Evaluating the Effect of Poverty and Economic Inequality on the Corona Pandemic in Iran and the World

The identification of factors affecting the prevalence of Covid-19 is vital in order to control the pandemic. Poverty and economic inequality are among the most important variables explaining the spread of coronavirus. This study evaluates the impact of poverty and economic inequality on the prevalence of COVID-19 worldwide.

This is an applied study which uses descriptive-analytical method. Also, the current study employs cross-sectional data and stable regression method to evaluate the effect of poverty and economic inequality on the prevalence and mortality rate of COVID-19 among 145 countries. The statistical population of this research study includes COVID-19 aggregate data extracted from Oxford-Martin Research Program and the World Bank in 2020-2021. According to the World Bank classification, we classified the surveyed countries, including Iran, in terms of their income levels into four income groups. Then, the impact of poverty and inequality indicators on the prevalence of COVID-19 has been analyzed among them. Also, econometrics and data analysis were performed using MATLAB software.

Estimates confirm the increasing effect of undernourishment and population aging on the spread of coronavirus for all income groups worldwide. In contrast, increasing stringency index reduces the morbidity rate of COVID-19. Significant variables in the prevalence of corona for Iran and countries within the upper middle-income group have also confirmed the effect of aging and stringency index. Finally, the variables explaining the increase in COVID-19 mortality rate in Iran and the upper middle-income group includes GINI coefficient, aging, and undernourishment.

Results of this study suggest that adequate nutrition in line with health expenditures and stringency index can play an effective role in reducing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Also, employing appropriate policies in order to increase economic equality will play a significant role in reducing COVID-19 mortality rate.