Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Dietary Behavior Related to Oral Health in Teesside, United Kingdom

Rachael England, Lawrence A. Nnyanzi and Fatemeh Vida Zohoori

European Journal of Dental and Oral Health, 2022, vol. 3, issue 1, 11-15

Abstract: Diet is well established as a significant etiological factor in oral diseases, particularly dental caries, and dental erosion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the stay-at-home orders (lockdown) impacted people’s well-being. Emotional distress affects food preferences and consumption. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the dietary changes due to lockdown in Teesside and consequently its impact on oral health. Method: An online survey was developed based on the World Health Organization Adult Oral Health Survey. After obtaining ethical approval, the survey was distributed among residents ≥18y living in Teesside. The questions addressed dietary choices before and during the lockdown. Participants were also invited to a semi-structured interview to understand the influence of lockdown on dietary choices. Results: The frequency of consuming daily fresh fruit decreased by 3.2%. Participants consuming cakes and biscuits 2-3 times daily doubled from 5.4% to 10.6%. The daily consumption of sweets increased from 8.6% to 14.9%. Drinking alcohol four or more times per week increased from 7.1% to 12.5%. The most common explanations were reliance on online grocery shopping, lack of social interaction, and working from home. Conclusion: Support strategies are needed for communities to maintain healthy nutritional choices during periods of significant upheaval.

Keywords: COVID-19; diet; lockdown; oral diseases (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:epw:ejdent:v:3:y:2022:i:1:id:13129

DOI: 10.24018/ejdent.2022.3.1.129

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