Drinking water and beverage intake after COVID-19: Case study in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, Myanmar

The health crisis has posed a threat not only to people’s health but also to their well-being after the COVID-19 pandemic. It has prompted a shift in dietary patterns and drinking habits based on people’s preference toward healthier behaviour and items with affordable prices. The objective of this research is to assess the drinking water and beverage intake among selected households in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Based on the selected respondents (n=400), majority of selected households were from the public sector, with a high level of education. On the average, food costs constituted 70% of the total expenditure and 60% of the income. An observed intake is that a significant percentage of households allocate spending to drinking water, coffee, and tea mix, excluding alcohol. In contrast to the average monthly per capita consumption, drinking water, coffee and tea mix and alcohol are commonly consumed. The commonly purified drinking water among the selected respondents leans toward a healthy food system and signifies a positive preference. Consequently, it is proposed that preferences and for various types of drinking water and coffee and tea mix be strengthened to meet local demand, thereby enhancing household health and nutrition. This behavioural and preference could also accelerate a healthy lifestyle for everyone. For further research and development, the accessibility of purified drinking water and beverages could be promoted to improve a healthy lifestyle and sustainable intake.