Impact of Nutritional Counseling on Knowledge and Lifestyle Related to

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an unprecedented international well being disaster, impacting hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide, together with these in Peru.¹ During this era, the crucial function of the immune system in defending towards the virus has been well known, together with the significance of adopting wholesome life-style habits to strengthen immune response.^2,3 Numerous research have highlighted the influence of food regimen on the modulation of the immune system.^4–7 A nutritious diet wealthy in important vitamins, reminiscent of nutritional vitamins and minerals, has been proven to be essential for sustaining optimum immune perform, notably in contexts just like the COVID-19 pandemic.⁴ In truth, vitamins reminiscent of vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and iron play a vital function in regulating each innate and adaptive immune responses.⁷ Additionally, a balanced food regimen that features fruits, greens, entire grains, and top quality proteins has been proven to scale back susceptibility to infections and improve the physique’s capability to fight pathogens.⁵

Immunonutrition has gained significance as a key technique for stopping and lowering the severity of respiratory infections.^5–7 The significance of selling schooling on wholesome consuming habits has been emphasised as a complementary measure to reinforce the inhabitants’s total well being.⁸ However, regardless of the rising scientific proof, inconsistencies stay relating to the extent of data about wholesome dietary practices and their influence on immunity. Por instance, there’s a tendency to underestimate the function of key meals and vitamins, reminiscent of fruits, greens, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, in modulating immune responses,⁹ with extra emphasis usually positioned on stylish dietary supplements fairly than a balanced food regimen.¹⁰ In the context of college lecturers, dietary information is especially vital, as they work together every day with college students and play a vital function in selling wholesome habits inside their communities. However, earlier research have indicated that, total, their degree of diet information is proscribed,¹¹ which may negatively have an effect on their very own well being and hinder their capability to advertise a wholesome life-style in each their work setting and the broader neighborhood.

To date, diet counseling packages have confirmed to be efficient in bettering each diet information and wholesome life-style habits in numerous populations.^12,13 These interventions, sometimes involving academic classes and personalised follow-ups, have efficiently elevated individuals’ understanding of the significance of a balanced food regimen and its direct influence on well being, notably within the context of illness prevention.¹⁴ Nehme et al,¹⁵ in a research carried out amongst staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated that dietary counseling can considerably improve the consumption of meals wealthy in important vitamins, reminiscent of proteins and different micronutrients, thereby contributing to improved total well being and larger consciousness of the significance of diet for immunity. Similarly, a research carried out amongst major faculty lecturers discovered important variations between pre- and post-test scores, indicating a rise within the lecturers’ degree of diet information.¹²

Nutritional counseling not solely enhances lecturers’ information but additionally equips them to extra successfully transmit this data to their college students, fostering a constructive influence on all the faculty neighborhood.¹¹ However, the scientific literature on the implementation of dietary counseling packages amongst academic personnel stays restricted, highlighting the necessity for additional analysis on this space. These packages have the potential to not solely enhance the person well being of academic staff, but additionally improve their function as well being promoters inside academic establishments, fostering long-term constructive modifications in class communities.¹⁶ Educational personnel who lack a stable understanding of how wholesome consuming influences immunity might wrestle to include wholesome consuming practices into their every day routines, thereby lowering their capability to behave as brokers of change inside the faculty setting,^17,18 which can, in flip, improve their susceptibility to an infection and illness, particularly throughout high-risk conditions, much like the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, there’s a want for research that assess the influence of dietary counseling on this key group, with the intention to present proof supporting the event of focused academic packages.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing measures and mobility restrictions accelerated the adoption of digital options in numerous sectors, together with diet.¹⁹ Nutrition tele-counseling, which makes use of digital platforms to ship dietary steerage and schooling, has emerged as a significant instrument for selling wholesome consuming habits whereas guaranteeing the protection of individuals.²⁰ This strategy not solely enhances accessibility to counseling packages by eradicating geographic boundaries, but additionally gives individuals with the pliability to entry data from house—an important profit in periods of confinement. Tele-counseling might be simply as efficient as face-to-face interventions in bettering dietary information and selling health-related behavioral modifications, highlighting its relevance and applicability throughout well being emergencies just like the COVID-19 pandemic.¹⁹

