A Scoping Review of the Impact of Negative Employment Change on Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has induced unprecedented shifts in employment dynamics, yet a comprehensive review of its impact on health remains scarce. This study aims to delineate the landscape of research regarding the repercussions of negative employment changes on health during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a roadmap for future research endeavors. Following the methodology outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), domestic and international literature up to February 29, 2024, was analyzed. Forty-seven pertinent documents were selected and categorized by country, data collection timing, research methodology, and variables employed. This review revealed the multifaceted nature of negative employment changes and health outcomes, spanning economic deprivation, social support, and stress theories to elucidate the health consequences of unemployment. However, quantitative studies on long-term impacts and physical health effects were found to be lacking, alongside gaps in research on employment and health disparities among marginalized groups. Moving forward, there is a pressing need to undertake robust investigations into the employment and health outcomes of public health crises, guiding evidence-based policy responses.