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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Carrie J. Wales¹, Kenneth D. Rosenberg, MD, MPH², and Alfredo P. Sandoval, MBA, MS². (1) Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Mail Code CB 669, Portland, OR 97239-3098, (2) Office of Family Health, Oregon Department of Human Services, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland, OR 97232, 971-673-0237, rosenbergkd@yahoo.com

Background: As immigrants acculturate, their health status changes. We have explored perinatal health behaviors and outcomes among Hispanic women in Oregon. Study Question: In which domains does acculturation status result in adverse perinatal outcomes for Hispanic women in Oregon? Methods: We used data from the Oregon PRAMS 2000/2001 to study Hispanic women (n=1120). The women were divided into three categories: low acculturation (foreign-born and Spanish-speaking, n=716), intermediate acculturation (foreign-born and English-speaking, or native-born and Spanish-speaking, n=111), and high acculturation (native-born and English-speaking, n=231). Sixty-two women did not have information on language in which the survey was completed and were excluded from analysis. Chi-square tests for trend were assessed using SUDAAN to account for weighted data. Results: Higher levels of acculturation for Hispanic women led to adverse health outcomes including: having firearms, stored loaded and unlocked, in the home; feeling as though they were discriminated against by health care workers; experiencing stressful life events; not breastfeeding their babies; alcohol and tobacco consumption; and having an unintended pregnancy. Women with the lower levels of acculturation were more likely to experience adverse outcomes such as: putting their baby to sleep on its side or stomach; receiving inadequate dental care; having less health insurance; receiving late prenatal care; and not using birth control before pregnancy. Conclusions: Acculturation status is associated with many health outcomes for pregnant Hispanic women in Oregon. Public Health Implications: We need to know more about health disparities related to acculturation among Hispanic women in order to improve public health practice.

Learning Objectives: After attending this session, participants will be able to

• Recognize that health status changes as immigrants acculturate.
• Identify areas in which acculturation status affects perinatal health outcomes.
• Discuss how MCH programs can better meet the needs of perinatal Hispanic women and infants.

Keywords: MCH Epidemiology, Immigrant Women

Related Web page: www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/pnh/prams/index.shtml

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No