Influence of stress on the eating behavior of lactating women during the COVID-19 pandemic
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5902/2236583485711Keywords:
Lactation, Eating patterns, Psychological stress, Breast-feedingAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between perceived stress and eating behavior among lactating women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted between October and November 2020. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed using the snowball sampling technique. Perceived stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and eating behavior was assessed using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R21). Data analyses were performed in SPSS, including descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation test. Results: A total of 195 lactating women aged 18 to 44 years participated. Results indicated a positive correlation between perceived stress and the domains of uncontrolled eating and emotional eating, and a negative correlation with cognitive restraint. Conclusion: In conclusion, stress was associated with unfavorable eating behaviors among lactating women during the social isolation period of the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the need for psychological and nutritional support strategies for this population.
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