Financial strain, food insecurity, and religious/spiritual beliefs on depressive symptoms

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of financial strain as a primary stressor and food insecurity as a secondary stressor on depression among middle-aged and older Indigenous women. Additionally, the study investigated the role of religious and spiritual beliefs as a potential intervening variable between these stressors and depression. Conducted in partnership with a tribe in the Northern Plains, this study involved 133 self-identified Indigenous women aged 40 to 70 years. The stress process model (SPM) served as the theoretical framework. Standardized assessments, including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), food insecurity, financial strain, and measures of religious and spiritual beliefs, were utilized. Path analysis assessed both direct and indirect associations. Results support the SPM, indicating that financial strain and food insecurity are significantly linked to depressive symptoms. Financial strain was found to influence depression through its association with food insecurity. However, religious and spiritual beliefs did not act as protective factors against depressive symptoms in this population. This study contributes significantly to our understanding of mental health in Indigenous communities, highlighting the necessity of a multidimensional approach to address the complex interplay of stressors in the lives of middle-aged and older Indigenous women. Future research should continue to explore these relationships and develop more effective strategies to enhance the well-being of Indigenous women. This research underscores the critical need for targeted interventions that consider both the economic and psychosocial dimensions of mental health to better support Indigenous women facing these stressors.