Financial Wellbeing and Mental Health Among Latinas and Latinos During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Latino communities in the U.S. faced disproportionate health and economic consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the relationship between pandemic-related financial hardship and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among 1,015 Latino adults surveyed in fall 2020. Mental health symptoms were measured with the DASS-21, and multivariate linear regression models were stratified by gender. Among Latinas, greater financial hardship was significantly associated with higher anxiety and stress but not depression. No significant associations were observed among Latino men. Findings demonstrate the need for culturally responsive, gender-sensitive mental health supports and inclusive economic relief policies for immigrant and mixed-status families.