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Experiences of mental health and poverty in high-income countries during COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-aggregation

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  • Jessica Allen
  • Tracy Smith-Carrier
  • Victoria Smye
  • Rebecca Gewurtz
  • Roxanne Isard
  • Rebecca Goldszmidt
  • Carrie Anne Marshall

Abstract

Systematic reviews have been published that explore the experiences of living in poverty, yet there are no known studies that have synthesized the findings of research exploring the experiences of mental health and wellbeing of persons living in poverty during COVID-19. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-aggregation of qualitative evidence using the method described by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) following the PRISMA guidelines. Of 8391 titles and abstracts screened, we included 23 studies in our review and meta-aggregation. In conducting our meta-aggregation, we generated three synthesized findings: 1) magnification of inequities and marginalization during COVID-19; 2) difficulty accessing resources during the lockdown; and 3) the lockdown causing changes in mental health and wellbeing. The findings of this review suggest that persons living in poverty experienced increased difficulties with mental health and well-being during COVID-19. This was largely influenced by the presence of pandemic restrictions and increasing financial precarity that resulted in rising levels of psychosocial distress. Research regarding the plight of persons living in low income is needed to inform policy and practice for future pandemics in order to decrease the vulnerability of this population. Implementing evidence-informed policies and practices that mitigate the negative psychological effects of physical distancing restrictions on persons living in poverty are needed, and these can be identified through future research efforts.

Suggested Citation

  • Jessica Allen & Tracy Smith-Carrier & Victoria Smye & Rebecca Gewurtz & Roxanne Isard & Rebecca Goldszmidt & Carrie Anne Marshall, 2024. "Experiences of mental health and poverty in high-income countries during COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-aggregation," PLOS Mental Health, Public Library of Science, vol. 1(5), pages 1-22, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pmen00:0000059
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000059
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Benoit Decerf, 2021. "Combining absolute and relative poverty: income poverty measurement with two poverty lines," Social Choice and Welfare, Springer;The Society for Social Choice and Welfare, vol. 56(2), pages 325-362, February.
    2. Oscar Flores-Flores & Diego Otero-Oyague & Lorena Rey-Evangelista & Alejandro Zevallos-Morales & Gabriela Ramos-Bonilla & Ivonne Carrión & Vanessa Patiño & Suzanne L Pollard & Jose F Parodi & John R H, 2023. "Agency and Mental Health Among Peruvian Older Adults During the COVID-19 Lockdown," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 78(6), pages 1109-1117.
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