Health Inequality due to Changes in Income Following COVID-19: Preventive Activity

Abstract

Background Preventive measures are crucial for improving the survival and quality of life of patients and reducing healthcare costs. The COVID-19 pandemic has induced various social changes, including to socioeconomic status, behavior, and income. We evaluated changes in income following COVID-19 as well as the effects on individual engagement in preventive activities. Methods Data from the 2021 Community Health Survey were used to select individuals aged 30–65 years who were involved in economic activities. We used logistic regression models to evaluate associations between changes in household income following COVID-19 and engagement in preventive activities. Results Of the 89,992 study participants, 36,193 (36.3%) experienced a decrease in household income due to COVID-19. Compared to individuals who had stable or increased income due to COVID-19, those whose income declined had a lower likelihood of participating in preventive activities, including vaccination(OR: 0.824, 95% CI: 0.794–0.856), medical checkups(OR: 0.625, 95% CI: 0.596–0.656), and cancer screening(OR: 0.815, 95% CI: 0.782–0.849). These differences were particularly significant in men and younger individuals, without chronic diseases and who were less satisfied with medical infrastructure. Conclusion Individuals who experienced a decreased in income due to COVID-19 encountered challenges in participating in prevention programs, leading to health inequality. For individuals with low rates of preventive activity, it is crucial to implement measures that encourage screening, such as providing incentives for individuals.