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. 1997 Jun;87(6):1022–1026. doi: 10.2105/ajph.87.6.1022

Prenatal health behaviors and psychosocial risk factors in pregnant women of Mexican origin: the role of acculturation.

R E Zambrana 1, S C Scrimshaw 1, N Collins 1, C Dunkel-Schetter 1
PMCID: PMC1380943  PMID: 9224189

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 and 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.

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Selected References

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