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Vlacha V, Perivolaropoulou P. Changes in dietary, lifestyle habits and mood in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey distributed across Greek universities. J Am Coll Health 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38350002 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2299428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had implications on students' life. This study aims to identify positive and negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic on students' life habits with the final goal to promote their general wellbeing.Methods: An online questionnaire was administered to Greek undergraduate and graduate college students during the COVID-19 quarantine. The impact of the pandemic on the dietary and lifestyle habits were evaluated in 246 participants.Results: The study revealed that 57.7% of students boosted their fruit and vegetable intake, 43.1% consumed more meals, and 57.7% increased snacking. Breakfast eaters went from 57.7% to 66.6%, and those preparing homemade meals rose to 58.9%. Conversely, 61.4% reported increased sedentary time, 61.8% noted weight gain, and only 71% claimed a medium level of life satisfaction post-pandemic.Conclusion: Students developed some healthier dietary habits during the pandemic. However, many of them gained weight because of inactivity, adverse dietary behaviors and decreased level of life satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Vlacha
- Department of Early Years Learning and Care, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Olympion Therapeutirion Patras, Patras, Greece
- Paediatric Department, Karamandanio Children's Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
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Yu J, Xia J, Xu D, Wang Y, Yin S, Lu Y, Xia H, Wang S, Sun G. Effect of skipping breakfast on cardiovascular risk factors: a grade-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1256899. [PMID: 38089630 PMCID: PMC10715426 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1256899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Skipping breakfast is one of the most prevalent irregular eating habits. Several pieces of evidence have reported the association between breakfast omission and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Numerous publications have focused on the impact of skipping breakfast on various cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess this impact, especially with regard to anthropometric measurements, serum lipid profiles, blood pressure, and glycemic control indicators. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to 1 April 2023. A total of 11 eligible trials were identified to evaluate the combined effects of skipping breakfast. Final integrated results demonstrated that breakfast omission significantly decreased the body weight (mean difference = -0.66, 95% CI: -1.09 to -0.24, p = 0.002, I2 = 0.0) and increased the level of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (mean difference = 9.89, 95% CI: 5.14 to 14.63, p = 0.000, I2 = 17.3). Subgroup analysis also revealed potential factors that may affect the outcomes, for example, the physiological condition of participants, duration, gender, and type of breakfast. In conclusion, skipping breakfast may reduce body weight while increasing the level of serum LDL-C at the same time. In view of the limited trials, further studies are needed to expound the role of breakfast omission in cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Yu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiayue Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dengfeng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiyu Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shaokang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guiju Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Kriaučionienė V, Grincaitė M, Raskilienė A, Petkevičienė J. Changes in Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Body Weight among Lithuanian Students during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nutrients 2023; 15:4091. [PMID: 37764874 PMCID: PMC10535377 DOI: 10.3390/nu15184091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The long-term effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle changes remains understudied. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess changes in nutrition, physical activity, and body weight among Lithuanian students during the pandemic and their post-pandemic persistence. Data were collected from 1430 first-year students (325 males, 1105 females) through an online self-administered questionnaire. The students indicated an increase in the consumption of snacks, fast food, home-made confectionery, and sweets. A decrease in physical activity during the pandemic was reported by 34.9% of males and 33.2% of females. Lifestyle changes during the pandemic were associated with post-pandemic habits. A higher proportion of females (38.7%) than males (31.1%) indicated an increase in BMI, which was more pronounced among students with overweight. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that reduced physical activity; the increased consumption of red meat, snacks, fast food, and home-made confectionery during the pandemic; and post-pandemic BMI were linked with weight gain. After the pandemic, weight gain persisted in 40.9% of students who continued to follow unhealthy nutrition habits and had reduced physical activity. The study emphasizes that the promotion of a healthy diet and regular physical activity among university students is essential for developing lifelong habits that contribute to a healthy body weight and overall well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilma Kriaučionienė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Monika Grincaitė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Asta Raskilienė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Janina Petkevičienė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
