| dc.description.abstract | Introduction: Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused social disruptions that have led
to changes in our lives. Young people may be especially susceptible to disruptions during their
formative years.
Aim: This study aimed to explore the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the diet,
lifestyle behaviours, and well-being of young Swedes who participate in the I.Family cohort in
Western Sweden.
Methods: This longitudinal investigation included self-reported data on diet, lifestyle, and
well-being collected during the pre-pandemic and peri-pandemic periods. The significance of
changes between the two examinations was assessed using the paired t-test for continuous
variables and the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test for categorical variables.
Results: The analytic sample consisted of 198 paired observations ranging from 12 to 21 years
of age. A significant decrease in physical activity, lower levels of well-being, a reduction in
consumption of fruits and vegetables, and a lower proportion of individuals that ate breakfast
daily were observed. Besides, consumption of artificially sweetened beverages and alcohol
diminished. Moreover, increased sleep time was observed, alongside a lower frequency of
eating out. Fewer individuals had lunch with a friend or colleague, and a higher proportion of
individuals had lunch with a family member.
Conclusion: This study suggests several unfavourable changes in the lives of young Swedes
during the peri-pandemic period, but also some positive changes. These findings provide some
evidence that young people may need interventions that counter the effects the pandemic
regulations have had on their lives and should be further monitored. | en_US |
