Abstract summary 

The COVD-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented global health and economic crisis, particularly in countries struggling with poverty. We conducted a national survey to understand the economic and health impacts of COVID-19 in Ethiopia.A pilot, population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults randomly selected from the Ethio Telecom list of mobile phone numbers. Participants underwent a comprehensive phone interview about the impact of COVID-19 on their economic well-being and the health-related risks associated with COVID-19.Of 4,180 calls attempted, 1194 were answered, of which a successful interview was made with 614 participants. COVID-19 affected the family income of 343 [55.9%] participants, 56 [9.1%] lost their job, 105 [17.1%] perceived high stress in their household, and 7 [1.14%] reported death in their family in the past month. The odds of having a decreased income due to COVID-19 were 2.4 times higher among self-employed [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.4, 95% CI (1.58-3.77)] and 2.8 times higher among unemployed [AOR 2.8, 95% CI (1.35-5.85)] participants. Two-hundred twenty-one [36%] participants had comorbidity in their household with hypertension, 72 [11.7%], diabetes,50 [8.1%], asthma, 48 [7.8%], and other chronic diseases, 51 [8.4%]. Forty-six [7.5%] participants had COVID-like symptoms in the previous month, where cough, headache, and fatigue were the most common.COVID-19 posed serious economic pressure on households. Self-employed and unemployed were the most affected. Continuous surveillance is needed to actively monitor the impact of COVID-19 in the community and safeguard the economic and health well-being of individuals and households.

Authors & Co-authors:  Belay Winini W Manyazewal Tsegahun T Woldeamanuel Yimtubezinash Y Makonnen Eyasu E Teferra Solomon S Addissie Adamu A Hanlon Charlotte C Haile Tewodros T Amogne Wondwossen W Hailemariam Damen D Asaminew Azeb A Habtamu Kassahun K Araya Mesele M Ajeme Tigest T Eshetu Tigist T Bisrat Haileleuel H Shiferaw Kehabtimer K Kassa Munir M Abayneh Aschalew A Ambaw Fentie F Berhane Yemane Y Gebremariam Rahel R Davey Gail G Medhin Girmay G Fekadu Abebaw A

Study Outcome 

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