Assessment of Socio-economic Impact of Covid-19 in Households of Rural Field Practice Area of Belagavi - A Community Based Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: On February 11, 2020 WHO termed the disease caused by the SARS CoV-2 virus as ‘Corona virus disease 2019 (Covid-19)’. WHO declared that ‘Covid-19 as a pandemic’ on March 11, 2020. In India, first Covid-19 case was reported in Kerala on 30th January, 2020. Impact of Covid-19 is not only restricted to health, the devastating effects are widespread ranging from health, society, politics and economy. Unvaccinated individuals were more likely to report ‘Long Covid’ symptoms as well as a higher mortality due to Covid-19. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural field practice area among previously diagnosed Covid-19 patients from 1st September 2022 to 31st August 2023. Universal sampling was done. Sample size was calculated using data from National Health Accounts. Data were represented by frequency distribution table. Pearson’s chi-square test and Odds ratio were used, wherever applicable. Results: Among the study participants, 50% were males. 248 participants (70%) were married. 70% did not have any forms of insurance. 55% belonged to upper and upper middle class in the study. Loss of job was reported among 21% of the participants, 53% reported difficulty in getting food products, while 38% reported difficulty in getting medical supplies. Significant associations were seen between socio-economic status and other variables like insurance coverage, difficulty in getting food products and medical supplies. Conclusion: Findings from the study points that economically productive age group, people suffering from multiple comorbidities were significantly affected. Three-fourth of the participants were affected during second wave of COVID-19 infection. Long Covid was significantly observed among the hospitalized participants.