Impact of Covid 19 on Changes in Lifestyle Related Behaviour in Undergraduate Male Physical Education Students

Abstract

During the Covid-19 pandemic the Indian government implemented lockdown in which students were urged to leave their homes as little as possible and study from home. This life changing event may have caused changes in lifestyle behaviour, an important factor in the onset and course of diseases. The overarching aim of this study was to determine life-style related changes during the COVID-19 pandemic among a representative sample of graduate students at Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Delhi.

Life-style related changes in behaviour were studied among physical education students’ representing sample of the graduate students in the Indira Gandhi Institute using an online survey conducted from February to April 2022. Differences in COVID-19-related lifestyle changes between students were determined. The electronic survey questionnaire was designed to assess changes in multiple lifestyle-related behaviors such as eating, physical activity, sleep and other health related behaviours during the COVID-19 outbreak. The survey included a questionnaire of 20 questions on lifestyle related measures, anxiety, and need for support to maintain lifestyle changes.

The present study was titled as “Impact of Covid 19 on Changes in Lifestyle Related Behaviour in Undergraduate Male Physical Education Students”.

The objective of the study was to assess the changes in lifestyle-related behaviour during COVID 19 in undergraduate male physical education students.

To assess the lifestyle related changes in behaviour during COVID pandemic, the lifestyle related changes in behaviour was administered on the selected and the scoring was done as per the instructions laid down by the authors [1].

The pie chart was used to depict the responses of the subjects to all the 20 questions laid down in the questionnaire.
The following were the conclusions drawn from the findings of the present study:
•     It was observed that the ‘probability of skipping one of the main meals’ during COVID 19 did not change among the students and was grossly
similar.
•     It was observed that the ‘habit of snacking between meals’ during COVID 19 did not change among the students and was grossly similar.
•     It was observed that the ‘change in the quantity/portions of the meals and snacks during COVID 19 did not change and was grossly similar.
•     It was observed that the ‘daily intake of fruits and vegetables’ during COVID 19 increased.
•     It was observed that the intake of a balanced diet (including healthy ingredients such as whole wheat, pulses, legumes, eggs, nuts, fruits and
vegetables during COVID 19 did not change and was grossly similar.
•     It was observed that the ‘consumption of junk food/fast food and fried food’ during COVID 19 decreased.
•     It was observed that ‘intake of sugar –sweetened beverage (carbonated soft drinks, sugar- sweetened juices during COVID 19 did not change
and was grossly similar.
•     It was observed that the ‘consumption of sweets/candies/chocolates’ during COVID 19 was not changed and was grossly similar.
•     It was observed that ‘the participation in cooking new /traditional recipes’ during COVID 19 was increased.
•     It was observed that ‘consumption of unhealthy food when subjects are bored or stressed or upset’ during COVID 19 was not changed and
was grossly similar.
•     It was observed that the intake of immunity-boosting foods (lemon, turmeric, garlic, citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables) in the diet during
COVID 19 was increased.
•     It was observed that the intake of nutrition supplements to boost immunity during COVID 19 did not change and was grossly similar.
•     It was observed that the support of the family and friends in eating healthy during COVID 19 increased.
•     It was observed that the interest in learning healthy eating tips from the media (newspaper articles/magazine blogs/videos/TV shows/text
messages) during COVID 19 increased.
•     It was observed that the participation in aerobic exercise during COVID 19 did increase.
•     It was observed that the participation in leisure and household chores during COVID 19 did not changed and was grossly similar.
•     It was observed that the sitting and screen time during COVID 19 was increased.
•     It was observed that the hours of sleep during COVID 19 had increased.
•     It was observed that the quality of sleep during COVID 19 had increased.
•     It was observed that the stress and anxiety levels during COVID 19 did not change and was grossly similar.
Based on the findings of the study following recommendations are drawn:
1. Similar study may be undertaken on men from other college.
2. Similar study may be undertaken on women also.
3. Similar study may be conducted with different age groups.
4. Similar study can be taken up by investing other physical, physiological and psychological parameters.
5. While a body of literature examining the potential impacts of this period on physical activity and dietary habits is emerging, there has been
stress for more research on the topic.
6. Previous studies have begun to investigate the effects of the newly adopted physical activity and dietary behaviors for children, the elderly, and
adult populations, but it is important to obtain information from all populations.