How Has Lifestyle-Related Behaviour Changed During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

In a first effort to develop a short questionnaire to assess lifestyle-related behaviour changes, a recent study conducted in India created both a valid and reliable questionnaire in the hopes of achieving this[1]. It consists of 20 items that assess dietary habits, physical activity and sleep (as seen below).

One hundred and three, male and female participants, aged 18 to 82 years old, participated in this study. Results found that:

- 3/4 of the participants reported either an increased or a similar intake of main meals, snacking between meals, portions of meals/snacks and a balanced diet.

- The overall intake of fast food/junk food/fried food, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets, chocolates has been found to be either similar or decreased.

- The intake of unhealthy foods out of boredom or stress has been found to be a bit increased by around 20% of the participants.

- Nearly 50% of the participants reported an increased intake of immunity-boosting foods during COVID period.

- Involvement in aerobic exercise and household chores has either remained grossly similar or somewhat increased.

- 3/4 of the participants reported an increased sitting time and screen time during this pandemic period.

- Nearly half of the participants reported no gross change in both the duration and quality of sleep, whereas another half reported increase and decrease in a similar ratio.

- The overall increase in stress and anxiety levels have been reported by 40% of the participants.

The development of this questionnaire was to ensure its applicability to the Indian population as well as other South-East Asian populations. As stated previously, the questionnaire is deemed both valid and reliable. However, it validity and reliability outside of this population is unknown and thus it is suggested that minor modifications will need to be made for other regions.

References

[1] KUMARI, A et al., 2020. A short questionnaire to assess changes in lifestyle-related behaviour during COVID 19 pandemic. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews, 14(6), 1697-1701