Assessing the Economic and Health Impact of COVID-19 on Urban Slum Households: Insights from Cuttack, India

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities within urban slums. Urban slums are characterized by overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and dependence on informal employment. These vulnerabilities have intensified both health risks and economic shocks among slum inhabitants. This study attempts to examine the health impact of COVID-19 on urban slum dwellers in the Cuttack district of Odisha. It also analyzes the economic and financial consequences of the pandemic. The analysis is based on primary data collected through a sample survey of 459 participants in slum areas. Results show that a large share of households experienced COVID-19 infection, with widespread transmission within families due to limited living space and the inability to isolate. Most residents relied on government hospitals for treatment, revealing the strain on public health systems in informal settlements. Vaccination coverage remained uneven, with many residents only partially vaccinated or unvaccinated. Informal workers faced major livelihood disruptions, losing many workdays and experiencing reduced earnings. Treatment-related expenses created financial pressure, and although most households received some form of government support, many continued to face financial difficulties even after the peak of the pandemic. Reliability analysis and structural equation modeling confirm that increased health expenses, deteriorating living conditions, and dependence on government assistance contributed meaningfully to financial stress. The paper stresses the need for strengthened public health services, targeted social protection, and resilient town policy frameworks. The findings contribute to broader discussions on urban vulnerability, pandemic resilience, and inclusive policy design for marginalized populations in rapidly growing Indian cities.