Impact of Covid-19 stress on urban poor in Sylhet Division, Bangladesh: A perception-based assessment

Abstract Introduction This study addresses a gap in understanding psychological stress, perceptions as well as its determinants among urban poor populations during the Covid-19 pandemic in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Methodology Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to a total of 408 respondents and focused on the participants’ perceptions of Covid-19 and their levels of psychological stress. Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the factors contributing to elevated psychological stress levels among the urban poor. Results The survey revealed significant economic vulnerabilities among the urban poor. Specifically, unemployment rates were 18.45% in Sylhet, 18.45% in Moulvibazar, 16.67% in Habiganj, and 23.53% in Sunamganj. A substantial proportion reported very low monthly household incomes (less than 5,000 Tk): 25.24% in Sylhet, 23.30% in Moulvibazar, 10.78% in Habiganj, and 15.38% in Sunamganj. A majority reported having no alternative source of income: 71.84% in Sylhet, 66.02% in Moulvibazar, 63.73% in Habiganj, and 70.19% in Sunamganj. Regarding perceptions of Covid-19 mitigation, belief in the effectiveness of isolation and treatment of infected individuals varied across districts: 81.55% in Sylhet, 54.08% in Moulvibazar, 22.55% in Habiganj, and 35.58% in Sunamganj. The logistic regression analysis indicated that urban poor individuals without alternative income sources experienced significantly higher levels of psychological stress compared to those with alternative income. Conclusion The findings suggest that the absence of alternative income sources is a significant predictor of increased psychological stress and government interventions prioritize mental health support and economic safety nets for urban poor, focusing on addressing stress within this study group.