Knowledge, Attitude and Awareness about Eating, Sleeping, Weight, Diet and Other Lifestyle Changes during COVID Pandemic

Background and Aim: COVID pandemic lockdown has been constantly associated with psychological changes which have resulted in an increase in stress level and other diseases. So the main aim of this study is to create knowledge about the lifestyle, sleeping and other changes happening during pandemic situations.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted among the dental population with a sample size of 100 to 150. The survey was done in an online questionnaire pattern through Google forms and circulated. The statistics were done using SPSS software, chi square test was used to check the association and P value of 0.05 was said to be statistically significant.

Results: 36.63% responded to intake of vegetables as slight increases and 36.63% responded to significant increase of fruits and vegetables. There were many positive as well as negative changes were observed like increase in screen time and low physical activity were considered to be negative and positive changes like decrease in smoking and drinking alcohol. COVID-19 marginally improved the eating behavior, yet one-third of participants gained weight as physical activity declined significantly coupled with an increase in screen and sitting time. Mental health was also adversely affected. Intake of a balanced diet was significantly increased in females than males. Nearly 42% of them significantly increased their sleeping hours.

Conclusion: The increase of COVID virus all over the world at a faster rate may distract people from attention over lifestyle, physical and mental health. The mental issues may result in severe consequences. People must be aware that a healthy lifestyle change may cause severe health issues. A detailed understanding of these factors can help to develop interventions to mitigate the negative lifestyle behaviors that have manifested during COVID-19.