The Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak on the Household Economy
coronavirus, covid-19, expenses, incomes, household economy
Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic outbreak increased panic, anxiety, and depression level in both young and adult people and changed food consumption preferences. In the present study, the effects of COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and lockdown on the household economy (income and expenses) were investigated.Method: This research consisted of four hundred and ninety-three participants/families. All of them accepted voluntarily to take part in this study (364 men and 129 women). An online survey was generated to get the household economy parameters, including income, total expenditure, and other expenses during COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The survey was conducted during the lockdown period of COVID-19 when all participants were self-isolated at their residences.Results: There was a significant decrease in family incomes and a significant increase in family expenditures during COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Although there were substantial increases in nutrition, cleaning, communication, water-electric-gas expenses, there were outstanding decreases in cultural and transportation expenses.Conclusion: The results of the present study display that COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has a powerful impact on incomes and expenses of families from various countries. The long-period lockdown can cause several expected and unexpected adverse results such as health problems and worsening economic conditions of people. Local highway and air transportation might be permitted, and higher education institutions may be recommenced by providing basic precautions such as face mask and social distance rules.
Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science