ADVERSE PREGNANCY OUTCOMES - DIFFERENCES BETWEEN US-BORN AND FOREIGN-BORN WOMEN IN MAJOR US RACIAL AND ETHNIC-GROUPS

Objectives. This study examined whether there were significant differe ntials between US-born and foreign-born women in risks of infant morta lity, low birthweight,and preterm birth and whether these differential s, if they existed, varied across major US racial/ethnic groups. Metho ds. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to national linked bi rth/infant death records for 1985 through 1987 to estimate overall and ethnic-specific maternal nativity effects on pregnancy outcomes. Resu lts. Substantial maternal nativity differences in risks of infant mort ality and low birthweight were found, with the magnitude of the nativi ty effect varying significantly across racial/ethnic groups, Overall, foreign-born status was associated with 7% and 20% lower risks of low birthweight and infant mortality, respectively. However, the reduced r isk of adverse pregnancy outcome associated with immigrant status tend ed to be substantially larger for Blacks, Cubans, Mexicans, and Chines e than for other ethnic groups. Conclusions. Maternal nativity status, along with ethnicity, may serve as an important axis of differentiati on in birth outcome studies, Further research needs to be conducted to assess the effects of behavioral, cultural, and psychosocial factors in explaining the nativity differentials observed here.