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Bonfanti RC, Sideli L, Teti A, Musetti A, Cella S, Barberis N, Borsarini B, Fortunato L, Sechi C, Micali N, Lo Coco G. The Impact of the First and Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Eating Symptoms and Dysfunctional Eating Behaviours in the General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2023; 15:3607. [PMID: 37630798 PMCID: PMC10458761 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the prevalence of feeding and eating disorder (FED) symptoms or dysfunctional eating behaviours (DEB) in the general population during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHOD We searched eligible articles in biomedical databases from 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2022. Prevalence rates of FED or DEB changes between pre-pandemic and pandemic time and correlation with psychological distress were pooled with a meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was tested using I-squared (I2) statistics. A total of 186 studies with 406,076 participants met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS The more prevalent FED or DEB during the COVID-19 outbreak were: body image concerns (52%, 95% CI 0.38, 0.66), binge eating (40%, 95% CI 0.25, 0.55), and overeating (40%, 95% CI = 0.32-0.48). Pooled data of longitudinal studies (k = 8) only showed a significant difference in the prevalence of weight gain from pre-pandemic to the pandemic time. Finally, increased levels of psychological distress (k = 35) positively correlated with some ED symptoms. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis evidenced a negative impact of the pandemic on eating symptoms and DEB in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucia Sideli
- Department of Human Science, LUMSA University, 00193 Rome, Italy;
| | - Arianna Teti
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.T.); (L.F.); (G.L.C.)
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Cella
- Observatory on Eating Disorders, Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Nadia Barberis
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Bianca Borsarini
- Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Eating Disorders Research Unit, Psychiatric Centre Ballerup, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark; (B.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Lucia Fortunato
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.T.); (L.F.); (G.L.C.)
| | - Cristina Sechi
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Nadia Micali
- Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Eating Disorders Research Unit, Psychiatric Centre Ballerup, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark; (B.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Gianluca Lo Coco
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.T.); (L.F.); (G.L.C.)
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Xian X, Wang C, Yu R, Ye M. Breakfast Frequency and Sleep Quality in College Students: The Multiple Mediating Effects of Sleep Chronotypes and Depressive Symptoms. Nutrients 2023; 15:2678. [PMID: 37375582 DOI: 10.3390/nu15122678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep disorders, which are prominent problems among college students, may be associated with skipping breakfast. Therefore, we aimed to explore the role of sleep chronotypes and depressive symptoms as mediators in the relationship between breakfast frequency and sleep quality. A cross-sectional survey enrolling random samples of 712 college students was conducted by the Questionnaire Star online platform. Statistical description and correlation analysis were performed by SPSS 25.0, and a chain mediation test was performed by model 6 in PROCESS 3.5. The result of the article demonstrated that breakfast frequency can affect sleep quality through two mediating pathways: ① sleep chronotypes, with a mediating effect of 32%; and ② depressive symptoms, with a mediating effect of 52.4%. However, the chain mediating effects of sleep chronotypes and depressive symptoms was not significant, and neither was the direct effect of breakfast frequency on sleep quality. Breakfast frequency can indirectly affect sleep quality by adjusting sleep chronotypes and depressive symptoms. Regular breakfast can increase morning and intermediate sleep chronotypes, reduce depressive symptoms, and thus improve sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobing Xian
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Chunyuan Wang
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Rong Yu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Mengliang Ye
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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Stutz B, Buyken AE, Schadow AM, Jankovic N, Alexy U, Krueger B. Associations of chronotype and social jetlag with eating jetlag and their changes among German students during the first COVID-19 lockdown. The Chronotype and Nutrition study. Appetite 2023; 180:106333. [PMID: 36202148 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Due to their biologically later chronotype, young students are vulnerable to a discrepant sleeping pattern between work- and free days, coined social jetlag (SJL). This study examined whether a later chronotype and/or a larger SJL are related to an analogous discrepancy in meal timing defined as eating jetlag (EJL) and whether chronotype and/or changes in SJL during the first COVID-19 related lockdown in Germany associated with changes in EJL. Baseline data were collected from September 2019-January 2020 among 317 students (58% females) aged 18-25 years of which a total of 156 students (67% females) completed an online follow-up survey in June-July 2020 (1st lockdown). Data were collected on daily routines, timing of meals/snacks, and physical activity. Chronotype was determined using the Munich ChronoType Questionnaire; SJL and EJL correspond to the difference in the daily midpoint of sleep/eating duration between work- and free days. Multivariable linear regression revealed that students with a later chronotype or a larger SJL experienced a larger EJL (padjusted = 0.0124 and padjusted<0.0001). A later chronotype at baseline and reductions in SJL during lockdown associated with concurrent reductions in EJL (padjusted = 0.027 and padjusted<0.0001). In conclusion, students with a later chronotype exhibit a more erratic meal pattern, which associates with SJL. During lockdown, flexible daily schedules allowed students to align the meal timing with their inner clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Stutz
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Nutrition, Consumption and Health, Paderborn University, Warburger Strasse 100, 33098, Paderborn, Germany
| | - A E Buyken
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Nutrition, Consumption and Health, Paderborn University, Warburger Strasse 100, 33098, Paderborn, Germany.
