During public health emergencies, infection control policies play a critical role in curbing disease transmission. However, little is known about the ways in which these policies shape family dynamics. Challenges may be more pronounced among families living in low-income, high-risk urban communities. This study investigated conflicts related to COVID-19 within households, using data from a randomized control trial (n = 392) conducted between 08/2021 and 07/2022. The participants—primarily Latino or Black (95%), aged 18–54 (54%), and earning under $25,000 annually (63%)—were recruited from NYC public housing. Multilevel logistic regression analyses revealed that over half (55.9%) of households reported significant conflict over health decisions, going out, having visitors to the home, or NYC COVID-19 guidance. Conflict was more prevalent in larger households (with seven or more members, OR 2.73), households with teenagers (aged 14–17 only, OR 2.47), and those with family members experiencing high psychological distress related to COVID-19 (OR 2.26). These findings highlight the need for targeted public health messaging and interventions to mitigate household conflicts, reduce economic/psychological distress, and enhance family communication during disaster events.
Household conflict in the time of COVID-19: The impact of public policy on family dynamics in marginalized urban communities with high infection risk
Journal of Urban Health [Epub 2026 Jul 24]. doi: 10.1007/s11524-026-01112-z.