Associations between lifestyle factors and COVID-19 infection rates: a cross-sectional analysis in the USA

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the vital connection between lifestyle factors and health outcomes, highlighting the need to understand how lifestyle choices influence both chronic and infectious diseases. Despite known links between lifestyle factors and chronic diseases, the relationship between these factors and infectious diseases like COVID-19 warrants further investigation.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used an anonymous survey collected from a diverse sample of US residents aged 18 or older. Excluding individuals under 18 or residing outside the USA, the survey captured data on diet, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, sleep duration, COVID-19 infection status, socio-demographics and other potential confounders. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2 tests and logistic regression to explore the associations between lifestyle factors and COVID-19 infection, with a particular focus on gender differences.ResultsAmong 1032 participants, the prevalence of COVID-19 was higher in women (42.8%) compared with men (32.0%). Significant associations were found between inadequate sleep (less than 4 hours per day) and increased risk of COVID-19 in both genders (OR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.13 to 7.35, p=0.02 for men; OR=5.69, 95% CI: 3.14 to 10.29, p