EFFECT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON EXERCISE, NUTRITIONAL BEHAVIORS AND PERCEIVED STRESS STATUS OF ADULTS

Abstract

The aim of this descriptive study is to evaluate how the Covİd-19 pandemic has affected exercise, nutritional behaviors, and level of perceived stress in adults. 1037 people, 354 men and 683 women living in different regions in Turkey were reached. Quota sampling method was used. A questionnaire covering changes in socio-demographic information, dietary behaviors, and exercise status was used. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used. Data were collected by using the online survey method. The proportion of those who didn’t exercise regularly during the quarantine period increased at a statistically significant level. The majority of the participants expressed that they made changes in their nutritional behaviors to protect themselves against the coronavirus. 48.7% of them stated that their desire to eat intensified during the quarantine period due to boredom and stress. Perceived Stress Scale mean score was higher in female participants compared to their male counterparts and this difference was statistically significant. If we as a society learn ways to cope with stress, we can prevent malnutrition behaviors that may occur due to changing emotional states. By providing information on special nutrition recommendations and home exercise practices in pandemics such as Covid-19; Energy intake can be balanced and people can be healthier.