Analysis of working and health conditions in street vendors of Bogotá, Colombia, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic caused an economic, social and health crisis that, despite the lifting of restrictions in the so-called "new normality," resulted in increased vulnerability and informal employment. Objectives: To analyze the working and health conditions of a group of informal workers who develop their economic activities in the streets of Bogotá in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and of the so-called post-pandemic new normality. Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted on a sample of street vendors by applying a standard questionnaire and a qualitative phenomenological analysis. Data were analyzed descriptively, sub analysis was performed according to economic activity, and significant associations were tested. Results: A total of 191 street vendors of low socioeconomic status were included. Of note was the predominance of workers affiliated to the subsidized social security system (p = 0.012) and the fact that more than 89% were not affiliated to other protection systems. Participants perceived that their income decreased after the pandemic (50-80%) and that the wage-work relationship was unfair (p = 0.045). The health-work relationship was explored in categories such as challenges during the pandemic, work concerns, and work well-being. Conclusions: The working, employment and health conditions of street vendors in the context of the pandemic worsened their already precarious living conditions and work flexibility, exposing them to adverse situations such as an increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and a constant need to earn a living wage.