Nutritional Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Related to COVID-19 in People of Yazd, 2021

Ameneh Marzban; Nooshin Yoshany; Hassan  Mozaffari-Khosravi; Mahdiye  Khaleghi Moori; Najmeh Maayeshi; Marzieh Zamani

doi:10.18502/jnfs.v7i1.8532

Ameneh Marzban Department of Human Ecology, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Nooshin Yoshany Department of Health Education and Promotion, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Hassan Mozaffari-Khosravi Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Mahdiye Khaleghi Moori Student Research Committee, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Najmeh Maayeshi Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Marzieh Zamani Department of Nutrition, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jnfs.v7i1.8532

Keywords: Knowledge; Attitude; Practice; Nutrition; COVID-19

Abstract

Background: The importance of healthy nutrition in increasing immunity and reducing disease has been identified for many years. Nutrient deficiencies lead to decreased immune function and thus increase the incidence or exacerbation of infections. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and nutritional function associated with COVID-19 disease in people of Yazd. Methods: This descriptive and analytical study was conducted in 2021. The sample size was 420 adults in Yazd referring to health centers. Research tools included demographic checklist and questionnaire of nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practices related to COVID-19. Results: The mean scores of nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practices related to COVID-19 in people of Yazd were 21.35 ± 4.54, 20.74± 3.58, and 38.99 ± 7.39, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between knowledge and level of education and history of COVID-19 and practice with gender and history of COVID-19. The most important source of information for people was cyberspace. Conclusion: Knowledge of the nutritional factors affecting a disease can affect people's attitudes and practices. So that lack of sufficient knowledge and misunderstanding among people can increase the prevalence of the disease and delay the recovery of COVID-19. Due to the importance of this matter, the need to implement educational programs to inform people about proper practices should be considered.