Abstract

There is little visibility for the voices of indigenous and Afro-descendant women in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), meaning that few studies offer information on mental health for this group. This study takes the Living Well (Buen Vivir) approach as a basis to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their associated individual physical and social/cultural dimensions. Based on a national study involving the participation of a majority of Chilean peoples, 774 women identifying as indigenous (569 Andean indigenous and 146 other indigenous people) and Afro-descendant (59) were interviewed. The findings show that Andean and Afro-descendant women are more at risk of suffering depressive symptoms and that in general terms mental health should be understood from a holistic perspective, in addition to its being underpinned by several associations. Lower levels of depression were associated with older age, having a partner, independence in activities of daily living, social support from partner and being resilient. In contrast, higher levels of depression were associated with health problems, poor-quality relationship with grandchildren and loneliness. Out of the dimensions examined, resilience had a key influence on mental health among women. The findings are discussed in the context of a comprehensive view of wellbeing among ethnic minorities. © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press.