When acculturation hurts: The case of immunization

The study examined the relationship between the acculturation of Mexican Am erican mothers in Texas and immunization status of their children between 3 and 24 months of age. Mothers' acculturation, demographic characteristics, and immunization status of their children were assessed in in-person inter views with a sample of Mexican American respondents representative for Texa s (n = 2193). Acculturation was measured with ten scales assessing oral and written language use, proficiency, and preference, music and TV viewing pr eferences, ethnic identity, place where a person was reared, and contacts w ith Mexico. Immunization status, defined according to the recommendation of the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, was determined from official shot records obtained directly from respondents or, for respondent s without records, obtained from their health care providers. Regression an alysis revealed that acculturation significantly contributed to inadequate immunization status, even when socioeconomic status and other demographic c ovariates of acculturation were statistically controlled. Mediational analy sis revealed that acculturation contributed to inadequate immunization thro ugh less positive attitudes toward immunization, a diminished sense of pare ntal responsibility for children's immunization, and more perceived barrier s to immunization. It is concluded that culture-specific beliefs encouragin g childhood immunization should be fostered among Mexican Americans. (C) 19 98 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.