Impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable service sector workers' health and wellbeing

COVID-19 and the Health and Wellbeing of Vulnerable Service Sector Workers across the Life Course

NIH-funded research Harvard University · NIH-10879921

This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the health and wellbeing of low-income service workers, especially women and people of color, and it aims to understand how helpful safety programs and workplace rules were in keeping them safe and healthy during this tough time.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cambridge, United States)
Project IDNIH-10879921 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the health and wellbeing of vulnerable service sector workers, particularly those in low-income positions. It focuses on understanding the economic and health challenges faced by these workers, who are predominantly women and people of color. The study will analyze the effectiveness of safety net programs and workplace policies, such as paid sick leave and masking, in mitigating negative health outcomes during the pandemic. By examining adherence to health guidelines among workers and customers, the research aims to identify factors that influenced health disparities during this crisis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include low-income service sector workers, particularly those who are women and people of color, who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not a fit: Patients who are not employed in the service sector or who do not face economic vulnerabilities related to the pandemic may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved policies and support systems that enhance the health and wellbeing of vulnerable service sector workers during future public health crises.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that safety net programs can effectively buffer negative health impacts during economic crises, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Cambridge, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.