Impact of the COVID-19 Epidemic on Lifestyle Behaviors and Their Association With Subjective Well-Being Among the General Population in Mainland China: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background The world is experiencing an unprecedented challenge due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, it is unclear whether people’s lifestyles will change as a result. Objective The aim of this study is to explore perceived lifestyle changes after the outbreak of COVID-19 and their association with subjective well-being (SWB) among the general population in Mainland China. Methods An online survey was conducted in May 2020. Lifestyle behaviors including leisure-time physical exercise, leisure-time screen time, and dietary intake were self-reported. SWB was measured using the General Wellbeing Schedule (GWS). Other covariates including sociodemographic factors, self-rated physical health, perceived social support, and loneliness were also assessed by a structured questionnaire. A multivariate ordinal regression method was used to analyze the association between SWB and lifestyle behaviors as well as perceived lifestyle changes. Results A total of 1033 participants aged between 18 and 60 years were included in this study. The mean GWS score was 71.7 points. About 70% of the respondents reported spending more time looking at screens, whereas about 30% reported an increased frequency of vegetable and fruit intake after the outbreak of COVID-19. Inactive physical exercise (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.48), infrequent vegetable intake (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.10-1.90), infrequent fruit intake (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.01-1.70), and often skipping breakfast (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.08-1.91) were associated with lower SWB after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, self-rated physical health, perceived social support, and loneliness. Moreover, participants who perceived a decrease in the frequency of vegetable, fruit, and breakfast intake were more likely to report lower SWB. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic may have positive and negative impacts on different aspects of lifestyle behaviors. Both unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and negative lifestyle changes were associated with lower SWB. These findings provide scientific evidence that can inform lifestyle guidelines and public mental health interventions during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Psychological Distress of University Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil

“…As expected, in our sample associations between these predictors and mental health were found, with a moderate effect of exercise routine. This is congruent with other research findings indicating that regular exercise can alleviate mental distress from by COVID-19 [ 32 ] and that eating quality food has a protective effect of on subjective well being [ 37 ].…”

COVID-19 Related Knowledge and Mental Health: Case of Croatia

“…In an attempt to deal with the potentially fatal consequences of the pandemic, many countries have decided to implement a variety of strategies that include different forms of economic measures, along with a strong emphasis on social contacts restrictions (Bzdok and Dunbar, 2020). Although human society had been confronted with various forms of infectious diseases from the earliest days, it can be said that it has never before, on such a global level, been faced with restrictions that fundamentally change their everyday lives (Hu et al, 2020). Even though people were expected to avoid public spaces and increase indoor time, there were also favorable life changes (e.g., frequent physical exercise, increased fruit, and vegetable intake) in addition to the unfavorable ones (e.g., increased screen time) (Hu et al, 2020).…”

“…Although human society had been confronted with various forms of infectious diseases from the earliest days, it can be said that it has never before, on such a global level, been faced with restrictions that fundamentally change their everyday lives (Hu et al, 2020). Even though people were expected to avoid public spaces and increase indoor time, there were also favorable life changes (e.g., frequent physical exercise, increased fruit, and vegetable intake) in addition to the unfavorable ones (e.g., increased screen time) (Hu et al, 2020).…”

<p>Effect of Pandemic-Related Confinement on Vitamin D Status Among Children Aged 0–6 Years in Guangzhou, China: A Cross-Sectional Study</p>

“…16 The COVID-19 pandemic has both positive and negative effects on lifestyle choices. 17 For example, during confinement, patients with type 1 diabetes had more time to manage their disease and achieve better glycemic control. 18 Similarly, more time at home might have increased the extent of parental supervision of children, thereby improving vitamin D supplementation compliance among children aged <3 years.…”