ANALYSIS OF TEACHERS' FOOD CONSUMPTION AND THE PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL ALTERATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Introduction: The covid-19 pandemic resulted in changes in the population's lifestyle, especially among teachers, whose routine was impacted by new work methodologies. This scenario can favor changes in the pattern of food consumption and changes in bowel function. Objective: To identify changes in bowel function and food consumption of teachers during the period of remote work during the pandemic. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study with professors invited to answer an online questionnaire from invitations via WhatsApp® and social networks that addressed questions about the markers of healthy eating and bowel function, such as frequency and consistency of stools. Forty-three teachers participated in the study, mean age 46 years, 88.4% female, 72.1% working in elementary school and all from the public network. Results: It was observed low water consumption 86.04%; of beans 81.39%; of processed foods 76.74%; of vegetables 51.16%. There was a regular consumption of fruit 53.48% and a high consumption of sweets 72.09%. As for intestinal changes, 7% maintained the previous picture of intestinal constipation and 4.65% were at risk of developing it and 7% showed changes in the frequency and/or consistency of stools. The presence of constipation was associated with low consumption of beans and high consumption of processed foods (p<0.05), despite the small number of cases. Conclusion: The teachers studied had a low prevalence of constipation and intestinal disorders and most had adequate consumption of fruits and low consumption of industrialized products, but inadequate consumption, especially regarding the consumption of water, beans and sweets