Effect of COVID-19 on Food Choices and Eating Behaviour: a study protocol

Abstract

Background and Aims: Research suggests that many individuals infected with COVID-19 experience changes in taste and smell that can persist for months after the initial infection. These sensory changes can potentially have long-term impacts on dietary choices, nutrition, and body weight. The aim of this study is to explore COVID-related changes in dietary intake among University Students. Methods: A retrospective cohort design will be used to compare a cohort of University Students who experienced COVID-19 infection versus pre-existing data collected from a similar cohort prior to the pandemic. Specifically, the pre-existing data were collected between July 2017 and July 2021. Both datasets comprise of a weighed Food Record and Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. The cohort will also be asked about their experience with COVID-19 and changes in their eating behaviour since before the pandemic. Total daily energy intake, macronutrient intake and composition, will be compared across groups using an ANCOVA analysis controlling for age, gender, and ethnicity. Discussion: Understanding the long-term impact of COVID-19 infection is crucial. While COVID-related sensory changes are hypothesised to have impacts on eating behaviour and dietary choices, it is challenging to perform controlled cohort studies due to the high prevalence of undetected infections. The proposed temporal analyses provide a unique opportunity to test for COVID-related impacts on eating behaviour.