COVID’s economic fallout increased risks for poor mental health

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15% of Latino adults lost their jobs and 26% had their work hours reduced; for white adults, those figures were lower — 11% and 22%, according to a new report.
A study published today by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research shows that the economic effects of COVID-19 increased the risk for poor mental health among California adults.
The research, which draws data from the 2020 California Health Interview Survey, revealed that because the pandemic disrupted many California adults’ ability to pay for housing, basic necessities and child care, it increased the risk of psychological distress, which in turn severely impaired their daily functioning.
During the first year of the pandemic, 12% of the respondents reported that they had experienced serious psychological distress, and 11% reported moderate psychological distress. Those who had difficulties with finances or child care due to the pandemic were up to twice as likely to have serious or moderate psychological distress.
“In order to reduce the additional risk of psychological distress and severe impairment related to COVID-related economic hardships, policymakers need to give all Californians access to the financial and social resources that will help bridge the gap in economic insecurity,” said Imelda Padilla-Frausto, a scientist at the research center. “Recovery from the pandemic begins with addressing many longstanding inequities across the state.”
The research revealed that marginalized racial and ethnic groups were disproportionately affected: