Effect of COVID-19 on livelihoods of people with and without disabilities: Results from a cross-sectional survey in 3 urban areas of Viet Nam

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread health, social and economic impacts worldwide. In many contexts, it has likely exacerbated existing inequalities.

Objective

This study compares the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic amongst people with and without disabilities in Viet Nam.

Methods

A telephone survey was conducted in the three largest cities of Viet Nam (Da Nang, Ha Noi, and Ho Chi Minh City) between December 2021 and January 2022. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling (n = 898; 479 people with disabilities; 419 without). The survey collected data on livelihoods, employment, household economic security, and access to social protection and assistance.

Results

People with disabilities were three times more likely to have stopped working completely (PR: 2.8, 95 % CI: 2.0–4.0), 30 % more likely to report reduced earnings (PR: 1.3, 95 % CI: 1.2–1.5), twice as likely to report severe impacts on household finances (PR: 1.9, 95 % CI: 1.6–2.3) and three times more likely to report severe impacts on household food security (PR: 3.2, 95 % CI: 2.3–4.6) since the onset of the pandemic. Amongst people with disabilities, informal workers were particularly negatively affected. Households with members with disabilities were more likely to receive some types of COVID-19-related assistance (e.g. financial or food aid), but less likely to be enrolled in social insurance.

Conclusions

Urgent and inclusive responses are necessary during crises to address the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities. Implementing comprehensive social protection measures is crucial to narrowing disparities, and maintaining well-being and economic security during shocks such as COVID-19.