Work-disabling illness as a shock for livelihoods and poverty in Dhaka slums, Bangladesh

Authors: Pryer, Jane; Rogers, Stephen; Rahman, Ataur

Source: International Planning Studies, Volume 10, Number 1, February 2005 , pp. 69-80(12)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

This paper examines the impact of work days off due to illness on the financial status and livelihoods of poor slum dwellers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data on illness and socio-economic status were collected in a panel survey with monthly rounds. We contacted over 12 000 individuals during a 12-month period and 2682 adults had taken work days off due to illness. Where adults had taken time off work due to illness, coping responses included a deficit in their financial situation, reducing expenditure, taking loans or mortgages, selling assets, changing their work and begging. Particular households may be vulnerable to adult ill-health. When ill-health prevents an adult earner from working, the household financial situation deteriorates, and strategies are used to offset the effect. It is likely that adult illness is a major contributor to chronic poverty.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13563470500159261

Affiliations: 1: Proshika, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Publication date: 2005-02-01

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