Petra Chaloupkova, Miloslav Petrtyl, Claire Durand, Charoula Konstantia Nikolaou, Guido Mangione and Ladislav Kokoska
This study examined the relationship between adult respondents' COVID-19 risk perception and its impact on changes in eating habits, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examined the relationship between adult respondents' COVID-19 risk perception and its impact on changes in eating habits, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional online questionnaire was used to collect data during the first wave of the pandemic, in the European spring and summer of 2020. Kruskal–Wallis and Pearson chi-squared tests were used to determine the associations between the consumers' COVID-19 risk perception and the respondents' country of origin. The respondents were primarily university employees and students from four European countries (the Czech Republic, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy).
Findings
The study showed significant changes in lifestyle behaviours of the respondents during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the pre-outbreak period. Approximately half of all respondents reported a decrease in alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity, while eating habits among European consumers showed trends towards both healthier and less healthy dietary patterns. The most significant changes were recorded in reducing alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity among almost half of the respondents. Positive COVID-19 test experience, age, and country of the respondents had a negative influence, whereas healthy food consumption and alcohol consumption had a positive influence on the COVID-19 related risk perception.
Originality/value
The fear of the COVID-19 outbreak together with the restrictions imposed by national governments in response to the pandemic fundamentally affected the respondents' lifestyles. Understanding these changes can help establish interventions to alleviate the adoption of negative lifestyles and attitudes in subsequent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic or other similar situations.
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Petra Chaloupkova, Miloslav Petrtyl, Vladimir Verner and Ladislav Kokoska
The popularity of dietary supplements (DSs) and functional foods (FFs) is currently widespread worldwide. In general, European countries represent one of the most important…
Abstract
Purpose
The popularity of dietary supplements (DSs) and functional foods (FFs) is currently widespread worldwide. In general, European countries represent one of the most important markets for both two groups; however, regional differences were reported in their consumption and preferences. The main objective was to determine the attitudes of Czech adult consumers towards DSs and FFs and to find out which ones are most commonly used and for what reasons.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected from 1,049 respondents using a questionnaire survey. A Pearson Chi-squared test was used to determine the association between consumer preferences and selected socio-economic characteristics. A multiple correspondence analysis was used to compare relations among 13 categories of DSs and FFs and the socio-demographic variables.
Findings
The authors’ findings showed a high prevalence of awareness regarding the terms DSs and FFs (79%) and use (99%) of both these categories among the respondents. Data indicated that average consumption of FFs was slightly higher (56.7%) than that of DSs (48.6%). The most popular FFs were identified as dietary fibre, unsaturated fatty acids, followed by probiotics and prebiotics, whereas vitamins, minerals and herbal products were mentioned as the most preferred DSs. The most frequent reasons for consumption of both food products were stress relief, digestive care and immunity boosting.
Originality/value
The authors report for the first time on consumer attitudes to and preferences for the use of DSs and FFs. The findings can contribute to an understanding of general attitudes and preferences regarding both food categories in the EU population.