It is frequently assumed that migrant status constitutes a health risk because migration is inevitably associated with a period of significant adjustment and stress. This paper describes the role of acculturation in understanding the relationship between migration and low birthweight (LBW). Psychosocial and behavioural risk factors for LBW were explored using semi-structured interviews with 17 pregnant Southeast Asian women who represented different levels of acculturation. Findings suggested that acculturation had negative consequences for immigrant women. Higher levels of acculturation were associated with dieting during pregnancy, inadequate social support and stressful life experiences.

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urban population cultural anthropology immigrant social psychology Asian Quebec human Health Behavior risk assessment Stress, Psychological controlled study diet social support interview Humans Infant, Newborn Canada Southeast Asia Acculturation female stress pregnancy cultural factor Infant, Low Birth Weight clinical article Article low birth weight adult migration Emigration and Immigration health hazard Asia, Southeastern health survey