Investigating the Impact of Job Loss and Decreased Work Hours on Physical and Mental Health Outcomes Among US Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE To investigate associations between adverse changes in employment status and physical and mental health among US adults (more than or equal to 18 years) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Data from participants (N = 2565) of a national Internet panel (June 2020) were assessed using path analyses to test associations between changes in self-reported employment status and hours worked and physical and mental health outcomes. RESULTS Respondents who lost a job after March 1, 2020 (vs those who did not) reported more than twice the number of mentally unhealthy days. Women and those lacking social support had significantly worse physical and mental health outcomes. Participants in the lowest, pre-pandemic household income groups reported experiencing worse mental health. CONCLUSIONS Results demonstrate the importance of providing social and economic support services to US adults experiencing poor mental and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic.