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1.
Front Glob Womens Health ; 4: 1267156, 2023.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38074279

RESUMO

Introduction: Immigration has increased significantly in Chile. Despite that all pregnant women, regardless of nationality and immigration status, have the right to access to all healthcare services during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, inequities in health care outcomes and health provision have been reported. During COVID-19 pandemic, these inequities are completely unknown. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of c-sections according to mother's migration status, as well as other maternal care and perinatal outcomes in women giving birth at San José Hospital in Santiago, Chile, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was designed including 10,166 registered single births at the San José Hospital between March 2020 and August 2021. To compare between groups, statistical tests such as Chi-square and Fisher's exact were used. Log Binomial regression models were performed adjusted for potential confounding variables. To estimate the strength of association the relative risk was used. Results: Immigrant mothers account for 48.1% of the registered births. Compared to non-immigrant women, immigrants exhibit a higher proportion of c-section, specifically, emergency c-section (28.64% vs. 21.10%; p-value < 0.001) but a lower proportion of and having a preterm birth (8.24% vs. 13.45%; p < 0.05), receiving personalized childbirth care (13.02% vs. 14.60%; p-value < 0.05), companion during labor and childbirth (77.1% vs. 86.95%; p-value < 0.001), And postpartum attachment to newborn (73% vs. 79.50%; p-value < 0.001). The proportion of COVID exposure was not significant between groups, not the severity also. Haitians had a highest risk of undergoing emergency c-section (aRR = 1.61) and Venezuelans had a highest risk of elective c-section (aRR = 2.18) compared to non-immigrants. Conclusion: This study reports high rates of c-sections in the entire population, but in immigrant populations it is even higher. Additionally, it found gaps in maternal care and perinatal outcomes between immigrants and non-immigrants. More studies are needed to elucidate the possible causes of these differences and establish new regulations to protect the reproductive rights of the immigrant population.

2.
J Psychosoc Oncol ; 41(5): 610-629, 2023.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36514967

RESUMO

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Haitian women in Haiti and in the United States experience a disproportionate burden of cervical cancer, however their uptake of cervical cancer prevention services remains concerningly low. LITERATURE SEARCH: A comprehensive search on bibliographic databases coupled with a grey literature search was conducted. A total of 401 studies were identified, with 28 studies retained after following Arksey and O'Malley's Scoping Review Guidelines. DATA EVALUATION/SYNTHESIS: Knowledge levels of HPV and cervical cancer, along with preventative measures was alarmingly low. Traditional health practices, cultural worldviews, and social networks had an influence on the uptake of cervical cancer prevention. Health systems barriers were found to be a prevalent barrier among Haitian women in the U.S. CONCLUSIONS: Future health promotion interventions developed for Haitian women must address personal, cultural, social, and structural factors with an emphasis on modifying knowledge and beliefs to improve engagement in cervical cancer prevention behaviors.


Assuntos
Neoplasias do Colo do Útero , Estados Unidos , Feminino , Humanos , Haiti , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/prevenção & controle , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde
3.
J Migr Health ; 6: 100118, 2022.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35668735

RESUMO

Mexican immigrants in the U.S. show high incidence of type 2 diabetes, and increased risk is associated with longer duration of residency. This study considers the impact of culture over time for Mexican immigrant women in a southern U.S. city. Using cultural consensus analysis to empirically derive the substance and structure of a cultural model for la buena vida (the good life) among Mexican immigrant women in Birmingham, Alabama, we assess the extent to which respondents are aligned with the model in their everyday lives. This measure of 'cultural consonance' is explored as a moderating variable between length of time living in the U.S. and level of Hemoglobin A1c. Results demonstrate that for those with more time in the U.S., those with lower consonance are more likely to have diabetes, while those who are more aligned with la buena vida are at lower risk.

4.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35564737

RESUMO

Mexican-born women in the U.S. are at high risk of depression. While acculturation is the primary analytical framework used to study immigrant mental health, this research suffers from (1) a lack of specificity regarding how cultural models of living and being take shape among migrants converging in new destinations in the U.S., and (2) methods to empirically capture the impact of cultural positioning on individual health outcomes. Instead of relying on proxy measures of age at arrival and time in the U.S. to indicate where an individual is located on the acculturation spectrum, this study uses cultural consensus analysis to derive the substance and structure of a cultural model for la buena vida (the good life) among Mexican immigrant women in Birmingham, Alabama, and then assesses the extent to which respondents are aligned with the model in their everyday lives. This measure of 'cultural consonance' is explored as a moderating variable between age at arrival in the U.S. and number of depressive symptoms. Results demonstrate that for those who arrived at an older age, those with lower consonance are at the highest risk for depression, while those who are more aligned with la buena vida are at lower risk.


