Change in eating habits during the Spanish COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: evidence for a sample of university community

BACKGROUND: The stress and anxiety caused by COVID-19 lockdown may have changed the eating habits of the population. Our aim is to assess the eating changes that have taken place due to the pandemic. METHODS: Data were collected through an electronic survey created by the Health Economics Research Group of the University of Cantabria and IDIVAL and conducted between 14/01/2021 and 19/02/2021. A total of 1,417 responses were recorded, but only 507 complete observations were considered. We carried out a cross-sectional analysis through ordered probit regressions. RESULTS: The improvement in post-confinement eating habits is associated with higher income level, better self-assessed health status and more physical activity. The worsening of eating habits is associated with having a certain level of nomophobia or the fear of contagion. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis can be used for designing and implementing new strategies to overcome the negative spill overs of the COVID-19 pandemic and improve the dietary patterns.