The current research goals to judge the influence of dietary tele-counseling on information associated to immunity and life-style amongst educational college employees in Lima, Peru, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods

Design and Study Participants

A quasi-experimental, longitudinal, and potential research was carried out, with the protocol authorized by the analysis ethics committee of Clínica Avendaño (protocol code: 029–022-CIEI). Prior to the implementation of the web dietary counseling program “Vida Sana – USIL”, which consisted of 16 academic classes over 12 weeks, knowledgeable consent was obtained from all individuals. The research was carried out in accordance with the moral ideas outlined within the 1975 Declaration of Helsinki and its subsequent amendments.

The research individuals had been employees members from Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, a personal college positioned in Lima, Peru. They attended the preliminary on-line session, the place they had been supplied with all related details about the research. Those who expressed curiosity in collaborating accomplished a preliminary survey (pre-test). In addition, anthropometric measurements, together with weight and peak, had been taken for every participant. These measurements had been assessed by the ‘Vida Sana – USIL’ program a couple of days previous to the beginning of the dietary counseling.²¹

Sampling was not carried out because of the small inhabitants measurement. Instead, all people who met the choice standards and agreed to take part had been included. Initially, 47 collaborators had been enrolled; nonetheless, 12 individuals had been misplaced throughout the 12-week dietary counseling follow-up carried out between October and December 2022. As a end result, 35 individuals had been included within the ultimate evaluation (see Figure 1).

Figure 1 Study design.

Implementation and Development of the “Vida Sana” Program

After obtaining authorization from the relevant university departments, a virtual meeting was held with all participants via the Zoom platform. During this session, the objective and procedures of the nutritional counseling study were explained, and informed consent was obtained. Participants were required to confirm their participation and send their signed consent forms via Email to the research team. The meeting also served to present the structure of the intervention and the role of the nutritionist, who was responsible for promoting and facilitating participation in the “Vida Sana” program.

Participants were invited to join a dedicated WhatsApp Messenger group, where they received ongoing communication, motivational content, and a secure link to complete the initial online survey via Google Forms. This baseline (pre-intervention) survey included questions to assess knowledge and lifestyle habits related to immunity. Importantly, participants did not receive feedback on their responses at this stage, in order to preserve the objectivity of the baseline measurement. The assessment process was fully standardized: all participants received the same questionnaire format, instructions, and delivery method, whether completed synchronously during the meeting or later via the provided link.

Following this, 16 weekly nutritional counseling sessions were delivered over the course of three months, each lasting 45 minutes. The sessions addressed topics related to healthy eating, immunity-supportive habits, and lifestyle changes. They were delivered virtually and included interactive components. At the end of each session, participants had the opportunity to ask questions and clarify any doubts about the content discussed.

Upon completion of the 16 sessions, participants were invited to complete the post-intervention survey, which contained the same set of questions as the initial survey. This allowed for a direct comparison of pre- and post-intervention scores to evaluate the impact of the nutritional counseling on participants’ knowledge and lifestyle behaviors related to immunity.

Training Resources and Tools

In preparation for the training sessions outlined in Table 1, the matters associated to diet, immunity, wholesome life, and the prevention of non-communicable illnesses had been developed by the lead researcher (a nutritionist) in collaboration with a multidisciplinary crew of pros in diet and public well being. This collaborative strategy ensured that the content material was evidence-based, related to the context of the pandemic, and aligned with the targets of the intervention.

Table 1 Nutritional Counseling Program to Improve Knowledge and Lifestyle

The sessions were delivered using Microsoft PowerPoint presentations and supported by interactive learning tools, such as Kahoot and Google Forms, which were used for feedback activities and to dynamically assess participants’ learning.

