Impact of Global Health Crisis and Lockdowns on Rural Livelihoods: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Bangladesh

Background: The last pandemic threatened Bangladesh, and at the same time, a large number of its people were infected with the coronavirus. This pandemic and its subsequent dissemination negatively affected social, economic, and livelihood conditions worldwide, including in Bangladesh. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the livelihood effects due to pandemic and lockdowns among the population living in rural Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: This study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional method. Data was collected from the 639 beneficiaries of TMSS from four districts of Rajshahi and Rangpur namely Bogura, Gaibandha, Joypurhat and Naogaon. The duration of study was June 2020 to August 2020. Data was collected using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. Results: Majority 94.2% of the respondents reported lockdown due to pandemic affected their livelihood. Regarding the extent of the effect, 35.5% mentioned fully affected, 48% moderately affected and 10.6% slightly affected. It also revealed that monthly salaried income of the respondents was significantly reduced during lockdown, dropping from 22% to 15% per month due to the economic impact and restrictions.