European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

COVID-19 AND SHIFT IN LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS AMONG ADULT POPULATION IN KERALA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Martena Martin, Muhammed Dilshad K., Zafar Zadek and Rajeev P. Thomas*

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 is a global burden that continues to significantly alter daily lifestyle-related habits as the pandemic develops through its different phases To compare the changes in specific lifestyle behaviors such as eating behavior, physical activity, sleep pattern, smoking, alcohol consumption. A cross – sectional survey study was conducted on 164 people during a period of 6 months. Detailed literature review was conducted by using tertiary, secondary, primary resources. All the required study materials like informed consent document, patient information sheet, and data entry form were designed. The survey was conducted only after getting endorsement from the Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC). 164 people, who met the inclusion criteria, were enrolled in the survey. Comparison was done to assess the changes in lifestyle related behaviors before and during COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 164 responses were collected. An improvement in healthy meal consumption pattern was observed. A reduction in physical activity coupled with increase in daily screen time was found. Stress and anxiety was increased to the outbreak of COVID-19. Based on the study results, it was concluded that the COVID- 19 pandemic improved the eating habits with a decrease in physical activity coupled with an increase in daily screen time.

Keywords: Eating behavior, physical activity, sleep pattern, coronavirus, pandemic.