Dietary changes and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic: a multinational survey.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:

The 2020 global coronavirus pandemic is characterized by increased anxiety. Anxiety has been associated with poor diet quality and weight gain, which may lead to obesity, a risk factor for adverse COVID-19 outcomes. The present study was designed to examine associations between diet quality and anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SUBJECTS/METHODS:

This cross-sectional, international online study was conducted between March 30 and April 25, 2020 and available in seven languages: Arabic (7.6%), English (43.7%), French (0.8%), Hebrew (42.1%), Italian (3%), Russian (1.1%), and Spanish (1.6%). Diet quality was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Score (possible range: 0-17 points) and anxiety scored using the General Anxiety Disorder 7-point scale (GAD-7). The Google Survey platform was used to conduct the survey.

RESULTS:

A total of 3797 persons were included in the present analysis. More than 75% of respondents were female; most completed the survey in English or Hebrew. Median age was 31 (IQ = 18) years. Almost 60% indicated that their pre-pandemic diet was healthier than their current diet. The median Mediterranean diet score was 9 (IQ = 3). The majority (54%) of participants reported at least mild anxiety, while 25% reported moderate anxiety or more severe. In a logistic regression model of at least moderate anxiety, Mediterranean diet score (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.95, p < 0.0001) reduced odds of elevated anxiety, even after controlling for age, sex and other variables.

CONCLUSIONS:

Though causality cannot be inferred, associations between diet quality and anxiety might suggest public health interventions including diet and stress control during future mass lockdowns.

• Authors: Vered Kaufman-Shriqui, Daniela Abigail Navarro, Olga Raz, Mona Boaz
• Journal: European journal of clinical nutrition (Eur J Clin Nutr) Vol. 76 Issue 1 Pg. 84-92 (01 2022) ISSN: 1476-5640 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 33742156 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2021. The Author(s).

Topics

• Adult
• Anxiety (epidemiology)
• Anxiety Disorders (epidemiology)
• COVID-19
• Communicable Disease Control
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Depression
• Female
• Humans
• Pandemics
• SARS-CoV-2
• Surveys and Questionnaires