Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Physical Activity and Dietary Behaviors in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about drastic measures that have significantly altered the norms of daily living. These measures have affected human behaviors in disparate ways. This study seeks to understand the impact of the pandemic on physical activity and dietary behavior among adults living in Kuwait. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 18 June and 15 July 2020, using a questionnaire disseminated through social media, including WhatsApp and Facebook. The target population was individuals aged 21 years or older living in the State of Kuwait. The study included 679 respondents; 57.9% were females, and 67.7% were Kuwaiti nationals. Both genders reported an increased consumption of vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates, and a decreased consumption of fish and sugary drinks. Compared to males, females reported eating more during the outbreak than their pre-pandemic eating behaviors (32.3% vs. 35.9%, p < 0.05). Approximately one-third of respondents (33.1%) reported performing less than 30 min of physical activity or exercise in a week, and 36.4% of respondents rated their quality of sleep as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’. The rate of smoking cigarettes among males was significantly higher than in females (40.6% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.001). Physical activity was positively correlated with vegetable consumption and quality of sleep. Quality of sleep was negatively correlated with the consumption of sweets and snacks, just as the consumption of vegetables was negatively correlated with the consumption of sugary drinks. The overall negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait necessitates the development of health promotion interventions to support positive physical activity and dietary behaviors using alternative coping strategies among the residents of Kuwait.

Psychological Factors, Leisure Activities, and Satisfaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Eleven Spanish-Speaking Countries

“…However, given that this trait might be difficult to target directly, we believe future interventions could also promote modifiable practices such as the amount of time people spend engaged in sports and other nonscreen-dependent hobbies. As Salman et al [ 6 ] suggest, increasing the time in sports and physical activity could also have a positive effect in promoting other healthy behaviors such as better sleeping, healthy eating, and the reduction of psychological distress. Finally, we believe future research is needed to further understand how these variables interact in pursuit of healthy lifestyles and well-being during stressful times.…”

“…Research in other countries has shown similar results. In a study conducted by Salman et al [ 6 ] in Kuwait, results indicated that around 34% of the sample exercised more irregularly than before the COVID-19 outbreak and only half (48.8%) reported exercising for at least 30 minutes three or more days a week. Similarly, in a study in Qatar carried out by Hermassi et al [ 7 ] with 1114 people, results showed an increase of sedentary behavior and decreased physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

Eating Habits during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Level of Antibodies IgG and FRAP—Experiences of Polish School Staff: A Pilot Study

“…Increased consumption of vegetables and fruits may result from greater care for the supply of essential vitamins for fear of viral infection. Studies by Silva et al (2021) and Salman et al (2021) also noted an increase in the consumption of vegetables and fruits during the pandemic [49,50]. It is worth noting that the elderly during the pandemic were characterized by a greater decrease in healthy food consumption than the younger generations [51].…”

Dietary Diversity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Disparities, Challenges, and Mitigation Measures

“…In the first study, the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates increased. It was associated with a decreased consumption of fish and sugary drinks ( 37 ). Otherwise, in the second study, no significant differences were found before and during the lockdown in terms of the weekly frequency of food groups consumption, except in the case of fish and seafood ( 14 ).…”