Health and nutrition status of nutritionists during the covid-19 confinement: A gender approach

Abstract

Introduction: The world has been convulsed by the pandemic caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) that was reported in December 2019 from Wuhan-China, this virus has high rates of contagion and causes severe respiratory diseases and even death. In the face of this crisis, confinement has made it possible to effectively control the spread. The negative impact on lifestyle constitutes a new risk factor for nutritional and health status. Objective: To describe the state of health and nutrition of nutritionists during confinement due to covid-19: from a gender perspective. Materials and methods: In this context, a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was developed to investigate some variables: sociodemographic, economic, health condition, and nutritional status. An online structured survey was applied to 359 nutritionists graduated until August 28, 2020 at the Universidad Técnica del Norte. The emails of the Integrated University Information System (SIIU) were used. The random sample was 136 professionals, 95% confidence (error = 6.7%). Results: 79.41% were women, mostly under 30 years of age, and 20.59% were men over 30 years of age. 59.56% have a job, 23.52% in the health area. The economic income of most men exceeds 788 dollars. 38.97% of the sample is overweight and cardiometabolic risk affects 71.43% of men and 47.22% of women, about 25% have at least one chronic disease such as: overweight, hypothyroidism, depression/anxiety and high blood pressure. 32% had relatives with Covid-19, of whom 19.6% died. Conclusion: Nutritionists have been affected in their work, economic, social and health situation.