Within the WhatsApp group, participants had access to the full program schedule, including detailed information on the topics to be covered, session timings, and weekly activities. Supplementary materials—such as videos, guides, and recommendations on healthy eating and immunity-supportive lifestyle habits—were also shared to reinforce learning. This space encouraged participant interaction and facilitated ongoing engagement with the program. Additionally, recordings of each session were made available so participants could review the material at their own pace.

Data Collection Instruments

Knowledge Questionnaire on Immune-Related Nutrients

It was designed to assess participants’ knowledge of essential nutrients that support immune function. The questionnaire consisted of 8 items covering various categories of micronutrients, including vitamins (A, C, D, E), minerals (zinc, magnesium, iron), and omega-3, −6, and −9 fatty acids. Participants were asked to identify foods that contain these nutrients. The instrument was validated by four experts in nutrition and health sciences, who assessed its clarity, relevance, and appropriateness within the context of the study. The response options were dichotomous: “Yes” (knows the food containing the nutrient) and “No” (does not know). Each correct answer was awarded 1 point, while incorrect answers or lack of knowledge received 0 points. The total score reflected each participant’s level of knowledge regarding immunity-related nutrients. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed using the Kuder-Richardson coefficient, yielding a value of 0.75, which indicates adequate reliability for the items measuring nutritional knowledge.

Immunity-Related Lifestyle Questionnaire

It was designed to gather information on dietary and behavioral habits that may affect the immune system. This questionnaire included 17 questions addressing the frequency of consumption of specific foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, protein-rich foods, and probiotic dairy products. In addition, it assessed lifestyle factors such as daily physical activity, water consumption, sleep duration, sun exposure, alcohol and tobacco use, and spiritual beliefs. The questionnaire was validated by a group of seven nutrition experts, who evaluated the relevance of the items and their alignment with the study’s objectives. The response options for most questions were based on the frequency of consumption or activity: “Never”, “Occasionally” (1 to 2 times per week), “Frequently” (3 to 5 times per week), and “Always” (every day). Each item was scored from 0 (for the least healthy responses) to 3 points (for the healthiest responses). The total score served as an indicator of the participants’ lifestyle in relation to immunity. The questionnaire had a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.71, indicating acceptable internal consistency.

Statistical Analysis

Descriptive analyses were performed for all study variables. Quantitative variables were summarized using measures of central tendency (mean, median) and dispersion (standard deviation, range), while categorical variables were presented as absolute frequencies and percentages.

To evaluate changes in food and nutrient knowledge scores and immunity-associated lifestyle scores before and after the intervention, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied. This non-parametric test was selected due to the paired nature of the data and the non-normal distribution of the scores. For categorical variables derived from the classification of knowledge and lifestyle levels, the McNemar test was used to compare proportions between pre- and post-intervention measurements.

In addition, box plots were used to visualize the distribution of knowledge and lifestyle scores, and a scatterplot was employed to illustrate the correlation between both variables. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rho) was used to assess the relationship between knowledge and lifestyle scores, given the ordinal and non-parametric nature of the data.

All analyses were conducted using SPSS version 17 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). A two-tailed significance level of 5% (p < 0.05) was used for all tests.

Results

A total of 35 participants aged between 25 and 64 years were included in the study. The majority belonged to the 30–59 age group (85.7%), followed by participants aged 60 years and older (8.6%) and those aged 18–29 (5.7%). The predominant gender was male (82.9%), and most participants were married (57.1%). According to body mass index (BMI), 54.3% of the participants were overweight, and 20% had grade 1 obesity. In terms of personal medical history, the most common condition was cardiovascular disease, specifically arterial hypertension (34.3%) (see Table 2).

