Economic Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on households

INTRODUCTION: this study evaluated the economic impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on individuals and households. METHODS: a cross-sectional online survey was used to collect data. Nigerian citizens who were domiciled or restricted from travelling abroad for no less than one month since the COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown were recruited into the study through focal persons purposively selected across the different states in Nigeria. Using WhatsApp® platform, the respondents completed the survey on household income and expenditure before and during the lockdown. Economic burden of COVID-19 lockdown on individuals and families was estimated using a prevalence-based cost of illness approach. RESULTS: four hundred and four (male = 242; female = 162) individuals have participated in the study. The mean (SD) age of the respondents was 30.98 (10.92) years. Monthly income showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.73) before and during lockdown. The overall household expenditure before and during the lockdown periods were USD 320 and USD 290. The total mean monthly costs for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 health related problems were ₦11746.25 (USD30.79) and ₦11784.9 (USD 30.89), respectively. Household expenditure for hand sanitizers, facemasks, hand gloves, and disinfectants increased significantly during the COVID-19 restriction lockdown (p < 0.05). However, expenditure on education, water, electricity, fuel, internet data, clothing and wears, toiletries decreased significantly during the lockdown period (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: this study suggests that the costs of continuing COVID-19 restrictions could have huge economic consequences on households and health system.