Low-income groups are potentially the most adversely affected by the COVID crisis, given their economic condition, inability to afford protective gear, cramped living conditions, lack of access to healthcare, inability to voice their concerns. In May 2020, Taskeen and IPSOS embarked on a joint study to understand the mental health impacts of COVID on low-income communities.
Here are some of the key findings from that report:
- 60% of the participants interviewed stated their mental health had been affected by the COVID crisis.
- 95% of the individuals of this group have been adversely affected by the stress caused by COVID of which 46% believe that they have been severely affected.
- 80% of the populace admitted to feeling intense stress (tension), 67% admitted to anger/irritability [which can lead to domestic abuse/violence], 59% experienced intense sadness, 48% loss of interest in activities, 47% struggled to control their thoughts whereas a further 41% had sleep problems. All of these adversely impact productivity and capability to earn a livelihood, therefore sending a person out to earn daily wages in this setting is akin to sending them out with a handicap.
- Financial problems (72%) and Employment problems (60%) are the most major causes of stress and anxiety. Therefore, efforts to address mental wellbeing cannot be made in isolation of these problems
- At least 1 in 2 individuals believe that they’ll lose their job in the next 6 months and deserve aid from the government; especially those who are illiterate or slightly literate
- 44% of the underprivileged community admitted to taking their anger out on others on account of COVID related stress/anxiety/tension, whereas 44% admitted to the use of addictive substances and 26% reported self-harm. This number is likely underreported due to the nature of the admissions but even the current number points to exacerbation of known societal problems as a direct result of the mental health impacts of Covid-19.
- 53% tried to resolve their mental health issues by talking to someone and would have greatly benefited had that someone been a mental health professional, but they do not have access at present.
- State messaging has increased stress and anxiety in 67% of the underprivileged community, whereas only 2% reported a decrease in stress
- 85% of the community took refuge in religious practices, whereas 76% found religious bodies a reliable source of information, meaning that the role of the religious bodies in mental health messaging must be increased significantly.
- The community believes that stress management videos on social media and tv (70%) are overwhelmingly their choice for what might help them cope and News channels (77%) are the most reliable source of information
- The fact that helplines (19%), Medical support (19, and online workshops (6%), are considered by them to have such little effect in stress management indicates a lack of awareness amongst the community of professional methods of achieving mental wellbeing. It could also indicate that those currently being offered professional help do not find it satisfactory and the mental health efforts need to be adapted specifically for the underprivileged community