Predictors of differential birth outcomes among Hispanic subgroups in the United States : The role of maternal risk characteristics and medical care

This article explores why despite problems associated with barriers to health access Hispanics in the United States compare favorably with the general population regarding low birth weight and infant mortality rates. "This issue is addressed by using national linked birth/infant death records to assess the influence of a set of sociodemographic and medical care variables on prematurity low birthweight and mortality for five Hispanic subgroups: Cubans Mexicans Puerto Ricans Central/South Americans and others." Results show that "Hispanic subgroups differ significantly on these measures of suboptimal birth outcomes. The most consistent finding relates to the relatively advantaged position of Cuban Americans and the relatively disadvantaged position of Puerto Ricans. Multivariate models indicate that while some of these differences are due in part to sociodemographic profiles important differences remain even when controlling for these factors." (EXCERPT)