JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Discrimination and xenophobia toward Hispanic and Latino communities increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, likely inflicting significant harm on the mental health of Hispanics and Latinos. Pandemic-related financial and social instability has disproportionately affected Hispanics and Latinos, potentially compounding existing disparities and worsening mental health.

Objective:

To examine the association of discrimination and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among a national sample of Hispanics and Latinos

Methods:

Data from a 116-item online nationally distributed survey from May 2021 to January 2022 were analyzed. Sample (N=1181) was restricted to Hispanic or Latino (Mexican or Mexican American; Puerto Rican; Cuban or Cuban American; Central or South American; Dominican or another Hispanic or Latino ethnicity) adults. Depression symptoms were assessed using the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Discrimination was assessed using the 5-item Everyday Discrimination Scale. A multinomial logistic regression with a block entry model was used to assess the relationship between discrimination and likelihood of depressive symptoms, as well as examine how controls and covariates affected the relationship of interest.

Results:

Mexican or Mexican American adults comprised the largest proportion of the sample (533/1181, 45.13%), followed by Central or South American (204/1181, 17.3%), Puerto Rican (189/1181, 16.0%), Dominican or another Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (172/1181, 14.6%), and Cuban or Cuban American (83/1181, 7.03%). Approximately 31.26% (367/1181) of the sample had depressive symptoms. Regarding discrimination, 54.56% (634/1181) reported experiencing some form of discrimination. Compared to those that did not experience discrimination, those that experienced discrimination had almost 230% higher odds of depressive symptoms (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] = 3.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.42-4.54). Also, we observed that sociodemographic factors such as age and gender were significant. Compared to 56 years and older participants, participants 18-35 years old and 36-55 years old had increased odds of having depressive symptoms (AOR = 3.83, 95% CI: 2.13-6.90 and AOR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.74-5.51, respectively). Women had higher odds of having depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.23-2.30) compared to men. Respondents with an annual income of less than $25,000 (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.34- 3.41) and $25,000 to less than $35,000 (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.17-3.06) had higher odds of depressive symptoms than those with an income of $50,000 to less than $75,000.

Conclusions:

Our findings provide significant importance in light of the numerous socioeconomic challenges stemming from the pandemic that disproportionately impact the Hispanic and Latino communities. These challenges include rising xenophobia and tensions against immigrants, inadequate access to mental health resources for Hispanics and Latinos, and existing hesitations toward seeking mental health services among this population. Ultimately, these findings can serve as a foundation for promoting health equity.