Comparing factors related to low birth weight in rural Mexico-born and US-born Hispanic women in northern California

This study analyzed socio-economic demographic factors and prenatal variabl es, including antenatal visits, substance use, and nutritional status, in r elationship to birthweight of infants of Mexico-born compared to US-born Hi spanic women in northern California rural areas. Data were derived from med ical records in three rural hospitals consisting of 468 Mexico-born and 315 US-born mothers. Low birthweight (LBW) was more prevalent for US-born (7.7 5%) mothers than for Mexico-born (4.3%) mothers. Inadequate prenatal visits and pregnancy complications were risks for LBW regardless of nativity. Fur ther research on prenatal visits as a proxy for the biopsychosocial risks o f LBW is warranted.