Examining the Effects of COVID-19 Movement Control Orders on Malaysian Pharmacy Students' Diet and Lifestyle

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated movement control orders have directly impacted various supply chains, including food and healthcare. While the early impacts of the pandemic on health have been widely documented, little data exist on how movement restrictions may continue to affect Malaysians after the pandemic responses have changed, evolved, and diminished. Essential questions concerning any continued effect of COVID-19 prevention measures on diet and exercise patterns and the long-term risk of food insecurity on the overall quality of life. This preliminary study aimed to examine any lasting impact of COVID-19 prevention measures on the diet and exercise habits among a small group of university adults in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: Two cohorts of Malaysian third-year undergraduate pharmacy students were provided with a questionnaire and a two-day food diary. The questionnaire consisted of four sections to examine demographics, lifestyle, and diet, together with a small section examining knowledge of diabetes. The cohorts were separated in time by the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically the movement control orders associated with the pandemic. Results: A total of 226 completed questionnaires were received, 113 from each cohort. Interestingly, 95% of students in the pre-pandemic group consumed fewer calories than adults' recommended intake, with an average daily sugar intake of 36.9g. Within the post-pandemic group, the average daily sugar intake was higher at 41.5g, and fewer students (74%) ate less than the Malaysian recommended intake. Food choices made by students were very similar before and after the pandemic and strongly dictated by their environment, in this case, the university campus, where all students from both cohorts resided. Most participants regularly ate a substantial lunch, which seems to be the most important meal of the day for most in terms of calorie intake. Breakfast and dinner choices were often unsubstantial. Approximately 30% ate breakfast and almost 60% ate dinner. Breakfast usually consisted of white sliced bread and dinner options range from white rice and fried chicken to sliced white bread with water. Participants preferred sweetened drinks to accompany meals, and in most cases, snacks consisted of cakes, biscuits, and crisps. In conclusion, students within both cohorts ate one substantial daily meal for lunch. Breakfast and dinner, in general, demonstrated poor food choices, possibly due to lack of choice. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic did not substantially change the trends in eating habits. However, an increase in calorie intake is observed going from the pre-pandemic to the post-pandemic group. Unfortunately, this increase appears to be in the form of sugar and processed foods.