Comparison and Reasons for Diet-intake before and after COVID-19 Lockdown in Selected Households in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic between 2019-2020 resulted in lockdowns and travel restrictions worldwide. This could however, significantly influence the dietary habits of humans worldwide considering its economic, financial and health impacts.

Aims: The study aims to investigate dietary habits in selected households in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Methodology: 24 hour dietary recall was used to collect dietary data on meals consumed a day before interview both before and after the lockdown was lifted using the same questionnaire, a total of 50 respondents, 25 female and 25 male. Convinience sampling was used in the knowledge, attitude and practice study.

Results: The respondents had an improvement in diet choices post COVID-19 lockdown as show on the charts above, the increase in the consumption of fruits /vegetable (7%) and spice/seasoning (5%) food groups was majorly as a result of their associated health and wellbeing benefits however, there was also a reduction in the percentage intake of protein (5%) and complex carbohydrates (13%) probably due to the overall reduction in caloric intake. An increase of 4% was also recorded in the intake of simple carbohydrates.

Conclusion: There was an overall improvement in diet choices and lifestyle post Covid-19 in the Study Area.