Impact of Covid-19 Response Measures on the Mental Health of Adolescent Girls and Women Working in the Informal Sector in Burkina Faso

Madeleine Wayack Pambe, Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo
Benewende SEBGO , Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Population (ISSP)
Alis BAMBARA, IDESO-University of Geneva
Eric Tchouaket, Université de Québec en Outaouais

The response to health crises such as the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic can result in or contribute to the exacerbation of adverse outcomes, including violence, malnutrition, and the burden, stress, and challenges associated with caregiving and domestic tasks. This presents a significant risk to the mental health of those most affected by these circumstances, namely women and girls. This article examines the impact of the response to the COIVD-19 pandemic on the mental health status of women and girls working in the informal sector in Burkina Faso. Quantitative data was collected from 1609 adolescent girls and women engaged in economic activities in this sector in March 2020. The findings indicate that the incidence of mental disorders rose during the period when restrictions due to the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic were in effect. The risk of experiencing a mental disorder is associated with a number of factors, including place of residence, age, increased domestic responsibilities, cessation of economic activity and lower income.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Population, Shocks and Pandemics, Gender Dynamics, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination

See extended abstract.