The effect of the COVID-19 induced lockdown on nutrition, health and lifestyle patterns among adults in Zimbabwe

Matsungo, T. M.; Chopera, P.

Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global public health nightmare resulting in lockdowns, associated diet and lifestyle changes and constraint public health delivery. Objective: To investigate the impacts of the COVID-19 induced lockdown in Zimbabwe on nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle patterns among Zimbabwean population aged [≥]18years. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire to collect information on demographics (age, gender, place of residence, current employment), food system dimensions, diet and physical activity patterns, stress and anxiety, body image perceptions, lifestyle behaviours like smoking, alcohol intake, screen time, and ease of access to health services. Electronic informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to completing the survey. Results: The majority of the participants were between the ages of 31-40 years, were female (63.0%) and had tertiary education (91.3%). The lockdown resulted in increase in food prices (94.8%) and decrease in availability of nutritious foods (64%). Most (62.5%) of the participants reported a reduction in their physical activity levels. The prevalence of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) was 40.4% and mostly affecting females [63.5%, P=0.909), 31-40 years age group (49.6%, P=0.886). Based on the BMI-based Silhouette Matching Test (BMI-SMT) 44.5% gained weight, 24.3% lost weight and 31.2% did not have weight change. The paired samples T test showed that there was a significant increase in perceived body weight (P<0.001). More than half (59.6%) reported having difficulties accessing drugs and medication and 37.8% growth monitoring services. Conclusions: The lockdown period was associated with increase in food prizes, decrease in dietary diversification, elevated stress, disrupted diet and consumption patterns. There was low levels of physical activity and perceived weight gained during the lockdown period. However, there are still lots on unknowns concerning the COVID-19 pandemic future studies with larger population are required.