Effects of working from home on lifestyle behaviors and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300812
• Publication Date: 2024-04-01T17:40:47Z
• Authors: Egeria Scoditti; Antonella Bodini; Saverio Sabina; Carlo Giacomo Leo; Pierpaolo Mincarone; Antonella Rissotto; Stanislao Fusco; Roberto Guarino; Giuseppe Ponzini; Maria Rosaria Tumolo; Nicola Magnavita; Giovanni Luigi Tr...; Sergio Garbarino
• Keywords: Pandemic; Depression; Mediterranean Diet; Cross-sectional study

The COVID-19 outbreak has led to relevant changes in everyday life worldwide. One of these been a rapid transition and an increasing implementation working from home (WH) modality. This study aimed evaluate the impact mandatory WH during pandemic on lifestyle behaviors, Mediterranean diet adherence, body weight, depression. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted early 2022 at National Research Council Italy using ad hoc questions validated scales collecting information physical activity, sedentary behavior, hobbies/pastimes, dietary habits including adherence diet, depression compared with before WH. 748 respondents were included study. increased lifetime reported by 48% respondents; however, subsample workers who previously performed moderate activity intensified this activity. Body weight gain self-reported 39.9% respondents. (p≪0.001) average level mental health did not record overall variation; proportion subjects mild (p = 0.006), while values indicative declared improvement. These findings highlight health-related that may inform future strategies policies improve employees’ well-being.