The effect of Covid-19 and related lockdown phases on lifestyle of various age and sex groups in urban area

Abstract

Background:- Covid-19 has affected the normal lifestyle and emotional aspects of general population of whole world a lot. Due to longer period of lockdown, unhealthy behavior and life style measures has increased like less physical activity, loss of appetite, more fast food and junk food eating habits, sleep disturbances etc. The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 1000 (500 male and 500 female) randomly selected participants of specific age group from the various areas of Amreli city of Gujarat after taking consent for voluntary participation in the study during March- April 2022. The aim of study was to evaluate the effects of lockdowns on lifestyle and behaviour changes of people in the urban areas in Indian populations. Out of total 1000 participants, 55% were having decreased physical activity, 46.4% were having increase in gain in weight, 44.2% were having increased overall food intake, 40.2% were having increased frequency of ordering food at home, 49.6% were having increased frequency of cooking new or traditional recipes at home, 52.8% were having increased use of social media, 55.2% were having increased screen time (TV/mobile/laptop/tablet), 46.4% were having decreased sleep, 49.6% were having increased anger and 53.6% were having more stress. Unhealthy lifestyle behavior among the participants are gain in weight, increased food intake, increased frequency of ordering food at home, increased use of social media, increased screen time (TV/mobile/laptop/tablet), decreased sleep, more stress and anger. Data derived from this study can be helpful to formulate appropriate interventional measures to the key health care personnel.