1. May changes in nutritional habits be an indicator of fear during the COVID-19 pandemic period?
- Author
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Başmısırlı, Eda, Çapar, Aslı Gizem, Kaya, Neşe, Durmuş, Hasan, Aykut, Mualla, and İnanç, Neriman
- Subjects
COVID-19 pandemic ,FOOD habits ,DIETARY patterns ,NUTRITIONAL status ,PSYCHOLOGISTS ,SNACK foods ,GARLIC - Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of anxiety levels of adults on their nutritional status during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kayseri province, Turkey. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 898 adults consisting of 479 individuals with and 419 individuals without a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in the study. The individuals' socio-demographic characteristics, health status, nutritional habits, anthropometric measurement and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) information were obtained online. Findings: The mean FCV-19S score of the participants was 17.49 ± 6.02. FCV-19S score was higher in those who reduced their consumption of protein sources compared to those who did not change and those who increased (p < 0.001). It was determined that FCV-19S scores of participants who increased their consumption of fruit/vegetables, sweets and sugar were higher than those who did not change their consumption of such items (p = 0.007). The FCV-19S scores of individuals who did not change their onion/garlic and snack consumption were lower than those who decreased or increased the consumption of these nutrients (p = 0.001, p = 0.002). Practical implications: Education programs can be organized especially targeting vulnerable populations, such as women, individuals with chronic diseases and those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. These programs can be conducted by dietitians and psychologists in collaboration, focusing on promoting healthy eating habits and coping strategies during stressful times. Originality/value: It was determined that those who changed their nutrition habits during the COVID-19 pandemic had higher fear levels than those who did not. Individuals with high fear paid more attention to healthy nutrition than individuals without fear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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