Life Style Changes Related to Covid-19 - Quarantine among Academic Teachers of Salahadin University

Abstract

Introduction: Exposures to epidemics and Quarantine have been consistently associated with bad consequences. The impact of measures taken to contain COVID-19 on lifestyle-related behavior is undefined in Erbil academic teacher. The current study was undertaken to assess the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle-related behaviors: eating, physical activity and sleep pattern among academic teachers of Salahadin University.

Material and Methods: An online survey was conducted among (120) the academic teacher living in Erbil, Iraq during the COVID-19 quarantine. In addition to demographic and clinical data, participant’s self- reported changes in some lifestyle domains. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: A total of 120 responses (51.7% male, and 48.3% mean age 42.10 ± 8.32 years) were collected. A reduction in physical activity coupled with an increase in daily screen time was found more among men. Changes in the participants’ physical activity decreased and they had a significant weight gain. With regard to sleeping habits, results indicated significant statistical differences before, during and after the pandemic, there was a marked increase in the number of sleeping hours per day.

Conclusion: In this study, sizable proportions of participants reported meaningful changes in lifestyle behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Erbil.  A detailed understanding of these factors can help to develop interventions to mitigate the negative lifestyle behaviors that have manifested during COVID-19.