Impact of Lockdown on Physical Activity, Sleep and Eating Habits in Central India

Context: India, in its strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, imposed a nation-wide lockdown. Social restriction measures, when imposed legally, could change behavioural patterns among population groups. The changes in key behavioural patterns including exercise, sleep and eating habits are influenced during lockdown & can have implications on health of individual for a long duration. Aim: To assess the effect of lockdown on physical activity, sleep and eating habits among adults in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India Settings and Design: A web-based cross-sectional survey Methods and Material: After obtaining ethics clearance, the was conducted among volunteers ≥18 years of age in Nagpur district. A self-reported retrospective pre-post questionnaire was disseminated through multiple platforms as an online survey form. A modified Global Physical activity questionnaire was used to assess level of physical activity. Sleep pattern was assessed using selected components of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Diet pattern was assessed by using food frequency questionnaire for specific food groups. Statistical analysis used:. Most of the quantitative parameters followed a non-normal distribution. The Wilcoxon Signed-rank test, McNemar's test and a binomial test were used to study difference between quantitative parameters, paired proportions and difference in proportions respectively using SPSS v 24.0. Results: A total of 586 responses were received through the online survey. The prevalence of physical inactivity increased from 47.6 % to 51.3% during the lockdown. The change in physical activity pattern from adequate to inadequate was 63% less likely compared to the converse (OR (95%CI) – 0.37 (0.18 -0.74)).The increase in sleep latency was at least 9 (OR (95%CI) = 9.33 (5.73 - 15.19)) times more likely during lockdown compared to a reduction. There was a significant increase in frequency intake of Green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and fried foods during lockdown. But there was a significant decline in intake of eggs and non-vegetarian foods during lockdown. Conclusions: The levels of physical inactivity and duration of sleep latency increased during lockdown in central India. Leafy vegetables and fresh fruits were preferred over non-vegetarian foods. The impact of these behavioural changes needs to be further explored.