Table 2 Sociodemographic Characteristics of the Participants (N = 35)

The study demonstrated a significant improvement in participants’ knowledge of foods rich in key nutrients for immunity following the nutritional intervention (see Table 3). Participants’ information of meals containing vitamin A elevated considerably (p = 0.007), as did their information of meals wealthy in vitamin E (p < 0.001), vitamin D (p < 0.001), and vitamin C (p < 0.001). Similarly, a major improve in information about meals containing zinc (p < 0.001) and magnesium (p < 0.001) was noticed. Additionally, information ranges relating to omega-3, −6, and −9 fatty acids rose from 37.1% to 91.4% (p < 0.001), whereas information of iron-rich meals elevated from 54.3% to 97.1% (p < 0.001).

Table 3 Knowledge of Foods and Nutrients Associated with Immunity

Table 4 illustrates a major enchancment within the individuals’ total information rating following the dietary intervention. The imply total rating elevated from 3.3 ± 1.9 earlier than the intervention to 7.1 ± 1.5 after the intervention (p < 0.001), with the median rising from 3 (vary 0–8) to eight (vary 2–8). Prior to the intervention, solely 5.7% of individuals had been categorized as having a excessive degree of data (rating 7–8). After the intervention, solely 5.7% remained on the low degree (p < 0.001).

Table 4 Level of Knowledge of Foods and Nutrients Associated with Immunity

The results presented in Table 5 point out important enhancements in numerous consuming habits and wholesome behaviors following the intervention. A big improve was noticed within the every day consumption of cereals and entire grains (22.9% to 48.6%, p = 0.001), nuts (14.3% to 49.6%, p = 0.004), legumes (22.9% to 62.9%, p < 0.001), vegetables and fruit (20% to 77.1%, p < 0.001), in addition to the variety of glasses of water consumed per day (28.6% to 91.4%, p < 0.001). There was additionally a notable improve within the consumption of protein-rich meals, citrus fruits, purple fruits, yogurt, and probiotics, in addition to within the follow of every day bodily exercise (20% to 62.9%, p = 0.001).

Table 5 Frequency of Consumption and Lifestyles Associated with Immunity

Table 6 reveals a major enchancment within the total rating and immunity-associated life-style classes following the intervention. The total rating elevated considerably, from a imply of 4.3 ± 1.8 earlier than the intervention to 11.3 ± 1.6 after the intervention (p < 0.001). The median additionally confirmed a notable improve, from 4 (vary 1–8) to 12 (vary 8–14). Regarding immunity-associated life-style, most individuals had been categorized as having a low life-style earlier than the intervention (94.3%), whereas after the intervention, solely 11.4% remained on this class. After the intervention, 71.4% of individuals achieved an intermediate life-style (p < 0.001), and 17.2% reached a excessive life-style.

Table 6 Effect of the Intervention on the Overall Score and Immunity-Associated Lifestyle Categories Among Participants

Discussion

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced significant public health and educational challenges, emphasizing the need for intervention strategies that could be implemented remotely. Among these strategies, nutritional tele-counseling emerged as an effective tool for improving knowledge about health, immunity, and lifestyle habits across various populations.²² In academic establishments, the place personnel face excessive work calls for and stress, these interventions have performed a vital function in selling wholesome life. The current research evaluated the influence of dietary tele-counseling on the employees of an academic establishment throughout the pandemic, aiming to evaluate the information gained about immunity and life-style habits. The outcomes confirmed a major enchancment in each areas: the imply information rating elevated from 3.3 ± 1.9 to 7.1 ± 1.5 (p < 0.001), and the life-style rating rose from 4.3 ± 1.8 to 11.3 ± 1.6 (p < 0.001). These findings spotlight the effectiveness of tele-counseling as a sensible and scalable intervention in selling immune-related schooling and wholesome behaviors in educational settings.

