The COVID-19 Pandemic Negatively Affected Low-Income Families’ Lives: A Descriptive Study
Nandini Koneru, 2nd Year and Meghana Jalagam, 2nd Year
Abstract
First documented in December 2019, the SARS-CoV-2, also known as COVID-19, has spread across the world rapidly to cause a massive global pandemic. In addition to the health crisis, families are facing challenges to their everyday life, specifically families under the poverty level. However, limited studies were conducted among low-income families with young children; thus, this study aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 on low-income families’ lives.
Using a cross-sectional study design, we collected data from low-income parents regarding their emotional and behavioral changes during the pandemic. Participants were recruited from Michigan Head Start organizations and Qualtrics panel. The sample consisted of 408 parents with an average age of 31 years. The majority of participants were female and earned an annual income <$30,000. Additionally, 21% were Black, 17% were Hispanic, and 44% were unemployed. Around 79% admitted that the pandemic had negatively impacted their life, and 72% were laid off from work or had reduced work hours. Greater than 83% felt more stressed, anxious, or depressed, and 79% spent more time on screens. About two thirds struggled to pay bills. Nearly half had difficulty getting necessary food and finding childcare. Only about a third reported participating in more physical activity and ate healthier. Nearly 89% reported a closer relationship with their children. The negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic reported by low-income families could produce long-term consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to design interventions to promote stress management and healthy lifestyles among these low-income families.