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

This study examined the association between acculturation of Mexican-origin women and factors in low birthweight and preterm delivery. Interviews were conducted with 911 Mexican-origin respondents in Los Angeles prenatal care clinics. Infant outcome data were retrieved from delivery records. 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. Future research needs to measure multiple factors to assess their effects on culture-specific protective factors.