In the present research, a statistically important enchancment was noticed in individuals’ information of immunity-related vitamins (p < 0.001), with the proportion of individuals at a excessive information degree rising from 5.7% to 77.1%. This included information about nutritional vitamins A, C, D, and E, in addition to minerals reminiscent of zinc, iron, and magnesium. These findings counsel that dietary tele-counseling might be an efficient instrument for selling schooling concerning the significance of micronutrients in strengthening the immune system, notably throughout a pandemic when immune well being is a precedence. This end result aligns with a telehealth intervention research carried out on college lecturers in Peru by Saintila et al,²³ by which the information degree scores on diet and wholesome consuming elevated considerably. Similarly, findings from an E-Learning program for lecturers have demonstrated an enchancment in dietary information ranges.²⁴ Knowledge of those vitamins can result in higher dietary decision-making and, consequently, a stronger immune response.

These micronutrients, together with omega-3, −6, and −9 fatty acids, have been proven to be important for strengthening the immune system.²⁵ For instance, vitamin A helps preserve the integrity of epithelial boundaries and regulates lymphocyte response, whereas vitamin C capabilities as an antioxidant and stimulates interferon manufacturing.⁷ Vitamin D modulates each innate and adaptive immunity, stopping inflammatory overactivation, and vitamin E protects immune cells from oxidative stress.²⁵ Among minerals, zinc is essential for lymphocyte perform and has antiviral results, whereas iron is crucial for immune cell proliferation and macrophage metabolism.⁷ Magnesium, then again, performs a task within the activation of T lymphocytes, making it indispensable for an enough immune response.²⁶ Omega-3, −6, and −9 fatty acids are important for strengthening the immune system as a result of their function in modulating the inflammatory response and supporting immune cell perform. As a end result, these vitamins are essential for sustaining immune system performance and defending the physique towards infections, together with SARS-CoV-2.^25,27

Following the intervention, entire grain consumption elevated considerably (p < 0.001), with the proportion of individuals reporting frequent consumption rising from 5.7% to 71.4%. These findings counsel that dietary tele-counseling is just not solely efficient in rising information of vitamins but additionally in selling constructive modifications in consuming habits, reminiscent of incorporating fiber-rich meals and vitamins important for immune and total well being. Similarly, an intervention research demonstrated that intensive diet schooling is related to elevated entire grain consumption,²⁸ which has been linked to improved digestive well being, higher regulation of physique weight, and a diminished danger of continual illnesses reminiscent of kind 2 diabetes and heart problems.²⁹

Whole grains have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that will contribute to improved immune perform, reinforcing the significance of together with these meals as a part of a balanced food regimen.^30,31 These helpful results are partly as a result of their excessive content material of dietary fiber, phenolic compounds, and different phytochemicals, which act as potent antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals and lowering oxidative stress within the physique.^30,31 Additionally, entire grains are wealthy in important fatty acids, B nutritional vitamins, and minerals reminiscent of zinc and magnesium, all of that are vital for correct immune perform.³² The fiber in entire grains additionally positively impacts intestinal well being by selling the expansion of helpful micro organism within the microbiome, which strengthens the intestinal barrier and enhances the immune response.³³ This mechanism is essential, as a wholesome intestine is among the physique’s major defenses towards pathogens. Modulating the intestine microbiome by means of the consumption of entire grains may cut back systemic irritation and improve innate immunity.³⁴ Finally, bioactive compounds current in entire grains, reminiscent of beta-glucans, have been proven to activate immune cells, together with pure killer cells and macrophages, which optimizes the physique’s capability to battle an infection.³⁵ This underscores the significance of selling entire grain consumption, not just for digestive well being but additionally as a key ally in strengthening the immune system.³⁶

The post-test outcomes additionally indicated a statistically important improve (p < 0.001) within the consumption of fruits, greens, and legumes, with the vast majority of individuals reporting frequent consumption after this system. This discovering aligns with the outcomes of an intervention research involving educated lecturers, which demonstrated a rise in fruit and vegetable consumption amongst individuals.³⁷ Similarly, an intervention geared toward altering the work setting to advertise fruit and vegetable consumption discovered a constructive improve in fruit and vegetable consumption amongst a gaggle of Brazilian staff after this system’s implementation.³⁸ The findings of our research are notably related, as these meals teams are wealthy in nutritional vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds that play an important function in sustaining a sturdy immune system.³⁹ Citrus fruits, for instance, are a wealthy supply of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant to guard immune cells from oxidative harm and improve lymphocyte perform, contributing to a stronger response to viral and bacterial infections.⁴⁰

