Patterns of Dietary Habit among Urban Bangladeshi Adults and Its Association with Co-morbidities after COVID-19 Awareness: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate dietary changes among adults in urban areas of Dhaka and Sylhet, Bangladesh, following increased awareness of COVID-19. Methods: The study was conducted in the urban areas of Dhaka and Sylhet, two major cities in Bangladesh. The study utilized random sampling to select participants who were willing to voluntarily participate in the research. The sample size was determined using a formula based on a 95% confidence interval, with 350 participants ultimately included in the study. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire, translated from English to Bangla and pre-tested for accuracy. The finalized questionnaire incorporated feedback from the pre-testing phase and underwent quality checks during data collection. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive statistics, including tables and graphs, were used to present the socio-demographic distribution of respondents, dietary habits, supplement intake, co-morbidities, and associations between dietary habits and COVID-19 infection. The chi-square test was employed to explore associations between categorical variables, with a significance level set at <0.05.Results: Prevalence od co morbidities is 39.4%. Socio-demographic findings revealed that 61.4% of respondents were female, predominantly aged 18-30 years (74%). Most were Muslim (84%) and resided in Sylhet (63%). Occupation-wise, 52.8% were private employees, and 10.5% were businessmen. Co-morbidity analysis showed 60.6% had no listed co-morbidities, while 4.6% reported asthma, and 5.1% high blood pressure. Dietary habits following COVID-19 awareness showed variations, with 37% having regular lunch, 36% regular dinner, and 27% regular breakfast. Street food consumption ranged from 3.7% regularly to 55.1% sometimes. Fast food consumption was reported by 3.1% regularly and 60.9% sometimes. Vegetable intake was associated with co-morbidities (p < 0.05), while street food, fast food, and weight changes showed no significant associations.Conclusion: The study highlights diverse post-COVID-19 dietary habits, with some individuals avoiding street and fast food. Significant associations between vegetable intake and co-morbidities emphasize the importance of dietary choices in health outcomes. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pandemic's impact on dietary behaviors and health awareness in Bangladesh.Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, dietary habit, Adults, Bangladesh