Analysis of women's eating behaviours in home isolation due to COVID-19 in the context of the dietary impact on the course of the disease

Abstract

The aim of the study was to collect and analyse data on people's eating behaviours and physical activity in home isolation due to a SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, the purpose of the study was to show how taste and smell disturbance can affect eating behaviours. Identifying dietary mistakes and then making recommendations to patients within that scope could help avoid a severe COVID-19 infection and speed up recovery. An anonymous online survey was conducted to study the dietary behavior and physical activity levels of COVID-19 sufferers between April and August 2022. The research tool comprised a specially devised and structured questionnaire and the FFQ-D10 food frequency questionnaire. A total of 159 people completed the questionnaire. Out of that number, 153 women over 18 years of age who were in home isolation due to COVID-19 were included in the study. The results show that 1.133 portions of cereal products were consumed daily, with unrefined groats and wholemeal or 'brown' bread with seeds being more common. Vegetable consumption stood at 2.225 portions per day, and fresh fruit at 1.774 portions per day. For sweets, consumption was 0.511 portions per day. Products that the study participants were least likely to consume were sweetened drinks, red meat, conventionally sweetened sweet fruit preserves, dried fruit and sweetened dairy drinks. Analysis of the anthropometric characteristics and dietary behaviour of women who participated in the study allowed for the preparation of dietary recommendations for COVID-19 patients.