COVID-19, mobility constraints, and the activity space: The daily lives of chronically ill individuals in a pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the day-to-day mobility challenges faced by chronically ill and/or mobility constrained populations, including but not limited to service changes and shutdowns, increased transportation costs, and greater risk of COVID transmission in out-of-home activities, including on public and shared transportation. These challenges could lead to further shrinkage of the already constrained activity spaces for individuals with chronic health conditions. In a mixed methods study conducted along with a Food as Medicine program targeting low-income patients with uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, we examine the changing patterns of daily lives and activity spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic and how these individuals cope with their mobility challenges. Using both surveys and in-depth interviews, the study explores the time-space experience and socio-spatial isolation of vulnerable populations in a pandemic.