Lifestyle Habits and Nutritional Profile of the Spanish Population: A Comparison Between the Period During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in habits regarding the health and lifestyle of the Spanish population during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected during the pandemic from 22,181 participants and after the pandemic from 3907 par...

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Main Authors: Elena Sandri, Lisa Ursula Werner, Vicente Bernalte Martí
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Foods
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/23/3962
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author Elena Sandri
Lisa Ursula Werner
Vicente Bernalte Martí
author_facet Elena Sandri
Lisa Ursula Werner
Vicente Bernalte Martí
author_sort Elena Sandri
collection DOAJ
description The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in habits regarding the health and lifestyle of the Spanish population during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected during the pandemic from 22,181 participants and after the pandemic from 3907 participants using the NutSo-HH Scale, assessing demographic, nutritional, and lifestyle variables. Key findings reveal a slight increase in exercise duration (+6.61%) post-pandemic, along with reductions in fried food (−3.57%), juice (−6.45%), and alcohol consumption (−9.66%). Conversely, there were notable increases in the consumption of ultra-processed foods (+2.16%), soft drinks (+6.47%), and coffee/energy drinks (+38.95%). Sleep quality, body image, and self-perceived health showed minor declines. These findings indicate that despite some positive behavioral changes, there is still a significant dependence on unhealthy dietary choices, negatively impacting both mental and physical health. The results highlight the need for public health strategies which encourage healthier eating, increased physical activity, and better sleep quality to reduce the long-term effects of lifestyle changes brought on by the pandemic. Focused interventions are necessary to curb the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages while fostering overall well-being. This study underscores the vital role of ongoing surveillance and customized public health initiatives to enhance general health in the post-pandemic era.
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spelling doaj-art-cd891f7b7bf84f7e9f68132c7414f5252024-12-13T16:27:10ZengMDPI AGFoods2304-81582024-12-011323396210.3390/foods13233962Lifestyle Habits and Nutritional Profile of the Spanish Population: A Comparison Between the Period During and After the COVID-19 PandemicElena Sandri0Lisa Ursula Werner1Vicente Bernalte Martí2Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Quevedo, 2, 46001 Valencia, SpainFaculty of Teaching and Science of Education, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Quevedo, 2, 46001 Valencia, SpainPredepartmental Nursing Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jaume I University, Avda. Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castellón de la Plana, SpainThe aim of this study was to investigate the changes in habits regarding the health and lifestyle of the Spanish population during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected during the pandemic from 22,181 participants and after the pandemic from 3907 participants using the NutSo-HH Scale, assessing demographic, nutritional, and lifestyle variables. Key findings reveal a slight increase in exercise duration (+6.61%) post-pandemic, along with reductions in fried food (−3.57%), juice (−6.45%), and alcohol consumption (−9.66%). Conversely, there were notable increases in the consumption of ultra-processed foods (+2.16%), soft drinks (+6.47%), and coffee/energy drinks (+38.95%). Sleep quality, body image, and self-perceived health showed minor declines. These findings indicate that despite some positive behavioral changes, there is still a significant dependence on unhealthy dietary choices, negatively impacting both mental and physical health. The results highlight the need for public health strategies which encourage healthier eating, increased physical activity, and better sleep quality to reduce the long-term effects of lifestyle changes brought on by the pandemic. Focused interventions are necessary to curb the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages while fostering overall well-being. This study underscores the vital role of ongoing surveillance and customized public health initiatives to enhance general health in the post-pandemic era.https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/23/3962healthy lifestyledietsurveySpainCOVID-19
spellingShingle Elena Sandri
Lisa Ursula Werner
Vicente Bernalte Martí
Lifestyle Habits and Nutritional Profile of the Spanish Population: A Comparison Between the Period During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Foods
healthy lifestyle
diet
survey
Spain
COVID-19
title Lifestyle Habits and Nutritional Profile of the Spanish Population: A Comparison Between the Period During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
title_full Lifestyle Habits and Nutritional Profile of the Spanish Population: A Comparison Between the Period During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
title_fullStr Lifestyle Habits and Nutritional Profile of the Spanish Population: A Comparison Between the Period During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
title_full_unstemmed Lifestyle Habits and Nutritional Profile of the Spanish Population: A Comparison Between the Period During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
title_short Lifestyle Habits and Nutritional Profile of the Spanish Population: A Comparison Between the Period During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
title_sort lifestyle habits and nutritional profile of the spanish population a comparison between the period during and after the covid 19 pandemic
topic healthy lifestyle
diet
survey
Spain
COVID-19
url https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/23/3962
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AT lisaursulawerner lifestylehabitsandnutritionalprofileofthespanishpopulationacomparisonbetweentheperiodduringandafterthecovid19pandemic
AT vicentebernaltemarti lifestylehabitsandnutritionalprofileofthespanishpopulationacomparisonbetweentheperiodduringandafterthecovid19pandemic