Similarly, purple fruits reminiscent of strawberries and blackberries comprise anthocyanins and different polyphenols that not solely possess antioxidant properties however have additionally been proven to scale back continual irritation and improve immune perform.⁴¹ These properties assist shield the physique from free radical harm and assist the exercise of immune cells, reminiscent of macrophages.⁴⁰ Vegetables, notably leafy greens, are wealthy in nutritional vitamins A, C, and E, in addition to minerals reminiscent of magnesium and iron, that are important for the proliferation and maturation of immune cells.⁷ Legumes, then again, present high-quality protein and fiber, which enhance intestinal well being by strengthening the intestinal barrier and, in flip, enhancing innate immunity.⁴² These outcomes counsel that this system not solely enhanced individuals’ dietary information but additionally promoted tangible dietary habits modifications, which may contribute to improved an infection resilience and total well being.

Regarding protein-rich meals consumption, the research additionally confirmed a statistically important enchancment after the intervention (p < 0.001), suggesting that individuals grew to become extra conscious of the significance of proteins in supporting immune perform. This aligns with earlier research displaying that academic interventions can elevate consciousness of the significance of protein within the food regimen, resulting in elevated consumption.⁴³ Similarly, a research demonstrated a rise in protein consumption following the implementation of a dietary counseling program that emphasised the significance of protein within the food regimen, using digital assist instruments.⁴⁴ Proteins are important for the correct functioning of the immune system, as they supply the amino acids wanted for the synthesis of antibodies, enzymes, and different key immune molecules, reminiscent of cytokines and immune cell receptors.⁴⁵

Additionally, proteins assist the restore and regeneration of physique tissues, contribute to the upkeep of muscle mass, and are concerned in quite a few enzymatic and hormonal processes that regulate metabolism and immune protection.⁴⁶ A adequate consumption of high-quality protein may also improve vaccine responses and cut back susceptibility to infections.⁴⁷ In the context of immune challenges such because the COVID-19 pandemic, enough protein consumption is particularly vital for sustaining resilience and selling restoration.⁴⁵

Moreover, protein-rich meals reminiscent of legumes, nuts, fish, lean meats, and dairy merchandise comprise important micronutrients like zinc and iron, which assist immune perform.⁴⁸ Increased consumption of those meals might have positively impacted individuals’ immune well being, notably within the context of strengthening the immune response to viral infections, as noticed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.⁴⁵ These outcomes spotlight this system’s effectiveness not solely in enhancing dietary information but additionally in fostering modifications in dietary habits, which may straight influence total well being and immune system responsiveness.

A statistically important improve (p < 0.001) was additionally noticed within the proportion of individuals partaking in no less than 30 minutes of every day bodily exercise after the intervention. This has vital implications for his or her total well being and bodily well-being. Regular bodily exercise is strongly related to quite a few well being advantages, together with improved cardiovascular perform, physique weight administration, enhanced immune system energy, and a diminished danger of continual illnesses reminiscent of kind 2 diabetes and coronary heart illness.⁴⁹ This discovering means that this system not solely enhanced dietary information but additionally inspired constructive modifications in individuals’ bodily exercise habits, which may result in important enhancements of their long-term high quality of life. Similarly, a earlier mHealth intervention program demonstrated that personalised schooling and counseling on the significance of bodily exercise, mixed with phone assist, led to a sustained improve in common train amongst individuals.⁵⁰ This kind of intervention not solely helps people incorporate train into their every day routines but additionally reinforces private motivation and enhances total high quality of life. For instance, an internet office train intervention throughout the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that individuals considerably improved their notion of high quality of life, notably within the ache area, resulting in an total enchancment of their well being standing.⁵¹ Therefore, the outcomes of the current research spotlight the significance of incorporating bodily exercise elements into dietary counseling packages to maximise well being advantages.

