A Comparison of Infant Birth Outcomes Based on Maternal Category of Glucose Screening

Abstract

Learning Outcome: Describe the dietary and alcohol use behaviors of college students during the early-and mid-stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Background:The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted college students' lives, subsequently impacting health. This study's purpose was to compare college students' dietary and alcohol use behaviors during the early-and mid-stages of the pandemic.Methods: This observational study was conducted at a large Midwestern university in March/April 2020 (early-stage; n¼797, 72.4% female, 22.5AE5.7 years, BMI 26.5AE6.5 kg/m2) and October/November 2020 (mid-stage; n¼409, 72.9% female, 22.4AE5.8 years, BMI 26.5AE6.6 kg/m2). Participants completed the Starting the Conversation (STC) food frequency questionnaire and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) screening instrument. For both surveys, higher scores reflect less desirable behaviors. Quantitative data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests. Qualitative feedback regarding dietary changes compared to pre-pandemic was collected mid-stage only; themes were generated through inductive coding and peer consensus.Results: Dietary behaviors worsened from the early-to mid-stages of the pandemic. STC total score increased, fruit and vegetable consumption decreased, and fast-food intake increased (p<0.05 for all). Sugar-sweetened beverage, high-quality protein, savory snack, sweet, and solid fat consumption were unchanged (p>0.05 for all). Nearly half of participants aged 21+ years were at risk of alcohol misuse (48.8% early-stage, 48.2% mid-stage) although alcohol use was unchanged. Qualitative themes included preparing more homecooked meals, experimenting with popular diets, and increasing awareness of intake as well as less healthful choices related to emotional and environmental changes.