Socio-Economic Impacts of COVID-19 on Persons with Disabilities: Evidence from District Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

Aim of the study: This research paper discusses the socio-economic effects of COVID-19 on PWDs in District Multan, Pakistan, and how the restrictions related to the pandemic aggravated the existing inequalities.

Methodology: Data were collected using a quantitative and cross-sectional survey involving 241 registered PWDs of the Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal Department with the help of a structured interview schedule and analysed with the help of ANOVA, independent t-tests and simple linear regression.

Findings: The results indicate that there are significant social problems, such as high rates of discrimination (59.3%), high levels of social isolation (69.3%), and high levels of psychological stress (63.5%). Economic changes were harsh, and the respondent rates were 88.3 percent who said they are poor, jobless, or their income has been cut. The outcomes of ANOVA revealed that the levels of awareness, stress, and socio-economic burden were significant in relation to the types of disability (p <.05). The gender-based analysis revealed that women had much higher socio-economic struggles (t = -2.924, p =.004). The regression model established that psychological stress was a strong predictor of poor health outcomes (b =.198, p=.002). A family support became the most trusted tool of coping, and more than three out of five clients were depending upon relatives to help them during lockdowns.

Conclusion: Results indicate serious gaps when it comes to disability-related issues in planning of disasters, social protection and access to services. It is suggested that policymakers should improve disability-sensitive provision of health, expand social protection policies, make communication formats accessible, and improve digital and community-based support systems. These are necessary to protect the dignity, rights and wellbeing of PWDs in the event of future outbreaks of a given health emergency.