Abstract
Disparities in health between immigrant and non-immigrant pregnant women in the United States is well documented, but few
have documented disparities before pregnancy. Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2006), we examined
the health of reproductive-aged women (8,095), sorted by immigrant and pregnancy pregnant US-born (P-US), pregnant foreign-born
(P-FB), non-pregnant US-born (NP-US), and non-pregnant foreignborn (NP-FB). P-US women were 5.2 times more likely to report
illicit drug use than P-FB women. NP-US women were 3.7 times more likely to report illicit drugs use, 45% less likely to have
a normal BMI, 2.0 times more likely to binge drink, 7.6 times more likely to smoke, 1.6 times more likely to engage in moderate
physical activity, and 1.7 times more likely to use birth control than NP-FB women. The lower prevalence of numerous destructive
health behaviors among preconceptional immigrant women is an important finding.
have documented disparities before pregnancy. Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2006), we examined
the health of reproductive-aged women (8,095), sorted by immigrant and pregnancy pregnant US-born (P-US), pregnant foreign-born
(P-FB), non-pregnant US-born (NP-US), and non-pregnant foreignborn (NP-FB). P-US women were 5.2 times more likely to report
illicit drug use than P-FB women. NP-US women were 3.7 times more likely to report illicit drugs use, 45% less likely to have
a normal BMI, 2.0 times more likely to binge drink, 7.6 times more likely to smoke, 1.6 times more likely to engage in moderate
physical activity, and 1.7 times more likely to use birth control than NP-FB women. The lower prevalence of numerous destructive
health behaviors among preconceptional immigrant women is an important finding.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-010-9424-7
- Authors
- Pamela K. Xaverius, Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, 1402 S. Grand Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
- Joanne Salas, Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, 1402 S. Grand Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
- Leigh E. Tenkku, Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, 1402 S. Grand Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912