Impact of Nutritional Counseling on Knowledge and Lifestyle Related to Immunity Among Academic University Staff in Lima (Peru) During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Maribel Magaly Coca Jurado, Ana Maria Muñoz Jáuregui Doctorate in Nutrition and Food, Postgraduate School, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, 15024, PeruCorrespondence: Maribel Magaly Coca Jurado, Doctorate in Nutrition and Food, Postgraduate School, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Av. La Fontana 550, La Molina, Lima, 15024, Peru, Email [email protected]: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about substantial changes in lifestyles, highlighting the importance of online nutritional counseling as a viable strategy to enhance knowledge and promote healthier lifestyles. This approach serves as an alternative means to prevent non-communicable diseases and strengthen immune function. This study aimed to assess the impact of nutritional tele-counseling on knowledge levels and lifestyle habits related to immunity among university staff members in Lima, Peru.Methods: A quasi-experimental analytical study was conducted, using a non-probabilistic convenience sampling method to select a sample of 35 participants aged between 30 and 59 years. The study was conducted via the Zoom platform. A pre-test was administered, followed by a two-month counseling program that included sessions on nutrition and lifestyle-related topics. A post-test was administered at the conclusion of the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using the McNemar test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for quantitative variables, with a statistical significance level set at p < 0.05. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 17.Results: The knowledge score related to immunity-enhancing foods and nutrients showed a significant increase, with the mean score rising from 3.3 ± 1.9 to 7.1 ± 1.5 (p < 0.001). Similarly, following the intervention, a significant improvement in lifestyle scores was observed, with the mean score increasing from 4.3 ± 1.8 to 11.3 ± 1.6 (p < 0.001).Conclusion: These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the nutritional tele-counseling program in significantly enhancing both nutritional knowledge and lifestyle practices.Keywords: dietary intervention, health education, immune health, remote consultation, anthropometry, academic personnel