Diet and Lifestyle Changes During COVID-19 Lockdown in the United Arab Emirates: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Lockdown measures were implemented in many countries to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, such restrictions could precipitate unintended negative consequences on lifestyle behaviors. The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and determinants of unhealthy behavior changes during the COVID-19 lockdown among residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey of adults residing in the UAE was carried out during lockdown (n=2060). Using a multi-component questionnaire, the collected data included questions regarding the following lifestyle changes: Increased dietary intake, increased weight, decreased physical activity, decreased sleep, and increased smoking. An unhealthy lifestyle change score was calculated based on the number of unhealthy lifestyle changes each participant reported. In addition, sociodemographic and living conditions information was collected. Descriptive statistics as well as simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the prevalence and determinants of the unhealthy lifestyle changes considered in this study.Results: Among the unhealthy lifestyle changes examined, increased food intake was the most common (31.8%), followed by decreased physical activity (30%), increased weight (29.4%), decreased sleep (20.8%), and increased smoking (21%). In addition to identifying the correlates of each of the aforementioned lifestyle changes, the results of the multiple regression linear analyses revealed the following correlates for the overall unhealthy lifestyle change score: females (β=0.32, CI: 0.22;0.42), living in an apartment (β=0.12, CI: 0.003;0.23) and being overweight/obese (β=0.24, CI: 0.15;0.32) had higher scores, while older adults (>40 years) had lower scores (β=-0.23, CI: -0.34;-0.12).Conclusion: The COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in a high prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and practices among UAE residents. The findings of this study provided the evidence base for officials to design interventions targeting high-risk groups and aiming to improve healthy lifestyle factors among residents during the pandemic.

Consumer and food changes in Mexican households during maximal contingency in the COVID-19 pandemic

“…It can be said that, in general, there is sensitivity towards the consumption of healthier diets in the pandemic. However, other works mentioned opposite attitudes, as the study of Rawdan et al (2020) in United Arab Emirates, where non healthy eating habits increased during the COVID-19 contingency, being the most common increased food intake.…”

“… Radwan et al (2020) stated that cooking at home could change dietary habits. Bad eating habits are undoubtedly a problem that needs multiple solutions, that involve individual awareness where families play a relevant role but it is also a government concern.…”

“…The magnitude of the current pandemic has never been seen by humanity, but it is probable that similar events will happen in the future ( Borsellino et al, 2020 ). Rawdan et al (2020) stated that although efficient in limiting the spread of the actual virus, restrictive measures of confinement and lockdown could have detrimental consequences on the lifestyle and wellbeing of individuals, and efforts are needed to develop interventions aiming to alleviate that impact.…”

“…The second group are empirical studies through on-line questionnaires as one undertaken in China that analysed the perception towards health and risky foods ( Xie et al, 2020 ), or the one in Tunisia on the effect of consumer awareness, attitudes and behaviours related to food wastage ( Jribi et al, 2020 ). An analysis of food consumer spending was carried out in Great Britain thanks to the use of personal financial applications ( Chronopoulos et al, 2020 ), the work on food choices and attitudes towards food preparation by consumers in Spain ( Romeo-Arroyo et al, 2020 ; Laguna et al, 2020 ); food behaviour and consumption in Qatar ( Hassen et al, 2020 ) and United Arab Emirates ( Radwan et al, 2020 ); and the effect of the stress on food choice motives in United States ( Shen et al, 2020 ).…”

The Effect of Online Wellness Coaching for Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Lockdown on Well-Being: A Qualitative Study

“…Studies have shown that during the COVID-19 quarantine period, there was an increase in unhealthy living behaviors, such as a decrease in physical activity and malnutrition, an increase in weight gain, and an increase in smoking [29][30][31]. In addition, one study noted that school closures would have a lasting impact on nutritional and lifestyle behavior and long-term challenges for children.…”