Gender, digital financial services and vulnerability in the era of pandemics: A cross-sectional analysis

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly spread across the world, infecting millions and causing economic disruption on an unprecedented scale. While everyone is affected by pandemic, vulnerable communities are at greatest risk. objective of this study to examine relationship between digital financial services (DFS), gender, vulnerability informal settlement dwellers COVID-19. Methods: We sampled a total 2,697 households from 101 settlements eleven out sixteen administrative regions Ghana. were selected based relative severity associated national lockdown regulations. Results: Adopting multiple regression analytical technique, results reveal three main findings: First, we observe that males in more likely be exposed infected people or person who died than females. However, women men as populations have higher susceptibility pandemics due less capacity implement preparedness response strategies disparities their societal status. Finally, find moderated use services. Conclusions: Our provide policy implications for authorities designing policies address poor Africa.