Lifestyle changes during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey in the Netherlands

Abstract

Background During the Covid-19 pandemic the Dutch government implemented its so-called ‘intelligent lockdown’ in which people were urged to leave their homes as little as possible and work from home. This life changing event may have caused changes in lifestyle behaviour, an important factor in the onset and course of diseases. The overarching aim of this study is to determine life-style related changes during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among a representative sample of the adult population in the Netherlands. Methods Life-style related changes were studied among a random representative sample of the adult population in the Netherlands using an online survey conducted from 22 to 27 May 2020. Differences in COVID-19-related lifestyle changes between Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) users and non-CAM users were determined. The survey included a modified version of the I-CAM-Q and 26 questions on lifestyle related measures, anxiety, and need for support to maintain lifestyle changes. Results 1004 respondents were included in the study, aged between 18 and 88 years (50.7% females). Changes to a healthier lifestyle were observed in 19.3% of the population, mainly due to a change in diet habits, physical activity and relaxation, of whom 56.2% reported to be motivated to maintain this behaviour change in a post-COVID-19 era. Fewer respondents (12.3%) changed into an unhealthier lifestyle. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that changing into a healthier lifestyle was positively associated with the variables ‘Worried/Anxious getting COVID-19’ (OR: 1.56, 95% C.I. 1.26–1.93), ‘CAM use’ (OR: 2.04, 95% C.I. 1.38–3.02) and ‘stress in relation to financial situation’ (OR: 1.89, 95% C.I. 1.30–2.74). ‘Age’ (OR 18–25: 1.00, OR 25–40: 0.55, 95% C.I. 0.31–0.96, OR 40–55:0.50 95% C.I. 0.28–0.87 OR 55+: 0.1095% C.I. 0.10–0.33), ‘stress in relation to health’ (OR: 2.52, 95% C.I. 1.64–3.86) and ‘stress in relation to the balance work and home’ (OR: 1.69, 95% C.I. 1.11–2.57) were found predicting the change into an unhealthier direction. Conclusion These findings suggest that the coronavirus crisis resulted in a healthier lifestyle in one part and, to a lesser extent, in an unhealthier lifestyle in another part of the Dutch population. Further studies are warranted to see whether this behavioural change is maintained over time, and how different lifestyle factors can affect the susceptibility for and the course of COVID-19.

Changes in Stroke Patients’ Health-Seeking Behavior by COVID-19 Epidemic Regions: Data from the Korean Stroke Registry

“…In a Korean survey, there was a significant decrease in physical and other activities such as daily life, leisure, social activities, and education [ 12 ]. A similar phenomenon was observed in other countries including India and the Netherlands [ 13 , 14 ]. This change could reduce the number of patients visiting hospitals in the COVID-19 outbreak.…”

Post-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Follow-Up Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Possible Benefit of Telemedicine: An Observational Study

“…Fourthly, the general attitudes to health and the stresses faced by patients and healthcare providers may also differ during pre-pandemic and pandemic era. For example, the pandemic might motivate the adoption of healthier lifestyle and healthier choices; on the other hand, the social distancing and compulsory home isolation may compel a more sedentary lifestyle (38). New challenges for healthcare providers during the pandemic include the need to comply to social distancing while ensuring the rapport with patients and quality of care are not compromised, and also identifying patients at higher risk of complications in a remote setting (39).…”

Changes in Eating Habits and Lifestyles in a Peruvian Population during Social Isolation for the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Many studies have evaluated dietary changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in different age groups and countries [ 3 , 17 , 18 ], but, thus far, there is no study among adults from a Peruvian population. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the lifestyles, physical activity levels, and sleep characteristics, as well as changes in eating habits, in a Peruvian population during the period of social isolation due to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.…”