Cuidando A Otros: middle-aged and older Latinx-White caregiver disparities in financial distress and health strain in California

TL;DR

This study finds that middle-aged and older Latinx caregivers in California face higher financial distress from caregiving than White caregivers, despite reporting lower health strain.

Contribution

The study identifies Latinx–White disparities in caregiving-related financial distress and health strain among aging populations in California.

Findings

Latinx caregivers had higher odds of financial distress due to caregiving compared to White caregivers.

Latinx caregivers were less likely to report health strain despite worse self-rated health.

Socioeconomic factors and caregiving dynamics explained the financial distress disparity.

Abstract

Latinxs are a growing aging population in California and nationwide. However, limited research exists on middle-aged and older Latinx caregivers and the multidimensional toll of caregiving. This study examines Latinx–White disparities in 2 indicators of caregiving-related strain: financial distress and physical and mental health strain.

Using pooled cross-sectional data from the California Health Interview Survey (2019, 2020), we employ multivariable logistic regression models to examine financial distress associated with caregiving and caregiver-related health strain among Latinx and White adults aged 50 and older.

Latinx caregivers were more likely to live below the federal poverty level, be younger, report poor or fair health, be employed, and care for a family member than their White counterparts. Latinx caregivers had higher odds of reporting financial distress due to caregiving (odds ratio [OR]: 1.3, 95% CI, 1.06-1.59) than White caregivers; however, socioeconomic factors and caregiving dynamics explained this relationship. Compared to White caregivers, Latinx caregivers were less likely (OR: 0.60, 95% CI, 0.43-0.84) to report caregiver health strain, even in the fully-adjusted models and despite worse self-rated health.

Findings from this study underscore the need for targeted policies that alleviate the financial burden of caregiving for older Latinx adults, especially given their disproportionate exposure to economic precarity and high-intensity caregiving. While Latinx caregivers report lower caregiving-related health strain—potentially due to cultural resilience or social support—this should not obscure the structural disadvantages they face.