Lifestyles during the COVID-19 pandemic in students from a public university in Puno (Peru)

Abstract

The research examined how the COVID-19 pandemic changed the lifestyles of students from the Faculty of Health Sciences at Universidad Nacional del Altiplano Puno - Peru. The research approach was quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive, and cross-sectional. It involved a convenience sample of 107 students using a questionnaire on lifestyle changes during the quarantine period. The results showed that the students experienced significant changes in their lifestyles. First, adjustments were observed in their eating habits, with an increase in the consumption of macronutrients such as proteins (chicken, legumes, milk, and its derivatives) and carbohydrates (potatoes and bread), as well as an increase in lipid intake (fried foods, margarine, and butter) and higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, indicating a rise in micronutrient intake. Second, physical activities significantly decreased, although the time dedicated to these activities increased for some students. Third, there was a decrease in alcohol and tobacco consumption. The COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a catalyst for lifestyle transformation, highlighting a shift in dietary patterns towards higher concentrations of certain foods. Interestingly, physical activity decreased significantly. Also, although alcohol and tobacco were not regularly consumed by all, those students who did consume them showed a notable reduction in their use.