P-76 Social drivers of health and their impact on work and income of adults in Antigua and Barbuda during COVID-19

Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of the Rapid Mobile Phone Survey (RaMPS) data collected between September and November 2021 to assess the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The cross-sectional survey targeted adults with mobile phone access and used computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) as a low-cost, socially distanced method. Using random-digit dialing stratified by mobile network operator, 2,001 interviews were completed. The 15-minute, 36-question survey examined demographics, education and marital status, COVID-19 behaviors, risk communication, and access to services. This analysis examined the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID‑19 pandemic rather than the COVID‑19 disease, correlating pandemic‑related job and income changes with social and demographic characteristics. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and regression analysis in SPSS version 28.

Results: Regression analyses illustrated that participants aged 18 years to 29 years had significantly increased odds of experiencing permanent job loss vs no job impact when compared to participants who were 45 years and older (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.860; Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.289–2.684). Additionally, completing a university degree significantly reduced the odds of experiencing permanent job loss vs no job impact when compared to participants who completed a technical certificate (OR: 0.550; CI: 0.344–0.879). Men experienced significantly increased odds of impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to women, either increasing the odds of increased or reduced income, compared to no impact on income.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly negatively impacted the job security and earning potential of adults in Antigua and Barbuda.