Health Behavior Changes During COVID-19 Pandemic and Subsequent “Stay-at-Home” Orders

Date: 
Sunday, September 6, 2020

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Summary: 

Aside from the COVID-19 pandemic’s severe proximal physical health consequences, long-term health consequences due to changes in health behaviors is an important public health concern. This study found that among a convenience sample of U.S. adults, particularly females and those with moderate to severe depression symptom severity were more likely to report increased engagement in adverse health behaviors (tobacco use and alcohol consumption) and worsened sleep during COVID-19, which may be due to increased available time, stress, and worry. As there is potential for health crises related to these behaviors, this study suggests public health efforts should promote health-enhancing behaviors in lieu of health-compromising behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.