IMPACT OF LIFESTYLE ON COVID-19 OUTBREAK: A MATTER OUT OF SIGHT

e-ISSN: 2582-5208 International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science ( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal ) Volume:03/Issue:12/December-2021 Impact Factor- 6.752 www.irjmets.com

IMPACT OF LIFESTYLE ON COVID-19 OUTBREAK: A MATTER OUT OF SIGHT Mandeep Pundir*1, Prabhjot Kaur*2, Puja Gulati*3 *1,2,3School

Of Pharmacy, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India.

ABSTRACT Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a major breakthrough which has changed the lifestyle of everybody but what has caused this virus to reach to this extent is still unnoticed. The current study was undertaken to assess the impact of lifestyle on COVID-19 spread and to find the way outs to overcome the current situation and the unseen upcoming pandemics that we may have to deal with. This is a cross-sectional web-based survey conducted on the general population to assess the impact of changing lifestyle on COVID-19 spread using a validated questionnaire. A total of 650 responses were collected using the Google Form link. Our data suggests that, the change in lifestyle like reduced physical activity, heavy and unhealthy meal consumption, increased mental stress, unhygiene and population expansion has helped the COVID-19 to spread widely despite of its origin before 50 years.

Keywords: Covid-19, Lifestyle, Immunity, Population, Hygiene.

I.

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 has emerged as a worldwide pandemic that halted the life of everybody. Since its existence it is the topic of discussion and research that how it could be overcome. We have discussed that it has changed our lifestyle in every sense [1] but the area that lifestyle has also been a proficient factor for the spread of COVID-19 is still unnoticed. So as to unveil this question we carried out a survey among a variety of participants who answered our questions. Depending upon this survey we came to know that the widespread of COVID-19 is due to the lifestyle we have adopted. Corona virus infects many species of animals, including humans [2, 3]. This is not the first time that Corona virus came into existence but its existence was already reported more than 50 years ago [4]. The name of this virus was decided to be as Coronavirus in 1968 depending upon its morphology detected through electron microscopy [3, 5]. In 1975, the family of coronavirus was categorized to be Coronaviridae by International Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses [3, 5]. Based on serological crossreactivity and genome sequence analysis, Coronaviruses were divided into three genera or groups [6, 7]. NL-63 and 229E of human, Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus (TGEV) and Porcine Respiratory Coronavirus (PRCoV) of pig and Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV) of cat were kept in group I. OC43, HKU1 and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) of human, Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV) of mouse, Sialodacryoadenitis coronavirus of rat and Hemagglutinating encephalonyocarditis virus of pig were kept in group II [3, 8, 9]. Avian virus like Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) of chicken and turkey coronavirus of turkey and pheasant coronavirus of pheasant were decided to be kept in group III [3, 10]. The overview of groups of coronaviruses has been shown in figure 1. Most of these viruses cause respiratory infections but some also cause enteric infections (TGEV, FIPV, OC43, MHV, Hemagglutinating encephalonyocarditis virus), neurological infections (FIPV, MHV, Hemagglutinating encephalonyocarditis virus) and hepatitis (FIPV, MHV, IBV) [3].

Being existed in such a noticeable diversity, so far corona virus disease was not spread to this extent that whole world came to a close down with such a big loss of lives. So in this research we are trying to look for all those matters through a survey that have been the contributing factors for the spread of COVID-19.

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Figure 1: Classification of Coronaviruses found in different species

II.

METHODOLOGY

Study design and rationale A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted on the general population to assess the impact of changing lifestyle on COVID-19 spread using a validated questionnaire. This study was a rapid, large cross-sectional online survey conducted during the unlock phase (June 24, 2021 to June 30, 2021) in India. The data was collected using Google Form web survey platform. A standard study invitation message along with the link to the online survey was shared through personal and social contacts via email, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Participants were asked to share the study link to increase number of study participants, which helped in conducting a nationwide survey, especially during the pandemic situation. Participants were also requested to be honest in their responses. Responses were saved only by clicking on the “submit” button provided at the end of the questionnaire.

