The effect of COVID-19 lockdown on lifestyle and mood in Croatian general population: a cross-sectional study

Aim To investigate the effect of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown on lifestyle behaviors and mood changes in the Croatian general population. Methods During ten days of the COVID-19 lockdown in Croatia, 3027 respondents (70.3% female) from the general population completed an online, self-report questionnaire. Demographic data and data on lifestyle habits and mood changes before and during the COVID-19 lockdown were collected. Results A total of 95.64% of respondents reported to follow most or all restrictions, with female sex (P < 0.001) and higher education level (P < 0.001) being associated with higher restriction compliance. Women smoked an increased number of cigarettes (P<0.001). The proportion of respondents of both sexes who did not drink or drank 7 drinks per week or more increased (P<0.001). Women also reported lower frequency (P = 0.001) and duration of physical exercise (P < 0.001). In total, 30.7% of respondents gained weight, with female sex (OR, 2.726) and higher BMI (OR, 1.116; both P <0.001) being associated with an increased likelihood of gaining weight. Both men and women felt more frequently afraid (P < 0.001), discouraged (P<0.001), and sad (P<0.001). Conclusion Public health authorities should promote the adoption of healthy lifestyles in order to reduce long-term negative effects of the lockdown.