Perceived impact of quarantine period on food craving, power of food, and the Mediterranean Diet: The dark side of pandemic fear

This study was carried out to determine the effect of fear the pandemic on excessive food cravings, the strength of food and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in adults during the quarantine period. Data were collected on a total of 1117 adults, 870 women and 247 men, aged between 19 and 65 years, using a document to obtain general information, as well as employing anthropometric measurements and questions about health information. The Food Craving Scale (FCQ), the Power of Food Scale (PFS), the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS), the COVID-19 Fear Scale, and the Perception and Attitude About COVID-19 Scale were also adopted in the survey. Fear of COVID-19 score (F = 20.17 +/- 5.52, M = 17.46 +/- 5.79) and Perception and Attitude about COVID-19 scores were higher in females (169.55 +/- 15.86) than in males (165.02 +/- 16.51) (p < 0.001). A significant positive relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) with Food Craving (r = 0.182, p < 0.001), Power of Food (r = 0.083, p = 0.005), and COVID-19 Perception of Control (r = 0.074, p = 0.013) was detected. Mediterranean Diet Adherence showed a considerable positive correlation with age (r = 0.070, p = 0.020). Whilst BMI (beta = 0.315) value affects excessive food cravings most, this value is identified by fear of COVID-19 (beta = 0.174), an education level (beta = 0.063), gender (beta = -0.145) and age (beta = -0.171) respectively. The quarantine period, which has various consequences vis-`a-vis both social and economic aspects, also has a great impact on human health. That said, social isolation and distance cause sudden changes in the lives of individuals during the pandemic. In order to keep public health at the highest level in such cases, prospective studies are called for not only in the field of medicine and biological sciences but also on social and behavioral issues such as nutritional habits and lifestyle.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the effect of fear of the pandemic on excessive food cravings, the power of food, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in adults during the quarantine period. The results showed a significant positive relationship between fear of COVID-19 and food cravings, power of food, and COVID-19 perception of control. In addition, Mediterranean diet adherence was positively correlated with age.