Factors associated with the weight change trend in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: the case of Turkey

Sex-related differences in eating behaviors during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review with metanalysis

Eating behavior can be influenced by external factors; however, there is no consensus on the existence of differences in eating behavior between the sexes in stressful situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review assessed whether there was a difference in eating behavior between sexes during the COVID-19 pandemic. A search of nine databases (Medline/Pubmed, Embase, Scielo, VHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ProQuest, Google Scholar) was conducted in October 2023. Studies reporting eating behaviors in males and females during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Instrument. Stratified meta-analyses were conducted using the STATA software. Of the 2388 studies identified, 45 were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 36 in the meta-analysis, encompassing a total of 35,792 participants. Validated questionnaires were used to assess eating behavior, including the TFEQ (33.3%), DEBQ (24.4%), EEQ (22.2%), EES (11.1%), EOQ-5 (2.2%), AEBQ (2.2%), EAS (2.2%), and EMAQ (2.2%). Overall, males exhibited lower scores in emotional eating (Cohen's d = -0.32, 95%CI: 0.46 to -0.17) and restrained eating (Hedges'g = -0.11, 95%CI: 0.16 to -0.06) compared to females. However, the subgroup analysis indicated no differences in emotional eating (subgroup difference p = 0.39) or restrained eating (subgroup difference p = 0.30) according to the year of pandemic. These findings underscore the importance of sex-specific interventions, the address eating behaviors during periods of heightened insecurity in worldwide health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, our results emphasize the necessity for public health strategies to monitor and promote healthy eating behaviors to mitigate their impact on overall health outcomes, even in males, as their eating behavior may be affected over the course of a global health crisis, as well as females.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on semen quality in male partners of infertile couples: a hospital-based observational study

The effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on male fertility have received considerable attention because human testes contain high levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptors, through which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can enter. Early studies showed decreases in semen quality during and after recovery from COVID-19. However, no semen quality studies have examined the effects of widespread subclinical and mild disease, as well as changes in lifestyle, psychosocial behavior, intake of dietary supplements, and stress. This cross-sectional study compared semen quality parameters in male partners of infertile couples between men who underwent semen analysis before the COVID-19 pandemic (prepandemic group) and men who underwent semen analysis during the pandemic period (pandemic group); the analysis sought to clarify the overall effects of the pandemic. No participants in the pandemic group had experienced clinically overt disease. Among the 239 participants, mean body weight (P = 0.001), mean body mass index (P < 0.001), median sperm concentration (P = 0.014), total sperm count (P = 0.006), and total percentages of motile (P = 0.013) and abnormal cells (P < 0.001) were significantly greater in the pandemic group (n = 137) than those in the prepandemic group (n = 102). Among abnormal cells, the percentages of cells with excess residual cytoplasm (P < 0.001), head defects (P < 0.001), and tail defects (P = 0.015) were significantly greater in the pandemic group than those in the prepandemic group. With the exception of morphology, the overall semenogram results were better in the pandemic group than those in the prepandemic group.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on eating styles: A population based-survey during the first lockdown in Italy

Background

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a strong impact on eating behavior. To maintain health and well-being, correct nutrition is essential, especially when the immune system is under pressure.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between emotional aspects and the eating behavior of a group of people living in Sicily during the lockdown due to COVID-19.

Methodology

We used a cross-sectional survey design with an anonymous online questionnaire, administered through technological means.

Results

During the COVID-19 pandemic, 91 participants experienced high stress (PSS = 18.14 ± 4.1), and eating was associated with emotional behaviors (DEBQ EM = 41.74 ± 10.9). Stress correlated positively with the emotional and external aspects of eating behaviors.

Conclusion

The present study showed that the COVID-19 lockdown caused high stress with a worsening in eating behaviors. The study participants had difficulty in adequately coping with some emotions and feelings, developing an 'addiction' to food.

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

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic and restrictions imposed to eradicate it have affected healthy lifestyle‐related behaviours.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of COVID‐19 on lifestyle‐related behaviours.

Methods

This 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.

Results

Eating 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).

Conclusions

During 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.

What is already known about this topic?

Studies performed at the beginning and during the course of COVID‐19 pandemic in different countries have shown that lifestyle‐related behaviours are negatively affected.

Few studies have used a valid and reliable tool to determine the effect of COVID‐19 on lifestyle‐related behaviours.

The effect of COVID‐19 on lifestyle‐related behaviours has not been examined from a nursing perspective.

What this paper adds?

In the present study, which was performed at a time when night curfews and weekend shutdowns were imposed in Turkey, lifestyles of the participants were found to be negatively affected.

More than half of the participants gained weight and had increased stress and smoking and a decreased sleep quality.

The negative effect on lifestyle‐related behaviours was more severe in participants with low education and income levels, living in a village and suffering from a chronic disease.

The implications of this paper:

Restrictions introduced during the pandemic should both take account of social distancing measures and allow healthy lifestyle‐related behaviours.

Nurses playing a role in first line health care services should offer education and counselling for maintenance of healthy lifestyle‐related behaviours by utilizing information and communication technology (e.g., video calls).