HEALTHY HABITS IN CSIC WORKERS DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN IN SPAIN

Abstract

Aim: COVID-19 crisis has caused a deep change in citizen’s lifestyle. Previous outbreaks have shown that people under confinement can develop mental health problems and cause effects on physical activity (PA) and changes in the diet habits. Subject and Methods: An online questionnaire about healthy habits during the Spanish lockdown was sent to workers from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). Results: A general improvement in the dietary patterns, except for the intake of snacks and bakery goods was observed. PA was subs-tantially reduced, mostly in men, unlike the emotional changes, which were greater in women, mainly observed as anxiety and sleep disorders. Additionally, emotional eating (EE) behaviors were detected mainly in women, although the intake related to boredom was observed in both genders. Conclusions: Ove-rall, the dietary patterns of CSIC workers followed the general recommendations for COVID-19 lockdown. However, half of the participants decreased their PA practice. Regarding to the emotional changes, emotional eating behaviors were associated with anxiety, especially in women, and boredom for both genders.