Nutrition and COVID-19 – Preliminary Study on Knowledge and Practice Among General Population

OBJECTIVES: The focus of Lifestyle Medicine is mainly on non-communicable diseases however, for considerable part of 2020 and even into 2021, the word Covid-19 invaded the vocabulary unexpectedly, perturbed routine, and leaving us with some important lessons to be learned, as well with the realization that the campground of the LM definitely won't be the same either. The initial purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and practice of the lifestyle medicine principles (before, during, and with potential solutions for the after-crisis). Now as the crisis still continues in some parts, what we all might still need to learn and agree on is the importance of nutrition not only in relation to the NCDs, but even in a pandemic such as the present one. METHODS: A simple questionnaire covering major areas in Lifestyle Medicine interventions, was distributed to a group of participants from the general public (diverse in terms of age, education, location), asking to review to their best ability their perception on issues in those areas. The Nutrition section focused mainly on dietary patterns. RESULTS: About 75% of the respondents reported to be “Healthy”, 64% having sedentary jobs, 75% being non-smokers and 58% non-drinkers. Nutrition area showed that: 91% are regularly home cooking, 60% are non-vegetarian, and 90% are using herbs and spices. Onion and Garlic in 80% of cases were the foods most used that offered the much needed protection (only 8% being at a point or another founded positive), and only 35% used supplements. The importance of staying informed, and that of eating more foods that optimize the immunity was recognized as important by 58% respectively 84% of the participants. CONCLUSIONS: It might take time/effort making positive changes to get to the best version of self, but the facts look promising. Further study, on a larger number and more in depth evaluation would be definitely needed for validation. It was however encouraging seeing people dealing with crisis in an attitude of calm, responsibility and willingness to make positive changes, for the best benefit of their own health and of those around them. FUNDING SOURCES: NO