IMPACT OF LOCKDOWN DUE TO CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) ON THE WEIGHT RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

Background: The current lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly led to changes in the lifestyles of people. This study aimed to determine the effects of this lockdown on the lifestyles of individuals and ultimately the overall changes in weight-based quality of life in the undergraduate students of Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on participants of ages 18–25 from different universities around Pakistan. The questionnaires were sent to participants via WhatsApp, posted online using Microsoft forms. A total of 157 responses were received. The questionnaires were adapted using Impact of Weight on Quality of Life (IWQOL). Chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical variables, and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 157 responses, 109 were females and 48 males. The mean weight before and after the lockdown was 61.95 Kg and 64.97 Kg respectively. Significant changes in areas of physical function, self-esteem and work were attained with p<0.001, 0.002, and 0.023 respectively. Conclusions: The lifestyle changed and as a result the weight of the undergraduate population of Pakistan generally increased during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-esteem decreased among the youth and they faced mental health issues including anxiety and distress due to direct effects of lockdown on lifestyle.

Pak J Physiol 2021;17(4):63–6