Finally, the proportion of individuals consuming alcoholic drinks elevated considerably, a regarding discovering given the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress, social isolation, and financial uncertainty throughout the pandemic contributed to a world rise in alcohol consumption, as reported in a number of research.⁵² The rise in alcohol consumption could also be linked to the necessity to relieve emotional stress and anxiousness brought on by confinement and social restrictions, elements that led many people to undertake unhealthy habits as a coping mechanism.⁵³ This improve in alcohol consumption has damaging implications for each the immune system and total well being of the individuals.⁵⁴ Excessive alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, will increase susceptibility to infections, and may counteract the advantages of different dietary and life-style enhancements, reminiscent of elevated consumption of nutrient-rich meals and common bodily exercise.⁵⁵ These outcomes spotlight the significance of addressing stress administration and selling wholesome habits in a holistic method inside intervention packages throughout disaster conditions, reminiscent of a pandemic. Additionally, it’s essential to include schooling on the dangers of alcohol consumption, particularly throughout instances when psychological well-being could also be compromised.

In addition to the primary outcomes mentioned beforehand, the research revealed important modifications in different life-style variables which can be usually missed however are equally important for total well-being and immune well being. For occasion, every day water consumption elevated considerably from 28.6% to 91.4% of individuals (p < 0.001), underscoring the effectiveness of this system in selling hydration—an important think about metabolic and immune capabilities. Similarly, the proportion of individuals partaking in no less than 30 minutes of every day bodily exercise rose from 20% to 62.9% (p = 0.001), confirming that the intervention not solely improved dietary information but additionally inspired extra energetic life. Conversely, no important change was noticed in solar publicity habits (p = 0.5), regardless of its relevance for vitamin D synthesis and immune modulation. This could also be attributed to exterior limitations reminiscent of city infrastructure, work routines, or pandemic restrictions.

Moreover, though a slight improve within the proportion of individuals reporting greater than eight hours of sleep was noticed (from 71.1% to 82.9%), this was not statistically important (p = 0.727). Quality and length of sleep are recognized to have an effect on immune perform and psychological well being, suggesting that future packages ought to embrace extra focused methods to advertise sleep hygiene.

Regarding well being danger behaviors, smoking habits remained largely unchanged (p = 0.503), highlighting the necessity to embrace particular content material and follow-up mechanisms geared toward lowering tobacco consumption. In distinction, alcohol consumption elevated considerably throughout the research interval (from 11.4% to 37.1%, p = 0.004), seemingly reflecting the psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic fairly than this system’s affect. This reinforces the significance of integrating emotional regulation and stress administration elements in well being promotion packages.

Finally, an attention-grabbing discovering emerged within the area of spirituality. Although the proportion of individuals who agreed with the assertion “God positively influences my life” remained unchanged at 82.9%, the shift was statistically important (p < 0.001), probably reflecting elevated introspection or religious reaffirmation throughout the intervention interval. These findings counsel that spirituality might play a significant function in shaping well being behaviors and emotional resilience, notably throughout instances of disaster.

Limitations and Recommendations for Future Research

This research presents a number of limitations that must be thought-about when decoding the findings. First, the absence of a management group limits the power to make causal inferences. Without a comparability group, it isn’t attainable to find out whether or not the noticed enhancements in dietary information, dietary habits, and bodily exercise had been solely because of the intervention or influenced by different exterior elements, reminiscent of pandemic-related life-style modifications. Future analysis ought to incorporate randomized managed designs to extra precisely consider the effectiveness of dietary tele-counseling.

