The aim of this study is to assess the changes in the dietary habits of adults spending most of their time in their homes due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Eating habits of individuals may vary greatly depending on several factors such as geographic location, socioeconomic conditions, education level, knowledge about nutrition and psychological factors. Since this period of quarantine is economically and psychologically stressful, we hypothesise that individuals may alter their usual eating habits.
Since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the latest Coronavirus outbreak as a
'pandemic', most countries had to take strict measures such as travel bans and lock-downs to
prevent the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, this unexpected situation has caused many
people around to globe to panic buy and stock up on food for an unpredictable period of time
as it cannot be estimated when the outbreak will be controlled.
Nutrition plays an important role in our everyday life; it makes up a large part of a healthy
life, it brings individuals together to socialise around a table and sometimes it can be used
in times of stress as a coping mechanism leading to emotional eating.
In this study it is hypothesised that adults may tempt to change their everyday eating habits
due to social isolation. Humans are generally sociable beings and this period of social
isolation will psychologically pressurise humans and may cause some of them to eat more in
quantity or frequency as a mechanism to cope with the growing fear and anxiety. On the other
hand, it is also hypothesised that, some individuals may prefer healthier ways of eating,
such as consuming more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water etc, believing that if they
can improve their immunity they will be less likely to contract the virus. The study may also
show that some individuals will be highly impacted economically and this will alter their
dietary preferences.
Within the scope of this study an online survey consisting of 20 questions will be asked to
volunteers who are over the age of 18 and spend most of their time at home in social
isolation because of the Coronavirus outbreak. The survey does not include any personal
questions but only general demographic data including gender, age range, the country they are
currently residing, quarantine duration and whether or not they have observed any changes in
their eating patterns since the beginning of this period.
In some questions, observed changes, if any, are further investigated to include details such
as increase/decrease in portion size, frequency of meals etc.
Other: Assessment of Dietary Changes in Adults in the Quarantine
The online survey will help to collect demographic data from the volunteers. Personal information and contact details, such as email, will not be asked. The survey will include questions about any increase or decrease in the consumption of main meals, snacks and fluid intake. If the participants of the study have observed changes in their dietary pattern since the beginning of the quarantine, details of these changes, such as an increase in the amount of main meal consumption, will be questioned.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Being between the ages of 18-80
- Spending most of their time at home in quarantine because of the Coronavirus outbreak
not to contract the virus
- Having internet access
- Being able to read and comprehend English language
Exclusion Criteria:
- Having any mental impairment or degeneration
- Having any life-threatening health condition
Online
Nicosia, Cyprus
Eliz Arter, Principal Investigator
Eastern Mediterranean University