CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Food and supplement consumption, nutritional status, presence of diseases, physical activity practice and psychological factors were evaluated during compulsory isolation due to COVID-19 in teachers and non-teachers (in activity) 40 years and older, at UNSL, during the March-July period of the year 2020. The mentioned variables were evaluated in 62 individuals through a virtual survey (previously validated). For data analysis, descriptive statistics were performed. Most of the respondents (˃60%) maintained the same consumption of the protective food groups with respect to their usual diet ("cereals, legumes and derivatives"; "vegetables and fruits"; "dairy", "meats and eggs" and "oils, nuts and seeds"). There was a noticeable decrease in the consumption of canned products (52%), ultra-processed foods (45%) and alcohol (40%) and an increase in the consumption of infusions (65%). 50% of those surveyed presented normal nutritional status, 32.3% overweight and 17.7% obese. 24.2% of those surveyed reported consuming nutritional supplements (vitamins and minerals, collagen and / or sports supplements). The most prevalent diseases were thyroid disorders (22.6%), arterial hypertension (19.4%), hypercholesterolemia (14.5%), and hypertriglyceridemia (9.7%). 72.6% of those surveyed maintained their practice of physical activity. 8% of those surveyed expressed feelings of stress, anxiety or depression due to the current pandemic situation. On the positive side, the consumption of healthy foods was maintained, the consumption of processed foods and alcohol decreased, and the consumption of infusions increased. In addition, the practice of physical activity was maintained and stress was manifested in a small group. As negative aspects, excess weight in 50% of the cases and the presence of chronic diseases stand out.