About half of Texans have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hitting minority populations hardest, according to a wide-ranging survey by the Episcopal Health Foundation.
The survey, conducted in November before omicron became COVID-19’s dominant variant, also showed more than half of Texans know a person whom COVID-19 has made seriously ill or hospitalized. It found the pandemic has caused financial hardship to about half of Texas families, with those hardships particularly affecting Hispanics.
“COVID-19 continues to highlight how a continuing public health crisis hits those with the least resources the hardest,” said Elena Marks, president and CEO of the Episcopal Health Foundation and an author of the report.
The findings on financial hardships underscore the reasons the Texas Medical Association and others throughout organized medicine are spotlighting the need to address social determinants of health.
About half – 49% – of all Texans say the COVID-19 pandemic has caused their families financial hardship, including 16% who say that hardship has been severe.
About 43% of white respondents and 45% of Black respondents reported severe or moderate financial hardship. But Hispanics seemed to be especially affected, the survey found. About 59% of Hispanics – and 71% of those who were not born in the U.S. – faced economic difficulties due to COVID-19. Also, families who earn less than $66,000 per year (62%) were much more likely to say they have suffered financially due to COVID-19.
In addition, 70% of Texans say they are at least somewhat concerned about the pandemic. Concern is higher among those with chronic conditions or a disability (76%) and those who report being in fair or poor health (78%). And about 29% say they know someone who has died due to complications from COVID-19, and 54% say they or someone they know has been seriously ill or hospitalized with the disease.
Among other findings in the survey:
- Most Texas parents of older school-age children support proof of vaccinations to go to schools. The survey found that 56% of parents with children between the ages of 12 to 17 said they would support schools requiring vaccination of all students and staff who are eligible.
- 46% of Texans agree with local mandates requiring people to show proof of vaccination before entering restaurants, theaters, and other nonessential businesses. Support for these mandates is highest among those 65 and older (59%) and lowest among adults younger than 65 (43%).
Stay updated on COVID-19 developments at TMA’s COVID-19 Resource Center.
Last Updated On
April 05, 2022
Originally Published On
January 18, 2022