Effects of Parents' Place of Birth and Ethnicity on Birth Outcomes in New Jersey

Abstract

Investigates the effect of parents' birthplace & ethnicity on prenatal care usage & birth outcomes among recent Latin American immigrant populations & native-born populations in NJ, using data on single, live, in-state births to NJ residents, 1989/90, collected by the Dept of Health. It is found that native-born & immigrant Puerto Ricans had the worst prenatal care usage & birth outcomes among Hispanic groups. Non-Hispanic & African Americans were similarly at risk for low prenatal care usage & adverse birth outcomes. Paradoxically, although Mexican immigrants & Mexican Americans also used prenatal facilities infrequently, this pattern did not result in poor birth outcomes. These data indicate that programs designed to improve birth outcomes should target the Puerto Rican & African American populations. Further, research designed to explain the paradox presented by Mexican & Mexican American groups may illuminate with more precision factors associated with at-risk birth outcomes. 7 Tables, 49 References. D. M. Smith