Eating Habits and Lifestyle Changes During COVID-19 Pandemic Among Healthcare Professionals in Dubai Health

Background: The COVID 19 impacted global lifestyles, causing major issues for healthcare workers because of their position in the front line. The present research aimed to understand the effects of COVID-19 on the dietary preferences and lifestyle alterations of healthcare staff working in Dubai Health (DH), a population that should possess better health literacy but is likely to face significant stress and workload variations during the pandemic. Objective: To assess changes in dietary behavior, physical activity levels, sleep, smoking, and stress levels during the COVID-19 pandemic among Dubai Health; Healthcare Professionals, and to determine demographic and lifestyle predictors of these behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using online questionnaires administered to 413 DH Healthcare Professionals. The questionnaire was validated and distributed to participants in both English and Arabic. It includes questions on sociodemographic data, lifestyle changes in eating habits, physical activity, smoking, and sleep patterns in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Dubai Scientific Research Ethics Committee. Results: This study examined healthcare professionals' lifestyle behaviors and perceptions during COVID-19. The majority were female (82%), aged 35-44 (41%), and predominantly Asian (60%). Most resided in Dubai (75%) and were nurses (39%). Chronic diseases affected 81% of participants. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors were prevalent, with 90% exhibiting three or more. Minimal changes were noted in physical activity (33%), food intake (54%), and sleep (72%). Stress increased for 61%, with prayer (36%) and entertainment (32%) as common coping strategies. Dietary shifts favored home-cooked meals (78%), and 70% believed vitamins strengthened immunity. Vitamin C (60%) and D (38%) were widely used. Women showed greater declines in physical activity and smoking, while married individuals reduced smoking more than singles. These findings highlight behavioral shifts influenced by demographic factors during the pandemic. Conclusion: This study highlights significant lifestyle and behavioral changes among healthcare professionals during COVID-19. High stress levels, poor diet, and inactivity were common, with prayer and entertainment as key coping mechanisms. Women saw greater declines in physical activity and smoking, while married individuals reduced smoking more than singles. Despite widespread belief in vitamins for immunity, unhealthy habits persisted. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to support mental health, nutrition, and physical activity in healthcare workers during crises.

Implications: These insights into lifestyle changes therefore have the utility of designing health promotion intervention programs for HCWs in the future. Proactively, the following practice propositions are critical for developing hardiness within this vital employee population, especially during health crises.