Second, information assortment relied on self-reported measures, which can introduce recall and social desirability biases. Participants might need over- or under-reported behaviors reminiscent of meals consumption or bodily exercise. To handle this, future research ought to embrace goal measures the place possible (eg, wearable gadgets for bodily exercise monitoring or meals diaries validated by nutritionists).

Third, whereas the questionnaires used had been validated by content material specialists and confirmed acceptable inner consistency, they weren’t standardized instruments acknowledged at nationwide or worldwide ranges. This might restrict the comparability of outcomes throughout research. It is really helpful that future analysis conduct full psychometric evaluations of the devices, together with pilot testing, issue evaluation, and cross-cultural adaptation processes, to make sure broader applicability and reliability.

Fourth, the pattern measurement and specificity of the inhabitants (educational employees from a single non-public college in Lima, Peru) restrict the generalizability of the findings. Broader research must be carried out with bigger, extra heterogeneous samples from a number of establishments, together with each private and non-private sectors, and throughout completely different areas of the nation. This would assist assess whether or not the results of the intervention are constant throughout numerous sociodemographic and occupational teams.

Lastly, future research may benefit from exploring the long-term influence of dietary tele-counseling, together with follow-up assessments months after the intervention to judge the sustainability of habits modifications. Moreover, integrating further elements reminiscent of stress administration, alcohol discount methods, and sleep hygiene schooling may improve the holistic influence of future packages.

Public Health Implications

The public well being implications of this research are important, particularly within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has underscored the significance of sustaining optimum immune well being and adopting wholesome life. The findings counsel that dietary tele-counseling can function an accessible and efficient instrument for educating people concerning the significance of diet and bodily exercise, whereas selling constructive modifications in health-related behaviors. This kind of intervention might be applied on a big scale, notably throughout well being crises when entry to in-person providers could also be restricted.

Increased consumption of meals wealthy in nutritional vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber, together with extra common bodily exercise, has the potential to scale back the incidence of continual illnesses reminiscent of weight problems, kind 2 diabetes, and heart problems, which place a substantial burden on public well being methods. Additionally, selling a balanced food regimen alongside elevated bodily exercise can strengthen the immune system, enabling the inhabitants to higher deal with viral infections and different illnesses.

However, the rise in alcohol consumption noticed on this research presents a problem for public well being insurance policies, as its abuse can negate the advantages of wholesome habits. This underscores the necessity for extra complete interventions that handle each diet and different crucial elements reminiscent of stress administration and dangerous substance use. En normal, the outcomes of this research assist using tele-counseling as a preventive and well being promotion technique that may be tailored to numerous populations and contexts, serving to to scale back the burden of lifestyle-related illnesses and strengthen public well being extra broadly.

Conclusion

This research demonstrated that dietary tele-counseling is an efficient instrument for enhancing immunity information and selling more healthy life-style habits among the many employees of an academic establishment throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants confirmed a major improve within the consumption of meals wealthy in important vitamins for the immune system, reminiscent of nutritional vitamins and minerals, together with a better consumption of fruits, greens, entire grains, and protein-rich meals. Additionally, there was a rise in common bodily exercise, which has vital implications for total well being and well-being. However, the rise in alcohol consumption highlights the necessity to combine stress administration methods and promote wholesome habits in a extra complete method in future interventions.

Data Sharing Statement

Data supporting the conclusions of this analysis can be made obtainable in coordination with the corresponding creator.

Ethical Statement

The analysis was reviewed and authorized by the Institutional Research Ethics Committee of Clínica Avendaño (Resolution No. 029-022-CIEI). Additionally, Written knowledgeable consent was obtained from every participant, in full compliance with the ideas outlined within the Declaration of Helsinki.

Acknowledgment

This analysis was carried out among the many safety employees at Clínica Avendaño. However, the funding and content material of the research are the only real accountability of the creator and don’t essentially characterize the official opinion of Clínica Avendaño.

Funding

The authors declare that they haven’t acquired monetary assist for the conduct of this analysis.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they haven’t any potential conflicts of curiosity on this work.

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