| | - A M Schadow
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Nutrition, Consumption and Health, Paderborn University, Warburger Strasse 100, 33098, Paderborn, Germany
| | - N Jankovic
- Nutritional Epidemiology, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, DONALD-study Centre, Heinstueck 11, 44225, Dortmund, Germany
| | - U Alexy
- Nutritional Epidemiology, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, DONALD-study Centre, Heinstueck 11, 44225, Dortmund, Germany
| | - B Krueger
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Nutrition, Consumption and Health, Paderborn University, Warburger Strasse 100, 33098, Paderborn, Germany
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Brakspear L, Boules D, Nicholls D, Burmester V. The Impact of COVID-19-Related Living Restrictions on Eating Behaviours in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14173657. [PMID: 36079914 PMCID: PMC9460286 DOI: 10.3390/nu14173657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the imposition of physical and social distancing measures worldwide. Emerging data suggest that younger age groups may be particularly vulnerable to the adverse mental health impacts of the pandemic. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an unprecedented increase in demand for child and adolescent eating disorder services. The aim of this review was to systematically review and appraise the current literature on the impact of COVID-19-related living restrictions on the eating behaviours of children and adolescents. Searches of eight electronic databases were conducted in March 2021 and December 2021 for published and grey literature on eating behaviours of population samples of children and adolescents (aged 18 months to 18 years old) who were exposed to COVID-19-related living restrictions. Of 3165 retrieved references, sixteen studies were included in this review, comprising data from 125, 286 participants. There was a pattern towards healthier eating behaviours among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, young people from lower socioeconomic groups showed a tendency towards more unhealthy eating behaviours, and there was an association between mood difficulties and greater changes in eating; this suggests that such groups may be more vulnerable to the adverse health consequences of lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Brakspear
- North East London Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Training Scheme, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Daniella Boules
- Division of Psychiatry, 2nd Floor Commonwealth Building, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Dasha Nicholls
- Division of Psychiatry, 2nd Floor Commonwealth Building, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Victoria Burmester
- Division of Psychiatry, 2nd Floor Commonwealth Building, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
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Jehi T, Khan R, Halawani R, Dos Santos H. Effect of COVID-19 outbreak on the diet, body weight and food security status of students of higher education: a systematic review. Br J Nutr 2022;:1-13. [PMID: 35946073 DOI: 10.1017/S0007114522002604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted college students' lifestyles and placed them at a greater risk of obesity and food insecurity. The purpose of the systematic review was to consolidate evidence for the effect of Covid-19 on students' dietary quality, dietary habits, body weight and food security status. A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilising various databases including Google Scholar, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Embase and Scopus to identify relevant studies. To be incorporated in this review, studies had to include higher education students, measure the prevalence of food insecurity and assess the dietary and body weight changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The studies showed that the diet quality of college students was compromised during the pandemic in many nations due to the decrease in the intake of whole grains, dairy products, legumes, nuts, fruits and vegetables and the increase in consumption of alcohol, confectionery products and refined grains. There was an increase in the frequency of cooking, binge eating, breakfast skipping and unhealthy snacking. These modifications, in return, were associated with body weight changes, with no less than 20 to 30 % of students gaining weight during the pandemic. The pandemic also impacted food security status of students, with over 30% being food insecure worldwide. The COVID-19 outbreak has exacerbated the students' diet quality and dietary habits and placed them under high risk of weight gain and food insecurity. Higher education institutions and governments should improve students' access to nutritious foods and incorporate nutrition education interventions in the curricula.
