Dietary Intake and Mental Health among Saudi Adults during COVID-19 Lockdown

Hanan Alfawaz, Sobhy M. Yakout, Kaiser Wani, Ghadah A. Aljumah, Mohammed G. A. Ansari, Malak N. K. Khattak, Syed D. Hussain and Nasser M. Al-Daghri
Additional contact information
Hanan Alfawaz: Department of Food Science & Nutrition, College of Food Science & Agriculture, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia
Sobhy M. Yakout: Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Kaiser Wani: Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Ghadah A. Aljumah: King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh 14611, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed G. A. Ansari: Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Malak N. K. Khattak: Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Syed D. Hussain: Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Nasser M. Al-Daghri: Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-11

Abstract: The study aimed to explore the influence of the COVID-19 lockdown on the mental status and dietary intake of residents in Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, an online survey was conducted from 11 May to 6 June 2020 corresponding to almost two weeks during and after Ramadan (23 April–23 May 2020). The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to assess anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia among the participants was 25.4%, 27.7%, and 19.6%, respectively. Participants aged ?50 years with high income (?8000 SAR) were at a lower risk of developing depression, whereas participants of the same age group with income 5000–7000 SAR were at high risk of developing anxiety. Students and master-educated participants suffer from median elevated depression and are required to take more multivitamins and vitamin D than others. Anxiety and depression were more common among married participants with low income. There is a wide range of Saudi residents who are at a higher risk of mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers and mental healthcare providers are advised to provide continuous monitoring of the psychological consequences during this pandemic and provide mental support.

Keywords: anxiety; COVID-19; depression; pandemic; Saudi Arabia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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