An Evaluation of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Perceived Social Distancing Policies in Relation to Planning, Selecting, and Preparing Healthy Meals: An Observational Study in 38 Countries Worldwide

Corona Cooking Survey Study Group, Charlotte De Backer, Lauranna Teunissen, Isabelle Cuykx, Paulien Decorte, Sara Pabian, Sarah Gerritsen, Christophe Matthys, Haleama Al Sabbah, Kathleen Van Royen, Ina Bergheim, Raphaela Staltner, Amanda Devine, Ros Sambell, Ruth Wallace, Sabika Salem Allehdan, Tariq Abdulkarim Alalwan, Mariam Ahamad Al-Mannai, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Charlotte De BackerKathleen Van Royen, Lauranna Teunissen, Isabelle Cuykx, Paulien Decorte, Gaelle Ouvrein, Karolien Poels, Heidi Vandebosch, Katrien Maldoy, Sara Pabian, Christophe Matthys, Tim Smits, Jules Vrinten, Ann Desmet, Nelleke Teughels, Maggie Geuens, Iris Vermeir, Viktor Proesmans, Liselot Hudders, Marcia Dutra De Barcellos, Cristina Ostermann, Ana Luiza Brock, Cynthia Favieiro, Rafaela Trizotto, Isadora Stangherlin, Anthonieta Looman Mafra, Marco Antonio Correa Varella, Jaroslava Varella Valentova, Maryanne L. Fisher, Melanie Maceacheron, Katherine White, Angelos Stamos

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

62 Citations (Scopus)
3 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objectives: To examine changes in planning, selecting, and preparing healthy foods in relation to personal factors (time, money, stress) and social distancing policies during the COVID-19 crisis. Methods: Using cross-sectional online surveys collected in 38 countries worldwide in April-June 2020 (N = 37,207, Mage 36.7 SD 14.8, 77% women), we compared changes in food literacy behaviors to changes in personal factors and social distancing policies, using hierarchical multiple regression analyses controlling for sociodemographic variables. Results: Increases in planning (4.7 SD 1.3, 4.9 SD 1.3), selecting (3.6 SD 1.7, 3.7 SD 1.7), and preparing (4.6 SD 1.2, 4.7 SD 1.3) healthy foods were found for women and men, and positively related to perceived time availability and stay-at-home policies. Psychological distress was a barrier for women, and an enabler for men. Financial stress was a barrier and enabler depending on various sociodemographic variables (all p < 0.01). Conclusion: Stay-at-home policies and feelings of having more time during COVID-19 seem to have improved food literacy. Stress and other social distancing policies relate to food literacy in more complex ways, highlighting the necessity of a health equity lens.

Original languageEnglish
Article number621726
Number of pages11
JournalFrontiers in Nutrition
Volume7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Feb 2021

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An Evaluation of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Perceived Social Distancing Policies in Relation to Planning, Selecting, and Preparing Healthy Meals: An Observational Study in 38 Countries Worldwide'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this