Lifestyle and preventive behaviors among adults during the early phase of the COVID-19 movement control order (MCO) in Malaysia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Enforcement of the movement control order (MCO) in Malaysia caused by COVID-19 impacted people's health, social, behaviors, and economic consequences. Thus, this study aims to identify adults’ lifestyle and preventive behaviors during the MCO's early phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in April 2020 using a convenience sampling technique. A total of 9987 adults aged 18 years and above from all over Malaysia participated in the study. The questionnaire was distributed through online platforms, such as Facebook, Telegram, WhatsApp, and the official website. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used to describe the categorical data and the independent T-test and one-way ANOVA tests were performed to compare continuous variables between two or more groups. The level of statistical significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Selangor showed the highest participation (28.4%) and most of the respondents were females (68.2%), married (67.8%), and aged between 36 and 45 years old (34.1%). This study found that 10.3% were smokers, and 46.7% of the smokers intended to quit smoking. Most respondents took their three main meals daily (72.4%), but not even half completed daily food groups (45.1%). The frequent activities were internet surfing (18.8%) and house chores (18.2%). Almost 98% of the respondents agreed to implement preventive behaviors. This study also revealed that attitudes toward preventive behaviors significantly differed across genders, age groups, categories of marital status, and monthly income categories ( P < .05). Furthermore, regarding readiness for behavior change after MCO end, only gender shows a significance difference ( P < .05). CONCLUSION: This study shed light on understanding public behavior during the early phase of the pandemic that may significantly impact public health in designing relevant regulations and policies to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infections and preparing strategies for future outbreaks or pandemics. As COVID-19 evolves, continuous efforts to promote positive behavioral changes in lifestyle and preventive behavior are needed to ensure the public practices a healthy lifestyle and complies with pandemic preventive measures.

Feasibility Study on the Development of Functional Food Products from Local Crops in Malaysia

“…Then, continuing to observe the pattern of respondents' buying intention regarding functional food products, they were asked whether the nutritional information on food labeling also influences their purchasing choices. As the pandemic reached, Malaysians considered shifting their diet to healthy and nutritious [7]. This question was raised to support this belief.…”

“…Dehydrated fruits and vegetables and natural sources of coloring and flavor are most recommended by respondents for product development. Since the pandemic began, people cooking more of their meals at home, products, ingredients, and recipes that make healthy food preparation easier are in demand [7].…”

“…Recently, the development of functional foods is moving in a fast pace around the world [1]- [6]. Covid-19 pandemic changed the lifestyle of Malaysia consumers [7]. However, [8] identified four major trends and concerns for functional foods in Malaysia.…”