Study participants The principle of maximum diversity was followed to recruit a representative sample for this study. The number of participants was 650 and efforts were made to sustain maximum representativeness. A total of 650 responses were collected using the Google Form link.

Survey questionnaire The electronic survey questionnaire was designed to assess the impact of changing lifestyle such as unhygienic living conditions, consumption of unhealthy food items, increase in the level of pollution, over population, increase in mental stress and health complications on COVID-19 spread. The questionnaire composed of 15 questions assessing changes in lifestyle which may be responsible for COVID-19 outbreak.

III.

RESULTS

The following are the survey questions along with the detail of the answers collected: 1. Do you think hygiene is important to prevent COVID-19 spread?

According to the survey maximum participants agree that hygiene is an important factor to prevent the spread of corona virus disease (Figure 2).

2. We prefer processed food over healthy food to save time and budget which harms our immunity? www.irjmets.com

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3. Deforestation and urbanization has increased the risk of COVID-19 spread?

Majority of participants consider deforestation and urbanization as important risk factor for COVID-19 spread.

Although 14 % say it is not so but 24% neutral responses have also been gathered with respect to this statement (Figure 2).

4. Lack of physical activities increases the risk of COVID-19 attack?

A mixed response was received among the participants regarding physical activity reducing the risk of attack.

Although highest no. of participants strongly agrees, lesser than this just agree and almost equal numbers of respondents are those who are neutral and disagree with this statement (Figure 3).

5. Consumption of alcohol and cigarette smoking increases the risk of COVID-19 attack?

A mixed response was received among the participants regarding alcohol and cigarette smoking to increase the risk of COVID-19 attack. Highest number of participants strongly agrees, lesser than this just agrees and the others are respondents who are neutral and disagree with this statement (Figure 3).

6. Day to day stress and psychological disorders diminishes our immunity and increases COVID-19 risk?

The numbers of participants who disagree to this statement are just 5 % of the total participants. A few are neutral to about their views regarding this (Figure 3).

7. Lack of knowledge and awareness increases COVID-19 spread?

Maximum participants support this statement while 9 % participants disagree with this (Figure 3).

8. Health issues and complications increase due to changing lifestyle we follow and with this risk of COVID-19 also increases?

The highest and almost equal number of participants strongly agrees and agree to this statement whereas only 8 % are those who disagree and 10 % remain neutral towards their answer (Figure 3).

9. Busy life not allowing to share the feelings and sorrows with family and relatives increases the mental stress and decreases the immunity which ultimatey leads to increase the chances of COVID-19 spread?

Mixed responses have been gathered with this statement but still majority participants agree to this and just 11% don’t agree. 15% participants are neutral towards this statement (Figure 3).

10. Food and nutrients have significant effect on immune functions of our body?

The question statement has been highly supported by maximum participants who really agree the role of nutrients in boosting the immunity (Figure 4).

11. Overpopulated cities are vulnerable to COVID-19 spread?

This statement has been highly supported by majority of participants (Figure 4).

12. Cities with high level of pollution have people with more respiratory problems and hence the chances of COVID-19 attack also increases?

The majority of study population supports this statement with negligible numbers who do not support this statement (Figure 4).

13. Poverty and COVID-19 is related as population below poverty line (people living in slums) got affected more during first and second wave of COVID-19?

This statement has been supported by 80% of study participants while 20% do not agree with the correlation of poverty and COVID-19 (Figure 4).

14. Adulteration in every sector whether it is food or medicines, takes our lives at higher risk of COVID-19 attacks?

Maximum (84%) participants say yes to this question and others (16%) do not (Figure 4).

15. Food items that can prevent COVID-19 attack are: Plant based diet or western pattern diet?

The maximum study participants support the plant based food items including garlic, ginger, clove, tulsi, turmeric and mushrooms instead of western food including pre- packaged food, conventionally raised animal products and high calorie diet which can prevent COVID attack (Figure 5).

