Impact of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on physical, psychological, and social well-being of persons with disabilities: A systematic review

Abstract

Knowing that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the resultant lockdowns severely curtailed the mobility and accessibility to healthcare services for people with disability (PWD); the objective was to explore the impact and challenges faced by different disabling conditions among PWDs. A systematic review was conducted using online databases on impact or effect of COVID-19 on people with disabilities. Forty-three articles were included. Studies on different disability conditions reported reduced access to healthcare and rehabilitative services due to lockdown during the pandemic. There was reduction in physical activity; increased behavioral problems; poor compliance to preventive measures; and they experience anxiety, fear, depression, stress, loneliness, social isolation, and financial crisis. Their families and caregivers also experienced adverse emotional, economic, and social consequences of the pandemic. The study highlights need for mass sensitization, mobilization of services and creating awareness for adaptation and implementation of comprehensive disability inclusive guidelines.

Keywords

• attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders
• autism spectrum disorders
• covid-19
• hearing impairment
• intellectual and developmental disabilities
• pandemic
• physical disability
• visual impairment