Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on the nutritional habits of adults.

Methods: The study was conducted between August 2021 and January 2022 with 626 people aged 15-65 living in Yalova province. In the survey applied to the participants, demographic information, questions about lifestyle elements related to nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic were asked, and the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition (ASHN) was applied by asking them to answer according to their nutritional status in 2 separate periods, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results: 28.4% of the participants were male and 71.6% were female. Information Nutrition (IN) and Positive Nutrition (PN) scores of those who dieted during the pandemic were found to be higher than those who did not diet during the pandemic (p<0.05). No significant difference was found in the ASHN sub-dimensions during the pandemic according to changes in physical activity levels (p>0.05). Emotion for Nutrition (EN) scores of individuals whose stress levels and weight increased were found to be significantly higher during the pandemic (p<0.05). During the pandemic, IN, PN sub-dimension means and the total score of the ASHN were found to be higher compared to the pre-pandemic period (p<0.05). Emotion for Nutrition (EN), Malnutrition (MP) sub-dimension means were found to be lower during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period (p<0.05).

Conclusion: It was concluded that there were significant changes in the eating habits of individuals during the pandemic process and that they tried to exhibit correct eating attitudes in order to protect their current health during this process.