How Covid 19 Fear Affected Nutritional Support in Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Objectives: Healthcare professionals are the most affected individuals by the Covid-19 pandemic. Spending this period with a healthy and balanced diet will help them have a strong immune system. The objective of the study is to determine the relationship between Covid-19 fear and using vitamin supplements by healthcare professionals. Methods: This observational study was conducted through the online Google survey application. Questions including demographic details and vitamin use and the fear of Covid-19 scale (FCV-19s) including seven questions were asked. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 21 package program. Results: 874 healthcare professionals were included in the study. Vitamin / mineral usage frequency increases with decreasing BMI and increasing age and is higher in women, those with chronic illnesses, married people, those living at home with children or elderly. The most preferred vitamins / minerals of the participants during the pandemic were vitamin D, vitamin C, multivitamin, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B12 and iron, respectively. It was observed that as the number of used vitamins / minerals increased, the average score of the Covid-19 fear scale increased. Conclusion: COVID-19 fear caused increase in vitamin and mineral usage. Healthcare professionals should be informed about their benefits and harms.