Demographic and COVID-19-Related Factors Associated with Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Among African American and Latina Women in a Midwestern State

Sandraluz Lara-Cinisomo, Biniyam Melesse, Mary Ellen Mendy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated racial and ethnic disparities among Latina and African American (AA) women, including risk factors for depression and anxiety. This study sought to identify demographic- and pandemic-related factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms in adult AA and Latina women living in a Midwestern state. Methods: Data for this secondary analysis of 1037 AA and Latina women were collected in May 2020 and June/July 2020. Participants completed an online survey about their demographic characteristics, job changes due to COVID-19, general concern about COVID-19, concern about the effects COVID-19 on their mental health, and whether they prayed to cope with COVID-19. Linear regressions with bootstrapping were conducted to determine associations. Results: Latinas had significantly higher depressive and anxiety symptoms than AA women. Older age was a buffer against depressive and anxiety symptoms. Women who anticipated a reduction in work hours or job loss had significantly higher depressive and anxiety symptoms than those with no job changes. A reduction in work hours was also a risk for higher depressive symptoms. General and specific concerns about the impact of COVID-19 were positively associated with higher depressive and anxiety symptoms. Race/ethnicity moderated the effect of praying to cope with COVID-19 on depressive symptoms. Conclusions: As the pandemic continues, mental health resources should be allocated to help AA and Latina women who experienced or anticipate reductions in paid hours and those concerned about its effects. Research is needed to identify how praying increased depressive symptoms in adult Latina women early in the pandemic.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)36-44
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2024

Keywords

  • African American
  • Anxiety
  • COVID-19
  • Depression
  • Latina
  • Women

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Anthropology
  • Health Policy
  • Sociology and Political Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Demographic and COVID-19-Related Factors Associated with Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Among African American and Latina Women in a Midwestern State'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this