The upshots of COVID-19 quarantine over diet, social interaction and education

This study aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on lifestyle changes, including eating habits, daily routine, behaviour, education and research amid the volunteers of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. A well-organised questionnaire with demographic and anthropometric information, dietary information, education and research information, and daily routine habits before, during and after the lockdown was prepared in January-March 2021 for impact analysis. The questionnaire was distributed amongst 600 volunteers. Each section within the questionnaire was explained well for an appropriate response. The questionnaire was collected after 15 days. 150 volunteers responded to the questionnaire, ages ranging from 15-60 years, including 64 males and 86 females. More than 60% sensed a change in hunger and satiety sensations, and 50% gained weight. The Body Mass Index (BMI) of 88 volunteers was reduced with a compromised daily routine and social behaviour. Moreover, 50% of volunteers did not prefer the online education system. The experimental research activities were disrupted, and it took ~72 days to resume. This study concludes that during the lockdown, the lifestyle, eating habits, daily routine, behaviour, and education were compromised but not significantly and therefore, it reverted after the lockdown.