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Sociocultural factors that affect pregnancy outcomes in two dissimilar immigrant groups in the United States.

CPQCC Publication
TitleSociocultural factors that affect pregnancy outcomes in two dissimilar immigrant groups in the United States.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2006
AuthorsMadan A, Palaniappan L, Urizar G, Wang Y, Fortmann SP, Gould JB
JournalJ Pediatr
Volume148
Issue3
Pagination341-6
Date Published2006 Mar
ISSN0022-3476
KeywordsAdolescent, Adult, Asia, Continental Population Groups, Educational Status, Emigration and Immigration, Female, Humans, Hypertension, Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced, Infant Mortality, Infant, Low Birth Weight, Infant, Newborn, Infant, Premature, Logistic Models, Maternal Age, Mexico, Placenta Previa, Pregnancy, Pregnancy in Adolescence, Pregnancy Outcome, Prenatal Care, Risk Factors, Smoking, United States
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare perinatal risks and outcomes in foreign- and U.S.-born Asian-Indian and Mexican women.

STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated 6.4 million U.S. vital records for births during 1995-2000 to white, foreign- and U.S.-born Asian-Indian and Mexican women. Risks and outcomes were compared by use of chi2 and logistic regression.

RESULTS: With the exception of increased teen pregnancy and tobacco use, the favorable sociodemographic profile and increased rate of adverse outcomes seen in foreign-born Asian Indians persisted in their U.S.-born counterparts. In contrast, foreign-born Mexicans had an adverse sociodemographic profile but a low incidence of low birth weight (LBW), whereas U.S.-born Mexicans had an improved sociodemographic profile and increased LBW, prematurity and neonatal death.

CONCLUSIONS: Perinatal outcomes deteriorate in U.S.-born Mexican women. In contrast, the paradoxically increased incidence of LBW persists in U.S.-born Asian-Indian women. Further research is needed to identify the social and biologic determinants of perinatal outcome.

DOI10.1016/j.jpeds.2005.11.028
Alternate JournalJ Pediatr
PubMed ID16615964