Evaluation of Emotional State and Mediterranean Diet Adherence During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Butterfly Effect

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 disease, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infectious agent, is the last member of infectious diseases. Factors such as uncertainties about the prognosis of the disease, insufficient control measures, lack of effective therapeutic mechanisms can cause negative effects on individuals’ daily living activities and mental health. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the mood changes and Mediterranean diet adherence of individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was carried out between November 2020 and January 2021 with individuals over 18 years of age. The data required for the research were collected with an online questionnaire. The COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S) and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) were used to assess the emotional state of individuals. The Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) was used to examine the adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Results: A total of 6609 individuals between the ages of 18-70 participated in the study and 70% of the participants are female. The median score obtained from the C19P-S in female individuals was found to be significantly higher than in male subjects (p