Effect of the coronavirus pandemic on nutrition and health of adults in Calabar, Nigeria: A post-lockdown analysis

Abstract

The food security and nutrition of millions of people around the world are currently being threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is an evolving health and human crisis (Onyenweaku et al. 2019). Hundreds of millions of people were already suffering from hunger and malnutrition before the COVID-19 pandemic, and unless immediate action is taken, there could be a global food emergency (FAO 2020). In the future, the combined effects of COVID-19 itself, as well as corresponding control Background: The food security and nutrition of millions of people around the world is currently being threatened by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an evolving health crisis.Aim: To evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on nutrition and health of adults in Calabar, especially after the hard lockdown.Setting: Online cross-sectional survey in Calabar, Nigeria.Method: After sample size determination, an online questionnaire was designed, contentvalidated by nutrition experts and piloted on 20 respondents. The questionnaire link was circulated for 6 weeks (April-May, 2021). The questionnaire was structured to gather socioeconomic data, lifestyles of the participants (especially younger adults) and changes in dietary intake and health. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation were used to define the proportion of responses for each question and check for association. Results:No glaring nutrition or health problems was observed in the surveyed population (385 respondents), but many (50%) earned very low monthly income (< 50 000 naira). A drop in finances seemed to have indirectly caused a decrease in food consumption post-lockdown. A strong association between age and health risks was observed; similarly, alcohol intake was significantly affected by income and age. Conclusion:The pandemic caused many changes in people's dietary habits and lifestyles, including financial setbacks. Apparently, education and proper enlightenment play a major role in food choices (despite limited resources), thus ensuring adequate nutrition and reducing health risks in the face of a pandemic. Contribution:This study has affirmed the efficacy of nutrition education and proper awareness in ensuring healthy dietary choices, optimal health and reduced risks of diseases.

Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Agri-Food Systems in West Africa

“…Indeed, most of the scientific literature addresses the impacts of the pandemic on food consumption patterns, diets and food security (especially access to food) in West Africa. [111]; Madzorera et al [112]; Mertens and Peñalvo [113]; Mueller et al [66]; Nkrumah et al [116]; Obayelu et al [117]; Odebunmi et al [67]; Ogunji et al [118]; Okonkwo et al [119]; Omidiji et al [69]; Omotayo et al [70]; Onyenweaku et al [71]; Onyenweaku et al [72]; Ouoba and Sawadogo [73]; Rudin-Rush et al [75]; Saah et al [120]; Tchuenchieu Kamgain et al [76]; Traoré et al [77]; Vall et al [122]; Wang et al [124];…”

“…Impacts of the pandemic on food security in West Africa. Agbawodikeizu et al[84]; Aggarwal et al[52]; Agyei et al[85]; Amare et al[86]; Amoako et al[53]; Asante et al[54]; Asante-Poku and van Huellen[88]; Ayande and Chilufya[89]; Balana et al[48]; Bamidele and Amole[91]; Bamiwuye et al [55]; Bukari et al Gummerson et al [103]; Igwe et al [130]; Iheme et al [61]; Josephson et al [109]; Kinda et al [34]; Kuuwill et al [62]; Lamontagne et al [63]; Madzorera et al [112]; Middendorf et al [114]; Middendorf et al [65]; Mueller et al [66]; Nkrumah et al [116]; Obayelu et al [117]; Ogunji et al [118]; Okonkwo et al [119]; Omidiji et al [69]; Omotayo et al [70]; Onyenweaku et al [71]; Ouoba and Sawadogo [73]; Rudin-Rush et al [75]; Vall et al Adewopo et al [82]; Adjognon et al [83]; Afriyie et al [127]; Agbawodikeizu et al [84]; Aggarwal et al [52]; Agyei et al [85]; Amare et al [86]; Asante et al [54]; Asante-Poku and van Huellen [88]; Ayande and Chilufya [89]; Baada et al [90]; Balana et al [48]; Bamidele and Amole [91]; Bukari et al [56]; Buonsenso et al [129]; Chiemela et al [92]; Dasgupta and Robinson [94]; Dasgupta and Robinson [57]; Davis et al [95]; Dear et al [97]; Dugué et al [98]; Egger et al [100]; Ekoh et al [101]; Folayan et al [102]; Folayan et al [58]; Gummerson et al [103]; Hemler et al [104]; Houessou et al [105]; Igwe et al [130]; Ilesanmi et al [106]; Inegbedion [107]; Josephson et al [109]; Kinda et al [34]; Lamontagne et al [63]; Madzorera et al [112]; Middendorf et al [114]; Mueller et al [66]; Nchanji and Lutomia [115]; Obayelu et al [117]; Okonkwo et al [119]; Okyere et al [131]; Omidiji et al [69]; Omotayo et al [70]; Onyenweaku et al[71]; Ouoba and Sawadogo[73]; Rudin-Rush et al[75]; Saah et alOdebunmi et al [67]; Onyenweaku et al[71]; Onyenweaku et al[72]; Saah et al[120] …”