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Begdache L, Danesharasteh A, Ertem Z. The Impact of the Different Stages of COVID-19, Time of the Week and Exercise Frequency on Mental Distress in Men and Women. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132572. [PMID: 35807753 PMCID: PMC9268137 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic produced life disturbances and loss of routine which affected diet and sleep quality as well as physical exercise frequency. Interestingly, mental distress was higher even in those who exercised. The purpose of this study was to assess exercise frequency in relation to different levels of mental distress severity in men and women while accounting for working days and weekends. A de-identified secondary data set was analyzed. Regression analyses produced models of the different stages of COVID-19 in relation to physical exercise frequency and mental distress levels. Margin analysis generated predictive models that could be used prophylactically to customize physical exercise frequencies in men and women to reduce their risk of mental distress during future pandemics. Mental distress during the lockdown and after ease of restrictions was associated with different physical exercise frequencies, with a noticeable difference between men and women. During a pandemic, sedentary men are more likely to be mentally distressed during working days. Nevertheless, moderately active, but not very active women, may be less distressed during pandemic weekends. These findings may provide a framework to optimize mental health during different stages of a pandemic by customizing physical exercise frequencies based on gender and time of the week.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Begdache
- Health and Wellness Studies, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Anseh Danesharasteh
- Systems Science and Industrial Engineering, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA; (A.D.); (Z.E.)
| | - Zeynep Ertem
- Systems Science and Industrial Engineering, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA; (A.D.); (Z.E.)
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Larsson K, Onell C, Edlund K, Källberg H, Holm LW, Sundberg T, Skillgate E. Lifestyle behaviors in Swedish university students before and during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cohort study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1207. [PMID: 35710368 PMCID: PMC9202972 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13553-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Changes in Swedish university students’ lifestyle behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic are unknown. This study aimed to assess physical activity, sitting time, meal frequency and risk substance use (alcohol, tobacco, and illicit use of drugs) in Swedish university students before and during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, for all and stratified by age and sex. Methods Data were obtained from the Sustainable University Life cohort study in which web-based surveys were sent to university students repeatedly for one year. Baseline assessment (before the pandemic) was between August 2019-March 2020, follow-up 1 (FU1) between March-June 2020, and follow-up 2 (FU2) between June–September 2020. Participants reported weekly minutes of physical activity, daily sitting hours, meal frequency by weekly intake of different meals, and motivation for eating irregularly, if so. Also, harmful use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs was assessed. Population means and differences with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) in lifestyle behaviors between time points were calculated with Generalized Estimating Equations. Results 1877 students (73% women, mean age 26.5 years) answered the baseline survey. Weekly exercise decreased by -5.7 min (95% CI: -10.0, -1.5) and -7.7 min (95% CI: -12.6, -2.8) between baseline and FU1 and FU2, respectively. Weekly daily activities increased by 5.6 min (95% CI: 0.3, 11.7) and 14.2 min (95% CI: 7.9, 20.5) between baseline and FU1 and FU2. Daily sitting time decreased by -1.4 h (95% CI: -1.7, -1.2) between baseline and FU2. Breakfast intake increased by 0.2 days per week (95% CI: 0.1, 0.3) between baseline and FU2. Lunch intake decreased by -0.2 days per week (95% CI: -0.2, -0.1) between baseline and FU1 and by -0.2 days per week (95% CI: -0.3, -0.0) between baseline and FU2. Dinner intake decreased by -0.1 days per week (95% CI: -0.2, -0.0) between baseline and both FU1 and FU2. Only minor differences in risk substance use were observed. Similar changes were observed in analyses stratified by age and sex. Conclusions Lifestyle behaviors in Swedish university students slightly improved during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04465435. 10/07/2020. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13553-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Larsson
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Clara Onell
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Klara Edlund
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research On Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Källberg
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena W Holm
- Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research On Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tobias Sundberg
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Skillgate
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research On Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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