Eating Habits of University Students during Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Context: COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on student’s mental health due to closure of colleges causing sudden changes, through home-isolation and social-distancing which led to changes in the lifestyle and eating behaviour. Aim: This study investigates eating habits of university students during covid-19 pandemic in Hyderabad. Specifically, it investigated perceived changes in eating behaviour compared to usual before COVID-19 and compared it with self-reported response during the same period. Methods & Materials: university students between 17-27 years residing in Hyderabad filled an online survey which included questions about socio-demographic, Anthropometric information, nutritional information, pandemic specific questions and emotional eating scale. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: it was revealed that 52.1%, 41.2% and 6.6% were low, moderate and high Emotional Eaters respectively. Association between BMI and emotions like happy, sad, nervous and underpressure was significant (p