Evaluation of the impact of lockdown during the COVID-19 outbreak on dietary habits in children between the age group 2 and 5 years in urban city of Maharashtra

The objective of the study was how COVID-19 impacted the dietary habits of children between the age 2 and 5 years. The aim of the study was to assess the dietary pattern of children of 2–5 years of age during the lockdown period. The objective is to evaluate the frequency of snacking, likes/ dislikes to various food items and the change in eating patterns during the lockdown period due to COVID-19. A cross-sectional and questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 100 school-going children in a corporation city of Maharashtra. A total of 100 children between the ages of 2 and 5 participated in this survey. In addition, during the COVID lockdown period, the majority of children consume more meals and unhealthy fried snacks. In addition, children’s screen time has increased, which has increased their food holding time leading to carious teeth. During COVID lockdown period, children prefer unhealthy/fried food over fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options. They became more engrossed in the digital world while eating, affecting their mealtime due to the screen time. Parents are interested in providing their kids with dietary training to enhance their oral health.