Changes in lifestyle and their impact on health during the covid-19 pandemic in Thiruvananthapuram district Kerala India.

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as a public health emergency of global outrage in January 2020. Over the past few months, COVID-19 has become a full-blown global pandemic. The outbreaks of pandemics in the present society are primarily caused by drastic changes in the dietary pattern and way of life. Women lifestyle behaviours, such as physical activity and sedentary behaviours, may have been drastically impacted due to the persistent home confinement and the tight work schedule during the pandemic. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women lifestyles in Thiruvananthapuram and the lifestyle factors affected before and during the pandemic. From the outbreak of COVID-19 to the current situation, the highest number of cases has been reported in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala.

Methods: A survey was conducted online during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020 through Google forms involving 150 samples aged between 18 and 64 years. Results: The results were obtained and analyzed using statistical tools, including descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, Chi-square goodness of fit test, One-way ANOVA, Independent t-test, and Pearson Correlation Paired t-test.
Conclusion: A substantial portion of the study; participants experienced positive and negative lifestyle changes. The participant’s lifestyle changes may affect the future differently in their mental health and physical health. In the absence of lifestyle changes, the current pandemic may exacerbate the situation. Thus, a better understanding of the current
state of women could help the concerned authorities identify and implement effective policies and interventions.