Citation
Padilla, Yolanda C.; Hamilton, Erin R.; & Hummer, Robert A. (2009). Beyond the Epidemiological Paradox: The Health of Mexican-American Children at Age Five. Social Science Quarterly, 90(5), 1072-1088. PMCID: PMC2805105Abstract
Objective: This study investigates how prenatal demographic, social, and behavioral characteristics of Mexican-origin immigrant mothers, which are linked to their relatively healthy birth outcomes, influence the subsequent health of their children in comparison to other racial and ethnic groups.Methods: We use data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study on a cohort of 2,819 children born between 1998 and 2000 to analyze chronic health conditions at age five using logistic regression models.
Results: Multivariate analyses revealed no significant differences in chronic health conditions between children of Mexican immigrant mothers and non-Hispanic white children, controlling for socioeconomic status and access to healthcare. In contrast, children of U.S.-born Mexican-American mothers had significantly higher odds of chronic conditions compared to non-Hispanic white children. Social support and health-care use were related to child health outcomes but did not explain racial and ethnic differences.
Conclusions: Health policy must respond in order to help maintain the healthy outcomes of Mexican-American children of immigrants and reverse the deteriorating health of children in subsequent generations in light of considerable socioeconomic disadvantage and inadequate access to healthcare.
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6237.2009.00647.xReference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2009Journal Title
Social Science QuarterlyAuthor(s)
Padilla, Yolanda C.Hamilton, Erin R.
Hummer, Robert A.