Self-reported Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Economic Inflation on the Well-being of Low-income US Veterans

The health and well-being of low-income populations may be disproportionately impacted by major public health and economic events. This study examined written self-reported impacts of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the economic inflationary period on health from a national sample of 854 low-income U.S. veterans. Responses were analyzed using rapid assessment procedures. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 59% of participants reported the pandemic had no effect on their health, 7% reported increased social isolation, and small proportions of participants reported negative effects on physical and mental health. In response to economic inflation, 43% of participants reported inflation had no effect on their health, 11% reported concerns about personal finances, and only small proportions reported other negative psychosocial impacts. Collectively, these findings suggest many low-income veterans are resilient during major events. Further research is needed on long-term health effects of inflation on this population.

Automated summary

This study examined the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic inflation on the health of 854 low-income U.S. veterans. Findings showed that the pandemic had no effect on the health of 59% of participants, while 7% reported increased social isolation and a small proportion reported negative effects on health. In response to economic inflation, 43% reported no impact on health, 11% had concerns about personal finances, and only a small proportion reported other negative psychosocial impacts.