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