Challenges for Health Inequalities Research during COVID-19 Pandemic

Dear Colleagues,

During the COVID-19 pandemic, risk factors for the deterioration of physical and mental health associated with financial insecurity, unemployment and anxiety increased. At the same time, protective factors such as health-promoting lifestyles, social bonds, stable employment, educational engagement, and access to health services decreased. Many research centres have initiated surveys covering the general population, selected demographic subpopulations, and occupational groups that have been identified in relation to their infection risk or hampered living or working conditions. It is assumed that the pandemic period may have exacerbated health inequalities, with certain groups being more vulnerable to both its short- and long-term effects.

New research papers, as well as scoping or systematic reviews, are invited for submission to this Special Issue. Results from longitudinal, cross-sectional, or repeated cross-sectional studies are also welcome. There are no restrictions as to the main health outcome or studied population. The only inclusion criterion is to take into account some aspect of health inequality, and consider the new challenges that may have arisen during or after the pandemic period, for example, studies might discuss differences related to region, gender, age, or staying in close relationships in relation to living, working, or educational conditions.

Prof. Dr. Joanna Mazur
Dr. Dorota Kleszczewska
Dr. Maria Lukaszek
Guest Editors

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