Lifestyles during the First Wave of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study of 16,811 Adults from Spanish-Speaking Countries in South America

Sergio Bravo-Cucci (), Joan Chipia, Sandra Lobo, Lizmery López, Regina Munarriz-Medina, Tania Alvarado-Santiago and Rodrigo Núñez-Cortés
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Sergio Bravo-Cucci: Academic Department of Medical Technology, Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, Lima 15007, Peru
Joan Chipia: School of Medicine, Los Andes University, Merida 5101, Venezuela
Sandra Lobo: School of Medicine, Los Andes University, Merida 5101, Venezuela
Lizmery López: School of Medicine, Los Andes University, Merida 5101, Venezuela
Regina Munarriz-Medina: Academic Department of Administration, Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, Lima 15022, Peru
Tania Alvarado-Santiago: Medical Technology Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit, Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, Lima 15007, Peru
Rodrigo Núñez-Cortés: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8240000, Chile

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 22, 1-11

Abstract: The aim of this research was to analyze the lifestyles of adults from Spanish-speaking countries in South America during the COVID-19 pandemic using a cross-sectional, analytical, and multicenter study. The target population was composed of people aged 18 and older who resided in South America during the pandemic; the final sample comprised 16,811 participants who were predominantly female, with ages ranging from 18 to 79 years. The results showed that approximately six out of ten respondents did not engage in any physical activity; only one in four respondents indicated that their diet was sufficient and balanced; and most washed their hands frequently and showered every day. Regarding the type of isolation, half reported that it was voluntary and the rest mandatory or restricted. Regarding mobility, six out of ten surveyed leave their residence on a weekly basis. Regarding the use of personal protective equipment, the majority used masks and a smaller proportion used gloves. In conclusion, the majority of respondents did not perform any physical activity; moreover, one in four reported having a sufficient balanced diet. We therefore recommend an improvement of public policies to promote better lifestyles in South America, in particular the reorientation of the health system to prevent similar situations.

Keywords: lifestyles; COVID-19; social isolation; South America (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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