Changes in eating habits during the COVID-19 pandemic in preschools in Deán Funes, Córdoba, Argentina, 2020

Abstract

The health measures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted on different behaviors of people, among them, in the food. Objective: To analyze the modifications in eating habits during the pandemic in children 3 to 5 years of age in the city of Deán Funes, Córdoba, Argentina, 2020.

A descriptive study was carried out in a non-probabilistic sample of 90 schooling. Sociodemographic data, frequency of consumption of foods, number of daily meals and type of meals before and during the pandemic were investigated. A digital questionnaire was administered, aimed at caregivers, disseminated by social networks, between October and November. Data were described. The chi-square test was apply applied taking a value of p <0.05 as significant. PSPP v1.2.0 free software was used.

45.6% was 5 years old, 53% were women, 42.2% were nuclear families, 21% of their caregivers had a low level of schooling (up to full primary) and 35.6% a complete or incomplete upper level. During the pandemic, 30% and 27.8% increased the frequency of vegetable and fruit consumption, respectively, followed by dairy (23.7%) and lower consumption of meat (26.7%), candy, snack and sugary drinks (22.2%). 52% the consumption of homemade meals increased and 20% the number of daily meals. Statistical association (p=0.02) was observed between the level of schooling of carers and the higher consumption of home-cooked meals and vegetables, being more frequent, the higher consumption, in children whose carers had a low level of schooling. While there was no statistical significance in the other food groups, it was observed that children whose caregivers had a high level of schooling maintained their consumption as before the pandemic.

There were changes in eating habits during the pandemic, being more frequent in children whose caregivers had a low level of schooling.