Objective:

to assess the evolution of adherence to Mediterranean diet and level of physical activity of university students of Health Sciences in Castilla-La Mancha during the COVID-19 lockdown and one year afterwards.

Methods:

a cross-sectional observational study using questionnaires on adherence to the Mediterranean diet and level of physical activity. A total of 893 students enrolled in Health Sciences degrees at the University of Castilla la Mancha participated, 575 in the first survey (during the lockdown) and 318 in the second (one year later). By sex, 672 women and 221 men (in the first survey 77.7 % were women and 22.3 % men while in the second survey these were 70.8 % and 29.2 %, respectively). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed with the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) questionnaire and the modified Prevention with Mediterranean Diet (PREDIMED) questionnaire. The level of physical activity was assessed with the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Scale (RAPA).

Results:

one year after the COVID-19 confinement, consumption of olive oil has almost tripled. Daily fruit consumption has also doubled. Similarly, the consumption of wine and alcoholic beverages has doubled. Conversely, there was a reduction in the consumption of butter and margarine, as well as of carbonated drinks and sweetened beverages. Likewise, the percentage of university students with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet increased significantly (from 26 % to 34.3 %). Regarding physical activity level, there was a significant increase in the percentage of university students who engaged in light, moderate and even intense physical activity on an irregular basis. This increase was not found in the case of muscular strength and flexibility training activities.

Conclusion:

the results of the study indicate that, although the levels of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and physical activity have improved after the COVID-19 confinement, adherence to Mediterranean diet and physical activity level among the university population analyzed is still low. It is necessary to implement strategies for the achievement or maintenance of a healthy lifestyle in this population.

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