Low Socioeconomic Status and the Risk of Anxiety and Depression in Latin America: A Systematic Review

Evidence suggests that low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with poorer physical and mental health outcomes. However, there is still a scarcity of systematic reviews on this association in the Latin American context. This review aimed to analyze the association between low SES and the occurrence of depression and anxiety outcomes in Latin American countries.

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was structured to identify population-focused studies in Latin American countries with low SES and their outcomes related to anxiety and depression. The search strategy was performed in the MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Study selection, data extraction, and evaluation of methodological quality were carried out independently by two reviewers.

Of the 224 records identified, seven studies met the inclusion criteria (five cross-sectional, one longitudinal cohort, and one quasi-experimental cross-sectional). The findings indicate that the association between low SES and anxiety and depressionresults from the interaction of individual, social, and structural factors throughout the life course. Women had a higher frequency of symptoms, suggesting that gender inequalities may intensify the effects of low SES on mental health. Among the SES indicators, schooling proved to be the most consistent protective factor.

The findings of this study confirm that low SES is a consistent risk determinant for depression and anxiety in Latin American countries, reinforcing the need for government strategies that reduce socioeconomic inequalities, expand access to education, and promote gender equity.