Impact of COVID-19 and Socioeconomic Status on Delayed Care and Unemployment

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may disproportionately impact minorities and individuals of low socioeconomic status (SES). This study examined unemployment and delayed care due to COVID-19. Methods: Using the Current Population Survey (CPS) from May through October 2020, two questions, namely unable to work and delayed care due to COVID-19, were examined. Unweighted summary statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 367,950 adult participants 18-64 years old at survey were included. Mean (standard deviation) age was 41 (14) years old, and 36% of the participants had family income ≤$25,000. About 12% reported unable to work and 3% had delayed care. Racial minorities had statistically significant higher likelihood of being unable to work. Individuals with the lowest income, ≤$25,000, had the most serious impact from COVID-19 (odds ratio=1.92, p<0.01). Conclusion: Individuals of racial minority groups and lower SES experienced the worst economic outcomes of employment losses.