Journal of Nutrition and Health

The Korean Nutrition Society (한국영양학회)
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Lifestyle and dietary changes related to weight gain in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 유행 동안 대학생의 체중증가와 관련된 생활습관 및 식생활 변화

  • Jihyun Kim (Nutrition Education Major, Graduate School of Education, Gachon University) ;
  • Seunghee Kye (Nutrition Education Major, Graduate School of Education, Gachon University)
  • 김지현 (가천대학교 교육대학원 영양교육전공) ;
  • 계승희 (가천대학교 교육대학원 영양교육전공)
  • Received : 2023.03.06
  • Accepted : 2023.04.12
  • Published : 2023.06.30
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Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the weight fluctuations in college students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and identify lifestyle and dietary changes related to weight gain. Methods: An online survey was conducted on 270 college students from September 22 to October 26, 2021. A logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship of weight gain with the general characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary changes of the students. Results: Among the respondents, 42.9% of men and 44.7% of women reported weight gain. The main reasons given for weight gain were reduced activities due to restrictions during lockdown and diet changes, mainly relating to delivered or fast foods. Among the general characteristics and lifestyle factors poor perceived health (odds ratio [OR], 3.97, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.98-7.96) and being underweight (OR, 0.19, 95% CI, 0.05-0.83) were significantly associated with weight gain. With respect to the diet, increased frequency of eating breakfasts (OR, 4.44, 95% CI, 1.76-11.21), decreased frequency of eating snacks (OR, 0.35, 95% CI, 0.16-0.77), decreased frequency of fruit intake (OR, 3.0, 95% CI, 1.32-6.80), increased frequency of carbonated and sweetened beverage intake (OR, 2.74, 95% CI, 1.26-5.99) and increased frequency of fast food consumption (OR, 2.32, 95% CI, 1.14-4.70) were significantly associated with weight gain. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic affected weight gain and caused lifestyle and dietary changes. Specific health and nutrition management plans should be prepared for handling future epidemics of infectious diseases based on the results of surveys conducted on larger sample size.

본 연구는 COVID-19 유행 동안 대학생의 체중변화를 알아보고 체중증가와 관련된 생활습관 및 식생활 변화를 파악하기 위해 실시되었다. 대학생 270명을 대상으로 2021년 9월 22에서 10월 26일까지 온라인 설문조사를 실시하였다. 체중증가와 일반적 특성, 생활습관 및 식생활 변화와의 관련성이 로지스틱 회귀분석을 통해 평가되었다. 체중이 증가하였다고 응답한 비율은 남성이 42,9%, 여성이 44.7%이었다. 체중이 증가한 주요 이유로는 외부활동 제한으로 활동량 감소, 배달음식이나 인스턴트 위주의 식습관으로 조사되었다. COVID-19 유행 동안 체중증가와 일반적 특성 및 생활습관과의 관련성을 평가한 결과 체중증가는 주관적 건강상태가 나쁜 경우 (OR, 3.97, 95% CI, 1.98-7.96), 저체중 (OR, 0.19, 95% CI, 0.05-0.83)과 유의적 수준에서 관련성이 있었다. 체중증가와 식생활과의 관련성에 대하여 분석한 결과 체중증가가 아침 섭취빈도 증가(OR, 4.44, 95% CI, 1.76-11.21), 간식 섭취빈도 감소 (OR, 0.35, 95% CI, 0.16-0.77), 과일 섭취빈도 감소 (OR, 3.0, 95% CI, 1.32-6.80), 탄산음료 및 가당음료 섭취빈도 증가 (OR, 2.74, 95% CI, 1.26-5.99), 패스트푸드의 섭취빈도 증가 (OR, 2.32, 95% CI, 1.14-4.70)와 유의적 수준에서 관련이 있었다. COVID-19 유행은 체중증가와 생활습관 및 식생활 변화에 영향을 미쳤다. 향후 감염병을 대비하여 좀 더 많은 표본을 대상으로 한 조사결과를 바탕으로 구체적인 건강 및 영양관리 방안이 마련되어야 한다.

Keywords

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