Depression, dietary intake, and body image during coronavirus disease 2019 quarantine in Peru: An online cross-sectional study

Since the COVID-19 disease affects people’s psychological well-being, this 2021 study explored its potential threat to body image. The overall aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between depressive symptoms, dietary intake, and body image during the COVID-19 quarantine in Peru. The participants were Peruvian adults aged between 18 and 59 years. These 589 Peruvians completed 3 questionnaires, including a food frequency questionnaire, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Around 38% of women reported depressive symptoms, while 43.6% of them also expressed their dissatisfaction with body image. It was discovered that depressive symptoms were strongly associated with dietary intake and dissatisfaction with body image. Furthermore, dissatisfaction with body image was linked with dietary consumption. In conclusion, depressive symptomatology plays an influential role in the dietary intake and body image of Peruvian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors can be addressed through a roll-out of health campaign programs and personalized therapeutic interventions. [NPID: COVID-19, pandemic, mental health, body image, depression, diet, quarantine, Peru, Peruvians]

Year: 2021

Reference: León-Paucar, S. D., Calderón-Olivos, B. C., Calizaya-Milla, Y. E., & Saintila, J. (2021). Depression, dietary intake, and body image during coronavirus disease 2019 quarantine in Peru: An online cross-sectional study. SAGE open medicine, 9, 20503121211051914. https://doi.org/10.1177/20503121211051914

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