FINANCIAL STRAIN, FOOD INSECURITY, AND SPIRITUAL BELIEFS ON DEPRESSION IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER INDIGENOUS WOMEN - S2 - Research findings and conclusions

Sep 29, 2026

Study examining how financial strain and food insecurity relate to depression among middle-aged and older Indigenous women and whether religious or spiritual beliefs buffer these stressors. Conducted with 133 women aged 40–70 in collaboration with a Northern Plains tribe, using PHQ-9 plus measures of food insecurity, financial strain, and religious/spiritual beliefs. Path analysis assessed direct and indirect effects within the stress process model. Depression burden was substantial, while spiritual beliefs did not protect against depressive symptoms.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

Future Research

902 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3051 FINANCIAL STRAIN, FOOD INSECURITY, AND SPIRITUAL BELIEFS ON DEPRESSION IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER INDIGENOUS WOMEN Soonhee Roh1, Yeon-Shim Lee2, Erna Dinata1, Sukyung Yoon3, Joel Steele4, Elizabeth Peffer Talbot5, and Sasheen T. Stone6, 1. University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States, 2. San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, United States, 3. University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, United States, 4. University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States, 5. Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States, 6. Yankton Sioux Tribe, Wagner, South Dakota, United States Purpose: This study investigates how financial strain and food insecurity contribute to depression among middle-aged and older Indigenous women. It further explores whether religious and spiritual beliefs serve as a buffer against the impact of these stressors, providing insight into their potential protective role in mental health. Method: In collaboration with a Northern Plains tribe, this study included 133 self-identified Indigenous women aged 40 to 70 years. The stress process model (SPM) provided the theoretical framework. Standardized assessments, includingthe Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), measures of food insecurity, financial strain, and religious/spiritual beliefs, were administered. Path analysis was used to assess both direct and indirect effects. Results: The study found a significant burden of depression, with 19.5% of participants experiencing mild depression, 11.3% moderate depression, 5.3% moderately severe depression, and 3% severe depression. Results support the SPM, Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 903 indicating that financial strain and food insecurity are significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Financial strain influenced depression indirectly through its association with food insecurity. However, religious and spiritual beliefs did not act as protective factors against depressive symptoms in this population. Conclusion: This study underscores the complex interplay of financial strain, food insecurity, and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Indigenous women. Findings highlight the need for targeted, multidimensional interventions addressing both economic and psychosocial factors to improve mental health outcomes in this population. Future research should refine strategies to enhance well-being and resilience.

FAQs

What was the purpose of the study?

The study investigated how financial strain and food insecurity contribute to depression among middle-aged and older Indigenous women and whether religious or spiritual beliefs buffer these effects.

How was depression measured and what framework guided the analysis?

Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The stress process model (SPM) provided the theoretical framework for analyzing direct and indirect pathways.

What did the results show about depression and the studied stressors?

A significant burden of depression was observed across severity levels. Financial strain and food insecurity were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, and financial strain showed an indirect influence through food insecurity.

Did religious and spiritual beliefs protect against depression in this population?

No. Religious and spiritual beliefs did not act as protective factors against depressive symptoms among the participants.

Sep 29, 2026

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