Author
Adviser
Diet and lifestyle play a significant role in the health and well-being of individuals. However, as they are highly modifiable, factors that may negatively affect them must be observed, one of which is the unexpected occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the changes brought about by the pandemic may have influenced dietary and lifestyle patterns, a study regarding these possible changes would be relevant and helpful during these times. Because households suffer the most from the restrictions and deviations brought by the pandemic, this study generally aimed to determine the changes in the lifestyle and dietary habits of selected households in Santa Rosa City, Laguna during the COVID-19 pandemic. To fulfill this objective, the study employed a descriptive design and utilized purposive sampling. An online questionnaire was published through Google Forms and 66 household representatives were obtained as participants of the study. Using descriptive statistics, the study concludes that the COVID-19 pandemic has varying effects on the lifestyle and dietary habits of the selected households; there were numerous positive changes, but there were also a few unfavorable changes. Using the eta coefficient, the study further concludes that income influences lifestyle and dietary habits as a strong association was found between household income and the changes in the households’ lifestyle and dietary habits during the pandemic. It is recommended that future researchers consider the inclusion of more variables per category of lifestyle and dietary habits to gauge more accurate data. Additionally, the inclusion of body mass index as an actual indicator of the effects the pandemic has brought to lifestyle and dietary habits is also suggested. Meanwhile, retention and coming up with more positive lifestyle and dietary habit changes are recommended to the participants of the study.