contribute to disparities in chronic diseases.

The effect of COVID‐19 pandemic on lifestyle‐related behaviours in Turkey: A web‐based cross‐sectional study

BackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic and restrictions imposed to eradicate it have affected healthy lifestyle‐related behaviours.AimThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of COVID‐19 on lifestyle‐related behaviours.MethodsThis cross‐sectional web‐based survey research was performed with a convenience sample of 1020 adults residing in Turkey. Data were collected with self‐report data collection tools on 8–28 April 2021: a sociodemographic characteristics form and the impact of COVID‐19 on lifestyle‐related behaviours questionnaire.ResultsEating behaviours, physical activity and sleep patterns of the participants were negatively affected during COVID‐19 pandemic (p < 0.001). More than half of the participants experienced weight gain during the pandemic. Also, stress levels and smoking increased (p < 0.01). The participants reported having changes in their lifestyles most frequently due to the fear of COVID‐19 infection, stress, decreased motivation, closure of the facilities for social and sports activities and increased food prices. Predictors of lifestyle‐related behaviours were found to be education (β = .189), income (β = −.101), residing in a village (β = .113) and the presence of a chronic disease (β = .075) (p < 0.001).ConclusionsDuring the pandemic, COVID‐19‐related restrictions should be applied whilst taking account of both social distancing measures and maintenance of healthy lifestyle‐related behaviours. Nurses should offer counselling for maintenance of healthy lifestyle‐related behaviours.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity Level and Lifestyle Changes among Undergraduates of Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown could prevent students from achieving the recommended levels of physical activity due to home confinement and it also could lead to changes in lifestyle related behaviour. University students are already known as a risk group for physical inactivity. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify physical activity levels and lifestyle changes during COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduate medical and physiotherapy students of University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Methods: A web-based survey was used, which consisted of questions from short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - SF) and lifestyle related behaviour questionnaire. Results: A total of 349 participants (age= 22.59±1.96, n =141; 40.4 % males and n=208; 59.6 % females) completed the questionnaire. According to the IPAQ categorical score 49.9% were physically inactive and the mean weekly total metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes of the population was 1018.20±1271.13. A significant increase in sitting and screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic were found in 68.5 % of participants. The mean sitting time and screen time were 7.50±5.21 and 7.09±3.43 hours per day. A slight increase in stress and anxiety levels and sleeping hours were reported by 32.4 % and 41.5% of participants respectively while 31.5 % reported a slight decrease in consumption of junk food. Conclusion: An overall increase in physical inactivity such as reduced exercises, increased sitting and screen time were observed among study participants. Promotional educational strategies should include the development and implementation of interventions that promote active lifestyle behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: Physical activity, COVID-19, lockdown, lifestyle, Sri Lanka, undergraduates.

Abstract 140: Significant reduction in HbA1c levels among participants with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes on diabefly® digital therapeutics program using multidisciplinary approach

Background: Long-term hyperglycemia is a potential risk factor for both macro and microvascular complications in Type 2 diabetes. Digital therapeutics platform can be a highly accessible and cost-effective way in helping these patients with dietary, behavior change and fitness advice aimed towards better glycemic control.Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of Diabefly® digital therapeutics program using multidisciplinary approach in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus having HbA1c ≥9%.Results: De-identified data of 49 participants using Diabefly® platform was analysed. The mean age was 46.12 years and 57.14% were females. At the end of 90 days, a significant mean reduction in HbA1C, body weight and body mass index (BMI) by 3.34%, 2.41 kg and 0.82 kg/m2 (p<0.001 for all) was observed respectively. 26 participants with complete data on waist circumference (WC) showed significant mean reduction by 4.89 cm (p<0.001). Among 21 participants with dietary data a significant mean reduction in carbohydrate and total calorie intake was observed after completion of the program (p<0.001).Conclusion: This study highlighted that the participants had a significant reduction in their HbA1c, body weight, BMI, WC, and intake of carbohydrate and total calories at the completion of the 90 days Diabefly® program thus making Digital therapeutics an indispensable tool for implementing lifestyle related behaviour change.

Lifestyle Variations during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Diet, Physical Activities, and Weight Gain among the Jordanian Adult Population.

The way that COVID-19 has been handled since its inception in 2019 has had a significant impact on lifestyle-related behaviors, such as physical activities, diet, and sleep patterns. This study measures lifestyle-related behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown using a 22-item questionnaire. The responses were collected from March 2021 to September 2021. A total of four hundred and sixty-seven Jordanian participants were engaged in assessing the changes caused by the pandemic and their effect on BMI. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were tested for 71 participants. Cronbach’s alpha values for the questionnaire exceeded 0.7, demonstrating good reliability and internal consistency. The effect of each question regarding physical activity and dietary habits over the BMI difference was studied using ANOVA. The study shows that more than half of the participants reported snacking more between meals and increased their sitting and screen time, while 74% felt more stressed and anxious. BMI difference among the individuals throughout the lockdown was significantly associated with these variables. In contrast, 62% of the participants showed more awareness about their health by increasing the intake of immunity-boosting foods, and 56% of the participants showed an increase in the consumption of nutrition supplements. Females and married individuals tended to be healthier. Therefore, their BMI showed stability compared to others based on their gender and marital status. Exercise, sleep, and avoiding ‘junk’ food, which contributes to weight gain and COVID-19 vulnerability, are strongly recommended.