Gender Differences in Predictors of Depressive Symptoms among Older Hispanic Women in the United States - Poster Abstract

Q: What data and sample were used to study depressive symptom predictors?

The study uses nationally representative 2018 Health and Retirement Study samples of Hispanic adults aged 51 and older (n=2564).

Q: How did marital status relate to depressive symptoms?

Binary logistic regression indicates married older Hispanic adults are less likely to be depressed than their counterparts (odds ratio=0.69, p<0.05).

Q: How does educational attainment differ for women versus men?

For older Hispanic women, college degree or higher is associated with lower likelihood of depressive symptoms (odds ratio=0.57, p 0.05).

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by SANS

Older Hispanic women in the United States show higher depressive symptom risk than older Hispanic men, while gender-specific predictors are often underexamined. Using nationally representative 2018 Health and Retirement Study data (n=2564; age 51+), the study applies binary logistic regression grounded in intersectionality theory. Married adults (odds ratio=0.69, p<0.05) are less likely to be depressed. Educational attainment shows a gendered effect: college degree or higher lowers odds for women (odds ratio=0.57, p<0.05) but not for men (odds ratio=1.02, p>0.05). Findings support targeted, gendered public health approaches.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Background and Aim

Data Source and Sample

Methods and Key Findings

Public Health Implications

1022 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 observed. However, there is a significant gender difference in the effect of educational attainment. Older Hispanic women with a college degree or higher (Odds ratio = 0.57, p < 0.05) are less likely to be depressed than their counterparts. Yet, educational attainment is not associated with lower depressive symptoms among men (Odd-ratio = 1.02, p > 0.05). Findings suggest differential impacts of socioeconomic status on mental health by gender. To improve the mental health of older Hispanic adults in the United States, a more targeted and gendered public health approach may be considered. SESSION 7900 (POSTER) FLASH POSTER SESSION: FACES OF EQUITY: DIVERSE REALITIES SHAPING AGING IN AMERICA Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3444 GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PREDICTORS OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG OLDER HISPANIC WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES Jaminette Nazario-Acevedo1, and Takashi Yamashita2, 1. University of Maryland, Baltimore & Baltimore County, Martinsburg, West Virginia, United States, 2. University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, United States Older Hispanic women are more likely to experience depressive symptoms than older Hispanic men in the United States. Mental health challenges faced by older Hispanic adults, in general, and their gender differences, in particular, are often overlooked. Previous research highlights that a form of social relationship --- marriage, can serve as a protective factor for mental health. However, gender differences in specific factors associated with depressive symptoms among older Hispanic women and men have not been extensively examined. Given the intersectionality theory, the present study compared the known predictors of depressive symptoms among older Hispanic women and men. Nationally representative samples of Hispanic adults aged 51 years and older (n = 2564) are obtained from the 2018 Health and Retirement Study. Binary logistic regression shows that married older Hispanic adults (Odds ratio = 0.69, p < 0.05) are less likely to be depressed than their counterparts. No gender difference in the marital status on depressive symptoms is

FAQs

What data and sample were used to study depressive symptom predictors?

The study uses nationally representative 2018 Health and Retirement Study samples of Hispanic adults aged 51 and older (n=2564).

How did marital status relate to depressive symptoms?

Binary logistic regression indicates married older Hispanic adults are less likely to be depressed than their counterparts (odds ratio=0.69, p<0.05).

How does educational attainment differ for women versus men?

For older Hispanic women, college degree or higher is associated with lower likelihood of depressive symptoms (odds ratio=0.57, p<0.05). Educational attainment is not associated with lower depressive symptoms among men (odds ratio=1.02, p>0.05).

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by SANS