COVID-19 Research Methods

The Impact of COVID-19 on Utah Women and Work

Study Background

An online survey instrument was administered in January of 2021 to a non-probability sample of Utah women representing different settings, backgrounds, and situations. (i.e., age, education, race/ethnicity, marital status, socioeconomic, county/region, job type, sector/industry, hours worked per week, employment status, and workplace situation). 

Recruiting: A call for participants was announced through the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) monthly newsletter, social media platforms, and website. In addition, researchers worked closely with nonprofit organizations, chambers of commerce, government agencies, municipalities and counties, women’s networks and associations, multicultural groups, businesses, universities, churches, and volunteers who all assisted in disseminating the survey to their employees and contacts. Additionally, targeted recruitment efforts were made throughout the state to improve representation from women of different demographics and geography, including providing the survey in both English and Spanish.

Sample: Overall, 3,542 Utah women completed the survey (see participant demographics on page 2). We note that the question about the number of children living at home was added to the survey in the middle of data collection, so the demographics listed for that question apply to the 1,300 women who responded after the question was inserted. 

Limitations: It is also important to note that this sample is not representative of the state in several respects. When compared to overall state demographics, this study under sampled women of color, women with less formal education, women in lower income ranges, and women from certain industries. 

UWLP Research Reports

The following six UWLP research and policy briefs were published from this extensive dataset collected from women throughout the state of Utah: 

• The Impact of COVID-19 on Utah Women and Work: Health Impacts (Sep. 1, 2021)
• The Impact of COVID-19 on Utah Women and Work: Resilient Mindset and Wellbeing (Aug. 18, 2021)
• The Impact of COVID-19 on Utah Women and Work: Caregiver Experiences (Jul. 14, 2021)
• The Impact of COVID-19 on Utah Women and Work: Childcare and Homeschooling (Jun. 2, 2021)
• The Impact of COVID-19 on Utah Women and Work: Career Advancement Challenges (May 5, 2021)
• The Impact of COVID-19 on Utah Women and Work: Changes, Burnout, & Hope (Apr. 6, 2021) 

UWLP Research Team

• Dr. Susan R. Madsen (Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership, Jon M. Huntsman School of Business)
• Dr. Jared Hansen (Associate Professor of Marketing, Jon M. Huntsman School of Business)
• Dr. Chris Hartwell (Associate Professor of Management, Jon M. Huntsman School of Business)
• Marin Christensen (Associate Director, Utah Women & Leadership Project)

Note: Other contributors listed on individual briefs.

Overall Participant Demographics

Note: Percentages in some categories do not equal 100% due to decimal rounding or individuals indicating more than one ethnic or race identity.