Citation
Frisbie, W. Parker; Forbes, Douglas; & Hummer, Robert A. (1998). Hispanic Pregnancy Outcomes: Additional Evidence. Social Science Quarterly, 79(1), 149-169.Abstract
Differences in pregnancy outcomes across Hispanic groups in the United States are examined using data from NCHS Linked Birth/Infant Death Data Set files for 1989-1991. The focus is on "whether, in addition to Mexican Americans, other Hispanic populations are characterized by an `epidemiologic paradox', that is, a combination of a high-risk sociodemographic profile and favorable pregnancy outcomes." The results indicate that "except among Puerto Ricans, rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes among Hispanics are rather similar to Anglo rates. The adjusted odds of prematurity and low birth weight, however, are significantly higher than the Anglo risk for all Hispanic groups, while the odds of Hispanic infant mortality are significantly lower. Maternal smoking, low weight gain, and low education significantly increase the risk of adverse outcomes, as do both inadequate and `adequate plus' prenatal care. [The authors conclude that] the `paradox' is reversed in the case of birth outcomes, but remains in the case of infant mortality."Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
1998Journal Title
Social Science QuarterlyAuthor(s)
Frisbie, W. ParkerForbes, Douglas
Hummer, Robert A.