Differences in Disparities amid difficult (COVID -19 Pandemic) Times: Social class and its effect on COVID-19 related behaviors

A 2021 metanalysis found persons with low incomes were more likely to be negatively affected by COVID- 19 due to limited resources, inability to easily access healthcare, difficulty in complying with social distancing due to their work and/or their living situation. In this study we looked at how economic class affects behaviors related to COVID-19. A causal comparative approach was utilized. A multivariance analysis of variance was conducted utilizing SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC). The independent variable was economic class. The dependent variables included compliance with the following behaviors: 1) vaccination status, 2) booster status, 3) previous positive test results, 4) self- isolation compliance knowing they tested positive, 5) wearing a mask indoors, 6) wearing a mask outdoors, and 7) eating at a restaurant. This study resulted in two statistically significant findings. (1) The proportion of students (49%) who reported receiving a booster (p\u3c0.03); and (2) the proportion of students (97%) who report self- isolation if positive (p\u3c0.02). This suggests disparity in healthcare. This may be due to a lack of choice due to worry about being sick after the booster but needing to work to support their family. Some may not be able to self-isolate due to the demands of their job or living conditions. COVID-19 has shown exactly how flawed the healthcare system is with the disparities between low and high-income individuals. Low-income individuals must rely on the choices of their employers and public policy, which often don’t think of the public wellbeing. Understanding weaknesses in public health due to class helps better serve our communities