Nutr Res Pract.  2021 Dec;15(S1):S41-52. 10.4162/nrp.2021.15.S1.S41.

Changes in eating habits and lifestyle during COVID-19 curfew in children in Saudi Arabia

• Hanbazaza M
• Wazzan H

• KMID: 2523223
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4162/nrp.2021.15.S1.S41

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
Curfew due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic could influence health behaviors in people, especially in children, who can easily acquire unhealthy eating habits. This study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on weight, health behaviors including eating habits, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in children aged 6–15 years in Saudi Arabia.
SUBJECTS/METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional online survey that included 280 children aged 6–15 years in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 curfew. The survey included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measures, and health behaviors including eating habits, physical activity, and sedentary behavior.
RESULTS
We observed a significant difference in the body mass index before and after the COVID-19 pandemic (P < 0.001). Children significantly tended to skip breakfast, along with a decreased intake of dairy products and fast food (P < 0.001). Moreover, children were less physically active and significantly tended to be involved in leisure screen-based activities, including watching TV and use of computer/games (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides evidence for the negative influences of the COVID-19 curfew on health behaviors, including eating habits, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in children in Saudi Arabia.

Keyword

Children; health behavior; eating habits; physical activity; sedentary behavior