Original Research

Effect of the coronavirus pandemic on nutrition and health of adults in Calabar, Nigeria: A post-lockdown analysis

Eridiong O. Onyenweaku, Hema Kesa, Alex K. Tchuenchieu, Anesu G. Kuhudzai
Health SA Gesondheid | Vol 27 | a1876 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v27i0.1876 | © 2022 Eridiong O. Onyenweaku, Hema Kesa, Alex K. Tchuenchieu, Anesu G. Kuhudzai | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 08 December 2021 | Published: 17 August 2022

About the author(s)

Eridiong O. Onyenweaku, Food Evolution and Research Laboratory, School of Tourism and Hospitality, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Hema Kesa, Food Evolution and Research Laboratory, School of Tourism and Hospitality, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Alex K. Tchuenchieu, Food Evolution and Research Laboratory, School of Tourism and Hospitality, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; and, Centre for Food and Nutrition Research, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
Anesu G. Kuhudzai, Statistical Consultation Services (STATKON), Post Graduate School, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Background: The food security and nutrition of millions of people around the world is currently being threatened by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an evolving health crisis.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on nutrition and health of adults in Calabar, especially after the hard lockdown.

Setting: Online cross-sectional survey in Calabar, Nigeria.

Method: After sample size determination, an online questionnaire was designed, content-validated by nutrition experts and piloted on 20 respondents. The questionnaire link was circulated for 6 weeks (April–May, 2021). The questionnaire was structured to gather socio-economic data, lifestyles of the participants (especially younger adults) and changes in dietary intake and health. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation were used to define the proportion of responses for each question and check for association.

Results: No glaring nutrition or health problems was observed in the surveyed population (385 respondents), but many (50%) earned very low monthly income (< 50 000 naira). A drop in finances seemed to have indirectly caused a decrease in food consumption post-lockdown. A strong association between age and health risks was observed; similarly, alcohol intake was significantly affected by income and age.

Conclusion: The pandemic caused many changes in people’s dietary habits and lifestyles, including financial setbacks. Apparently, education and proper enlightenment play a major role in food choices (despite limited resources), thus ensuring adequate nutrition and reducing health risks in the face of a pandemic.

Contribution: This study has affirmed the efficacy of nutrition education and proper awareness in ensuring healthy dietary choices, optimal health and reduced risks of diseases.


Keywords

nutrition; health; food security; food frequency; NCDs; COVID-19; pandemic; Calabar

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Crossref Citations

1. Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Agri-Food Systems in West Africa
Hamid El Bilali, Lawali Dambo, Jacques Nanema, Sheirita Reine Fanta Tietiambou, Iro Dan Guimbo, Romaric Kiswendsida Nanema
Sustainability  vol: 15  issue: 13  first page: 10643  year: 2023  
doi: 10.3390/su151310643