The Survey of lifestyle changes among elderly population in khoy city during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: older people are more vulnerable than others to the effects of COVID-19 disease. Despite quarantine being a safe measure against the spread of the coronavirus, these actions can cause major changes in healthy lifestyle. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in lifestyle among older people in Khoy during the COVID-19 period. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jaunuary and February 2023 on 337 elderly people living in Khoy city. The samples were selected by multi-stage sampling method from comprehensive health services centers. Data were collected during the presence of the elderly in comprehensive health services centers using the EHLC-COVID 19 questionnaire, which was developed by the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Genomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of RomeTo determine the scientific validity of the questionnaire, the content validity method was used through the coordination of experts' opinions and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to determine the reliability. Data analysis was done in SPSS software version 24 with descriptive and analytical statistical methods. Results: The mean age of the elderly was 69.9±7.04 (range: 60-90) years old and 54.6% of the samples were females. About 35% of the samples stated that their eating habits have worsened during the COVID-19 era. About 15% of the samples reported an increase in smoking, about 22% a decrease in exercise frequency, and about 12%of the samples reported a decrease in sleep. The results showed that the highest amount of food consumed during the Corona period was related to the daily consumption of vegetables (59.6 %), fruits (54 %), and the least amount of food consumed during thisperiod was related to sugar or sweeteners (31.8 and carbonated drinks (31.5%) Conclusion: Considering the deterioration of lifestyle among older people in Khoy city during the coronavirus period (inactivity, moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet and increased smoking), implementation of appropriate educational programs aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle with an approach of strengthening awareness is essential in facilitating behavioral changes among older people