Eating habits during the mandatory and preventive social isolation by the virus Sars 2 -covid 19

Abstract

Introduction: In Argentina, on March 13 of the year 2020, the mandatory and preventive social isolation (MPSI) was established due to the virus SARS 2- COVID 19, modifying the population's lifestyles, especially their eating behavior, which could trigger a psychosocial stress, and increase the consumption of low nutritional quality of food and alcohol. In the present work we try to characterize these factors in our current society. Method: A descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study was made with a random sample of people over 18 years of age without known eating disorders. A pre-designed questionnaire was used and answered from September to October 2020 by 534 people (n = 534). Results: During the MPSI, 73% reported living with their families. 97% claimed to be omnivores. Of the whole sample, 48% considered that they ate more and increased the consumption of junk food by 59% and 50% reported increasing the consumption of healthy food. In addition, 70% have not increased their alcohol consumption. 51% report not having changed their usual feeding hours. However, the intake was increased by 61% in those who lived with their partners. Conclusion: Those who increased food consumption were those who lived in families. The majority did not increase their alcohol consumption and did not show variations in their usual mealtimes.