Dietary patterns and food habits during the COVID-19 endemic phase: impact on Malaysian adults’ food preferences / Muhamad Amirul Badlishah Amirruddin ... [et al.]

This cross-sectional study examines the correlations between dietary patterns, food habits, and eating behaviours among Malaysian adults during the endemic phase of COVID-19 in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. A questionnaire was designed to gather information about Malaysian adults' dietary habits and food preferences in order to gain a better understanding of their food habits. Specifically, the survey questionnaire aimed to collect information about Malaysian consumers' food habits, dietary patterns and food preferences. The results of the multiple regression analysis indicate that dietary pattern explains 68.7 percent (R2 =.687, F=842.571, p0.001) of changes in food habits. A beta coefficient value of .829, p 0.001, indicates how dietary habits are related to changes in food habits. During the endemic phase, dietary patterns appear to positively influence individual food habits. As a result of this study, it will be possible to gain a deeper understanding of Malaysian food habits and to develop better policies to ensure Malaysians' nutritional wellbeing. Gaining a better understanding of dietary habits is essential in order to develop interventions that are tailored to the needs of the Malaysian population. This will help to improve the health and nutrition of Malaysians.