Assessing the Socio-Economic and Health Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown: A Comparative Study of Under-and Over-50-Year-Old Nigerians

Abstract

The emergence of COVID-19 has distorted life and living in all societies including Nigeria, and there is urgent need for research into its diverse effects, as in this study. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted from 20 April to 20 June 2020, with 5,227 participants recruited through various social media using a structured questionnaire. There were 3,173(60.7%) male and 804(15.4%) were ≥50 years old. In tracking family life during the lockdown, participants <50years significantly spent more time on family-oriented activities. Socioeconomically, more under-50s received assistance and were more involved in social networking, whereas more over-50s felt lonelier. Additionally, more males and unemployed persons were in need of, but unable to access healthcare. The consequences of these socio-economic and health effects particularly among persons aged ≥50years could ripple into long lasting psycho-social and physical health challenges, and it is therefore urgent need to step up efforts to address these problems.