Kylie Meyer, Natashia Bibriescas, Abigail Poe, Megan Thomas Hebdon, Frank Puga
Multi-level modeling revealed that higher financial strain was associated with daily depressive (odds ratio [OR] = 1.75, 95% CI: [1.07, 2.86]) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.75, CI: [1.09, 2.81).
BACKGROUND: Family caregivers of people living with dementia (PLWD) face significant financial strain, which may adversely affect their mental health. While prior research links financial strain to depression and anxiety, few studies have explored its day-to-day impact, particularly among Hispanic and Latino (H&L) caregivers who experience high levels of financial strain.
METHODS: This study used data from the Nuestros Días (Our Days) Study to examine daily mental health symptoms among H&L caregivers to PLWD (N = 186). Financial strain was assessed in a baseline survey, followed by 21 consecutive daily surveys measuring daily depressive and anxiety symptoms.
RESULTS: Multi-level modeling revealed that higher financial strain was associated with daily depressive (odds ratio [OR] = 1.75, 95% CI: [1.07, 2.86]) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.75, CI: [1.09, 2.81).
DISCUSSION: Interventions to alleviate mental health symptoms in this population should consider addressing financial strain as a unique source of caregiver distress.