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Late Breaking/Rapid Science Poster Session 1

(LB02-13-24) Motivations for Healthy Eating During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic in Daqing, China

Sunday, June 30, 2024
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM CT
Location: W185A-C - Poster Board 13

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Ji Yun Hwang, PhD

    Professor
    Sangmyung University
    Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, Republic of Korea

    • Co-Author(s)

  • SL

    Seungwoo Lee

    Sangmyung University
    Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, Republic of Korea

  • XM

    Xiaoyu Ma

    Sangmyung University
    Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, Republic of Korea

Disclosure(s):
Ji Yun Hwang, PhD: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.


Objectives: This study investigated whether perceptions of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and dietary circumstances (i.e., healthy eating-out options, food attributes; healthy eating-out options, food quality; social support; healthy eating awareness; motivation) change after the COVID-19 pandemic among adults living in Daqing, China.

Methods: Data were collected through two rounds of online surveys conducted from April to May 2021 and from March to April 2023, using a questionnaire that had been previously validated for use in Daqing, China. Using the snowball sampling method, 571 participants aged 18–64 years were recruited, most of whom were Daqing oilfield workers or members of their families. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess whether differences in perceptions of the TPB and dietary environments exist among adults in Daqing during and after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Results: After controlling for potential confounders, scores of several subcomponents of TPB constructs (perceived behavioral control, and short-term and long-term intentions) as well as overall mean scores of long-term intentions increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise, scores of several components of healthy eating options, social support, and healthy eating awareness increased after the pandemic. However, scores of components and overall mean of motivation decreased after the outbreak. Multiple linear regression revealed that only motivation for healthy eating decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic after adjustment for potential confounders.

Conclusions: Influenced by the pandemic, people increased their healthy eating behaviors, making health a target. As the pandemic subsided and the pace of work and life accelerated, people tended to choose fast and convenient foods over healthy options. Consequently, the motivation for healthy eating has declined post-pandemic.

Funding Sources: This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (RS-2023-00280503).