Nutrients (Jun 2021)

Changes in Lifestyle and Dietary Habits during COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy: Results of an Online Survey

  • Melania Prete,
  • Anna Luzzetti,
  • Livia S. A. Augustin,
  • Giuseppe Porciello,
  • Concetta Montagnese,
  • Ilaria Calabrese,
  • Giada Ballarin,
  • Sergio Coluccia,
  • Linia Patel,
  • Sara Vitale,
  • Elvira Palumbo,
  • Egidio Celentano,
  • Carlo La Vecchia,
  • Anna Crispo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061923
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 6
p. 1923

Abstract

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COVID-19 is an unprecedented global pandemic. On 12 March 2020, a lockdown order was issued in Italy in attempt to contain the health crisis. The study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on diet, physical activity, sleep quality, and distress in an Italian cohort. An online anonymous interview, which included validated questionnaires was created to compare lifestyle habits pre- and during the lockdown. Data analysis from 604 subjects with a mean age of 29.8 years was carried out using multivariate analysis. Compared to pre-COVID-19 times, 67% of people changed their eating habits and increased consumption of foods containing added sugars. Women and men with low adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) were more likely to be physically inactive (p p p p < 0.001). Our findings may help to identify effective lifestyle interventions during restrictive conditions.

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