Effects of home quarantine during COVID-19 lockdown on physical activity and dietary habits of adults in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Public health endorsements during the present COVID-19 pandemic has led the governments of largely affected countries to imply policies that restrict social mobility to slow COVID-19 spread. The study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 home quarantine on lifestyle and health behavior of Saudi residents. An online survey in Saudi Arabia was launched from May 11 to June 6, 2020. The survey was designed by multidisciplinary scientists and academics uploaded and shared through the Google platform in Arabic and English languages. Questions presented related to responses “before” and “during” COVID-19 home quarantine. A total of 1965 respondents participated and were included in the analysis [921 (47.0%) males and 1044 (53.0%) females]. Non-Saudis were more likely to increase their physical activity during quarantine [odds ratio (95% confidence interval 1.41 (1.11–1.79); p < 0.005]. Prevalence of participants walking daily for more than 4 times per week significantly decreased during pandemic (before vs during, 30.5% vs 29.1%) which was in parallel to the significant increase in the prevalence of participants who did not perform daily walking during the quarantine (21% vs 22.9%; p < 0.001). The prevalence of participants who often consume snacks between meals increased during quarantine (27.4% vs 29.4%, p < 0.001), while the prevalence of participants who never consumed fresh fruits and vegetables significantly increased during home quarantine (2.4% vs 3.7%; p = 0.019). The lockdown imposed in Saudi Arabia modestly but significantly impacted physical activity and dietary behaviors of several citizens and residents in an unhealthy way. Interventions to alleviate these acute adverse lifestyle behaviors during pandemic should be formulated.

Physical Activity and Attitudes Toward Social Media Use of Active Individuals During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Survey

“…However, the findings contraindicated the results of the previous study showing the negative effect of home quarantine on physical activity among adults in Saudi Arabia (Alfawaz et al, 2021). A previous study shows a significant increase in physical activity including swimming and physical activity with weights during home quarantine (Alfawaz et al, 2021). The reported low number of participants who did vigorous activity during quarantine was most likely due to the dependence of their routine on gyms to keep them physically fit.…”

“…Our findings were parallel to a study conducted in France in which there were differences in levels of vigorous activities during the COVID-19 pandemic (Marchant et al, 2021). However, the findings contraindicated the results of the previous study showing the negative effect of home quarantine on physical activity among adults in Saudi Arabia (Alfawaz et al, 2021). A previous study shows a significant increase in physical activity including swimming and physical activity with weights during home quarantine (Alfawaz et al, 2021).…”

COVID-19 Self-quarantine and Weight Gain Risk Factors in Adults

“…In addition, reports show an overall decrease in walking during COVID-19 self-quarantine [17]. Physical activity behavior data were released during the COVID-19 pandemic by Fitbit, Inc.…”

“…The exact amount of caloric increase due to snacking is not provided in the literature. However, a commonly reported theme during COVID-19 self-quarantine is increased snacking frequency [12,15,17,33,36]. For example, crosssectional data from 1097 Poles revealed that 52% of participants admitted to snacking more frequently between meals when compared to before the pandemic [37].…”

Physical Activity Behaviors and COVID-19 Symptoms

“…For example, a cross-sectional study of 37,252 participants from France found that 63% reported increased sedentary time, with an average of seven hours per day spent sitting during lockdown [8]. In addition, reports show an overall decrease in walking during COVID-19 self-quarantine [9]. A worldwide sample of roughly 450,000 subscribers of a popular fitness app found that daily step counts were reduced by roughly 30% within 30 days of pandemic declaration [10].…”