Assessment of the changes in nutritional and psychological behaviors of Saudi adults related to the impact of the coronavirus infectious disease-19 curfew: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background/aim In response to the coronavirus infectious disease - 19 (COVID-19) spread, the Saudi government enforced a nationwide curfew, which in turn has influenced the dietary habits and psychological behaviors of the Saudi population. Data regarding the impact of curfew on Saudi adults are lacking. Thus, the study aims to assess the changes in nutritional and psychological behaviors of Saudi adults related to the impact of the coronavirus disease -19 curfew. Patients and methods This study is a cross-sectional online study among Saudi adults aged between 25 and 65. This study includes 1040 adults from different regions of Saudi Arabia. Data regarding nutritional behaviors, physical activity, weight changes, and psychological behaviors were collected via an online questionnaire. The psychological behaviors during the curfew were assessed by Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. The Chi-square test was used to test for the presence of an association between the diferent categorical variables. Results Out of 1040 participants, 76.9% were female, and 36.4% were aged between 46 and 65 years. Our results showed an increase in intake in dessert by 54.2%, salty snacks by 52.1%, and appetite by 48.9%. Over 24.7% and 45% of participants reported eating more meals and snacking, respectively. Half of the participants gained weight, especially among male participants (P=0.012). Physical activity had also decreased among male participants (P<0.001). The prevalence of moderate to extremely severe anxiety, stress, and depression during the curfew was noted to be 13.8, 3.7, and 8.4%, respectively, without any gender difference. Conclusion Public health officials should focus on increasing awareness of healthy eating habits and provide psychological support and emphasizing physical activities during the curfew.