American Journal of Public Health
Volume 87, Issue 6, 1997, Pages 1022-1026

Prenatal health behaviors and psychosocial risk factors in pregnant women of mexican origin: The role of acculturation (Article) (Open Access)

Zambrana R.E.* , Scrimshaw S.C.M. , Collins N. , Dunkel-Schetter C.
  • a Social Work Program, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States, George Mason University, Social Work Program, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444, United States
  • b School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States
  • c Department of Psychology, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
  • d Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Objectives. This study examined the association between acculturation of Mexican-origin women and factors in low birthweight and preterm delivery. Methods. Interviews were conducted with 911 Mexican-origin respondents in Los Angeles prenatal care clinics. Infant outcome data were retrieved from delivery records. Results. Mexican-American women had generally more undesirable prenatal behaviors mad risk factors than Mexican-immigrant women. Although higher acculturation was significantly associated with behavioral risk factors, there were no direct effects of acculturation on infant gestational age or birthweight. Conclusions. Future research needs to measure multiple factors to assess their effects on culture-specific protective factors.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

female maternal care risk factor normal human prenatal care cultural factor psychosocial environment Article low birth weight human Health Behavior gestational age
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0030850107&doi=10.2105%2fAJPH.87.6.1022&partnerID=40&md5=27f68c5736ee8f075bf560f32038a096
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.87.6.1022
ISSN: 00900036
Cited by: 183
Original Language: English