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70 60

% response (Q.1)

50

% Response (Q.2)

40

% Response (Q.3)

30

20 10 0 Yes

No

May be

Figure 2: Percent Responses to Survey Questions 1-3 60

50 % Response(Q.4) 40

% Response (Q.5)

30

% Response (Q.6)

20

% Response (Q.7)

10

% Response (Q.8) % Response (Q.9)

0 Strongly agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Figure 3: Percent Responses to Survey Questions 4-9 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

% response (Q.10) % Response (Q.11) % Response (Q.12) % Response (Q.13) % Response (Q.14)

Yes

No

Figure 4: Percent Responses to Survey Questions 10-14

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% Response (Q.15)

plant based food items

Western food

Figure 5: Percent Responses to Survey Question 15

IV.

DISCUSSION

This study revealed that the changing lifestyle is one of the major factor responsible for COVID-19 spread.

Survey discussed about the hygiene which played important role in the prevention of COVID-19, the areas with poor hygienic conditions suffered with more spread rate of COVID-19 as compared to the areas maintained with proper hygienic conditions. It was seen that areas with population below poverty line, slum colonies and chawl buildings and other densely populated regions in which not more than 5 per cent have a toilet at home got adversely affected due to poor hygienic conditions and high population density [11] . The rate of spread was very high as was reported in Dharavi (Mumbai, India), where 590 cases have been reported on May 4, rising to 1,028 cases on May 14. A fortnight later, on May 29, the number was 1,715, including 70 deaths [12] which clearly shows that poor hygienic conditions and high population density plays an important role in spread of COVID-19. The consumption of alcohol cause suppression of host immune system and impairs mucousfacilitated clearance of bacterial pathogens [13] that makes the individuals more susceptible to COVID-19 attack. Survey report indicate that people who do excessive smoking are more prone to COVID-19 attack as tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals that have carcinogenic properties and leads to formation of reactive intermediates [14,15] which leads to inhibition of human neutrophil apoptosis and contribute to neutrophilic accumulation, resulting in the delayed resolution of inflammation [16]. Nutrients and healthy diet plays an important role in strengthening the immune system as optimal nutrition is required to modulate inflammatory and oxidative stress processes related to immune system [17]. Plant-based food items posses various health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties [18]. It was seen that malnutrition can compromise the immune response [19], altering cell regeneration and function and making individuals more prone to infection [20].

V.

CONCLUSION

With our study we came to the conclusion that changed lifestyle has been an important factor for the widespread of COVID-19. With increasing population, the level of poverty has been increased hence compromising the awareness regarding hygiene, balanced diet and nutrition. We have shifted from plant based food which is healthy and nutritious to the conventional food items rendering us more prone to various infections due to their detrimental effect on our immunity. Along with this the reduced physical activity nowadays also works for the weakened immunity. Cigarette smoking leads to the respiratory problems worsening these in case of infections. Being unsocial and depressed due to work stress is also responsible for the body to get diseased earlier due to the reduced release of endorphins. Deforestation and urbanization has reduced the oxygen level in environment so as to cope with the demands of increasing population and hence respiratory problems are increasing. So as to meet with food requirements of the population and to get the benefit out of this, food adulteration is a very big issue which ultimately is harming our body (Figure 6).

So as to tackle with all these problems we should move to a healthy lifestyle which includes primarily the planting and growing as much trees as can be because this will increase the oxygen level and purify the atmosphere providing fresh air to breath. By increasing the awareness drives and making proper laws www.irjmets.com

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e-ISSN: 2582-5208 International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science ( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal ) Volume:03/Issue:12/December-2021 Impact Factor- 6.752 www.irjmets.com regarding family planning and education, the level of education can be raised which ultimately will make the societies aware of the importance of hygiene so as to halt the spread of infections. Adding physical activities including Yoga and exercise in the daily routine will help the stress to overcome and immunity to be strong to deal with any type of infectious substances that may invade the body now and in future (Figure 6).

Our body’s self defense i.e. immunity is the biggest power we have to deal with any type of infectious situations.

Boosting it with the best that it requires i.e. healthy lifestyle including food, exercise, rejuvenation, sociality and abuse free will ultimately help us to deal with and defend us from COVID-19 and any forthcoming infections.

Figure 6: Lifestyle contributing as Risk and Preventive Factors for the Spread of COVID-19

VI. [1]

[2] [3]

[4]

[5] [6] [7]

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