The effect of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on nutritional habits and stress levels of academician: The case of Bitlis Eren University

Our research is a descriptive study conducted to evaluate the change in nutritional habits and stress levels of academics at Bitlis Eren University during the pandemic process. Data were collected by face-to-face questionnaire. The questionnaire form consists of 26 descriptive questions prepared by literature review, "5-point Likert Scale Revealing Opinions on the Importance of the Effect of the Coronavirus Epidemic on the Nutritional Habits of Individuals" and "Perceived Stress Scale". A total of 216 people, 145 men and 71 women, participated in the study. The average age of the participants was 37.43 ± 7.54, the average height was 171.98 ± 9.12 cm, and the average weight was 76.90 ± 15.52 kg. During the pandemic, men used take-out more (p=0.017); women's stress increased more (p=0.010); the number of meals increased more in women (p=0.046) and those with a lean BMI (p=0.004); sleep problems were experienced more by women (p=0.039) and those aged 23-34 (p=0.003); women (p=0.039) mostly used medicinal products for protection. In the pandemic, food expenditure (p=0.021), beverage consumption (p=0.002), meal order problems (p=0.012) increased more in those aged 23-34; research assistants' desire to eat (p=0.026), beverage consumption (p=0.032) increased more. PSS women (p<0.001), those with chronic diseases (p=0.033), singles (p=0.045), those whose income is equal to their expenditure (p=0.017), research assistants (p=0.003), in pandemic; Those who said that their nutrition is very bad in terms of being adequate and balanced (p<0.001), those who said that their nutrition is affected (p=0.015), those who said that their nutrition expenditure is sometimes affected (p=0.005), those who have increased weight (p=0.007), those who said that the package service has increased (p= 0.003), those who fed 4 meals (p=0.009), those who stated that their stress level increased a lot (p<0.001), and those who said that their income decreased and their expenses remained constant (p=0.013). In the pandemic, individuals should be made aware of adequate and balanced nutrition. The importance of physical activity should be explained, alternative physical activities (domestic exercises) and nutritional recommendations (avoiding high-energy products) should be recommended for restriction periods. Social and psychological support should be given to those who stay at home for a long time, and their anxiety and stress should be reduced. Stress and anxiety coping training should be given. Awareness should be raised about the effect of nutrition on stress. It should be ensured that individuals take adequate and balanced nutrients when they are under stress, and stay away from unhealthy foods, and necessary warnings should be made in this regard.