J Korean Diet Assoc.  2023 Nov;29(4):211-229. 10.14373/JKDA.2023.29.4.211.

Depression, Health-Related Habits, Eating Habits, and Nutrient Intake of Male Youth Before and After the Outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic -Analysis of the 2018 and 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey-

• Park KA

• KMID: 2548796
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14373/JKDA.2023.29.4.211

Abstract

This study analyzed the differences in the general characteristics, mental and health-related factors, eating habits, and nutrient intake of Korean male youths before and after the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The data of a total of 1,231 subjects, from among the participants in the 2018 and 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), were analyzed. The 2020 group had fewer married members than the 2018 group. The subjects in the 2020 group weighed more (P＜0.05), had a higher waist circumference (P＜0.01), and showed greater weight gain (P＜0.05) than the 2018 group subjects. The aerobic physical activity of the 2020 group was lower (P＜0.01) compared to the 2018 group. The members of the 2020 group had higher depression scores (P＜0.01), suicidal tendencies (P＜0.01), and need for counseling for mental problems (P＜0.05) than those of the 2018 group. The prevalence of high fasting blood sugar levels and diabetes was higher in the 2020 group compared to the 2018 group. The frequency of breakfast (P＜0.01) and dining out (P＜0.001) and the proportion of breakfast (P＜0.01) and dinner (P＜0.05) taken with the family or non-family members was lower in the 2020 group than in the 2018 group. The rate of dietary supplement intake of the 2020 group was higher than that of the 2018 group (P＜0.01). There were significant differences in the protein (P＜0.05), riboflavin (P＜0.01), and carbohydrate (P＜0.01) intakes between the two groups. These results suggest that male youths had a higher waist circumference and high levels of depression, and showed a decrease in frequency of breakfast intake and dining out after the out break COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, nutrition and health promotion programs are urgently needed to improve mental health, other health-related factors and nutritional status of male adults that are associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keyword

COVID-19; depression; exercise; male adults; nutrient intake