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In this study: Adapting to the new normal in COVID-19 pandemic; a global survey & literature review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 August 2021

F. Arain*
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, BronxCare Health System Mount Sinai, NY, United States of America
A. Tohid
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States of America
A. Arain
Affiliation:
Psychology, City College of New York, New York, United States of America
D. Adam
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, ICNA Relief Medical Clinic, Dallas, United States of America
F. Khan
Affiliation:
Family Medicine, Brooklyn Hospital, New York, United States of America
A. Talpur
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, University of Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
A. Arain
Affiliation:
Internal Medicine, Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
W. Azeem
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, Sidra Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar, Doha, Qatar
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

Globally, governments have enforced protective measures of social distancing to prevent COVID-19 spread. The lifestyles of public have essentially transformed due to these actions. This study evaluates the effects of COVID-19 on connections and behavior/life adaptations.

Objectives

Changes in life style and behavior in COVID-19-Pandemic

Methods

We conducted a global cross-sectional study via survey on phone apps and social media platforms in population aged ≥ 16, including questions regarding demographic data and lifestyle changes. We also searched databases APA PsycNet, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Medline; reviewed 40 articles and included 3 in this review, a cross-sectional online survey1, a planned questionnaire2, and a study on 600 adolescents, age 10-19 in Palestine3

Results

Our survey data showed total of 1002 responses, 31.7% decreased sleep, 42.1% increased appetite, 70.6% bulk-buying, and 50.2% weight gain. 43.1% less socialization than before, 78.7% increased screen time, 53.5% excessive hand washing/wiping surfaces, 45% reported social distancing facilitated in overpowering the fear of contracting infection, 29.4% negative impact on relationships, 80.7% noticed changes in behavior including shaking hands/hugging/speaking with a mask on, 49.5% adopted new hobbies, 34.9% showed increase in meditation. The literature review revealed that since COVID-19, there is an increase in screen time, weight, appetite, sleep, and a decrease in physical activity1-3, and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet in younger population2

Conclusions

COVID-19 induced quarantine has caused increased screen time, appetite, weight gain, adoption of new hobbies, bulk-buying, hand washing, meditation, reduced sleep, and negatively impacted interaction/relationships. COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing and our data needs further assessment in more population studies.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the European Psychiatric Association
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