The differences in diet quality and physical activity for COVID-19 survivors and non-survivors in Semarang City

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered lifestyle changes, namely diet quality and physical activity that show improvements in COVID-19 survivors. The study aimed to analyze the differences in diet quality and physical activity among COVID-19 survivors and non-survivors in the city of Semarang in March-April 2022. The study design was cross sectional with subjects of Semarang City residents aged 22-45 years as many as 100 subjects (50 survivors and 50 non-survivors of COVID-19) using purposive sampling technique. Semi Quantitative-Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) interview data were collected, followed by diet quality assessment using the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I). Physical activity data were collect using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Spearman's methods. The diet quality of the two groups showed a difference (p=0,012), where the diet quality of the survivor group was descriptively better. Variations in dietary quality components showed differences (p<0,001), including the subcomponents of overall (p=0,005) and protein (p<0,001). Physical activity in both groups showed no difference (p=0,639), including heavy, moderate, and walking activities. There was a difference in sedentary activity between the two groups (p=0,035). Conclusion, the dietary quality of the two groups showed differences, the majority of which were better in the COVID-19 survivor group. Physical activity in both groups showed no difference, but sedentary activity showed a difference in both groups.