Assuntos
Emigrantes e Imigrantes , Americanos Mexicanos , Aculturação , Alabama/epidemiologia , Depressão/diagnóstico , Feminino , Humanos , Americanos Mexicanos/psicologia
5.
Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being ; 14(1): 1632111, 2019 Dec.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31232674

RESUMO

Purpose: Vitamin D deficiency is a complex topic in human health and ill-health and has been studied in a variety of contexts and populations. Few studies examine Vitamin D deficiency among non-western immigrant women and even fewer examine women's perspective on daily life while living with low vitamin D levels after childbirth and undergoing vitamin D treatment. The aim was, therefore, to explore health and ill-health among non-western immigrant women living with low vitamin D levels after childbirth and reaching normalized levels after one year of vitamin D treatment. Method: An explorative qualitative study using qualitative content analysis. Six women aged 25 to 38 years, diagnosed with low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels during pregnancy, were recruited after having undergone vitamin D treatment. Results: The women told about living a restrained life which gradually transformed into an experience of recaptured vitality. They also experienced a need for continuity in medication, as an interruption of treatment meant returning symptoms. Conclusion: In this study, non-western immigrant women described benefits in everyday life, increased strength, relieved pain and improved sleep quality. The findings can provide valuable knowledge for healthcare providers meeting women with physical weakness, musculoskeletal pain and/or poor sleep quality after childbirth. Further studies using a longitudinal design and larger samples are warranted.


Assuntos
Parto Obstétrico/reabilitação , Emigrantes e Imigrantes , Vitamina D/análogos & derivados , Saúde da Mulher , Adulto , África/etnologia , Europa Oriental/etnologia , Feminino , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Oriente Médio/etnologia , Pesquisa Qualitativa , América do Sul/etnologia , Suécia , Vitamina D/administração & dosagem
6.
J Health Psychol ; 24(9): 1293-1304, 2019 08.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28810434

RESUMO

Unhealthy eating and weight control behaviors are important but modifiable factors that contribute to obesity in majority and minority populations. Studies suggest that these behaviors are common in Mexican American women, but most studies completed to date have focused on college enrolled Mexican American women. Little is known about body weight concerns, eating and weight control behaviors in low acculturated immigrant Mexican women. This qualitative descriptive study utilized two focus groups with 15 women to identify and describe body weight and shape perceptions, and thoughts and behaviors related to eating and weight control of low acculturated Mexican American living in disadvantaged economic situations. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze data and three main themes were identified: (1) body weight values and concerns, (2) eating and food, and (3) weight loss strategies and consequences. The first two themes shared five subthemes including emotion, health, age, family, and culture. Results suggest Mexican American women experience weight concerns that are in conflict with food/eating values and experiences. This conflict is influenced by cultural, family, and inter/intrapersonal factors and contributes to unhealthy eating and weight control behavior. The transition and assimilation to the United States is complex and dynamic. Thus understanding how the conflict regarding body weight and food influence Mexican American women's health behaviors is important and provides valuable knowledge essential to guide further research and intervention development.


Assuntos
Imagem Corporal/psicologia , Comportamento Alimentar/psicologia , Transtornos da Alimentação e da Ingestão de Alimentos/etnologia , Transtornos da Alimentação e da Ingestão de Alimentos/psicologia , Americanos Mexicanos/psicologia , População Rural/estatística & dados numéricos , Aculturação , Adolescente , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Emigrantes e Imigrantes/psicologia , Emigrantes e Imigrantes/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudos de Avaliação como Assunto , Fazendas , Comportamento Alimentar/etnologia , Feminino , Grupos Focais , Humanos , Americanos Mexicanos/estatística & dados numéricos , México , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , New York , Estados Unidos , Adulto Jovem
7.
Qual Health Res ; 29(9): 1334-1344, 2019 07.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30556481

RESUMO

Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data from 15 first-generation Mexican immigrant women who resided in two rural Midwestern communities. Ten themes were identified and aligned with four thematic areas of interest ( meaning of being healthy, strategies to promote health, challenges to health, and supports for health). This study provides insights into the complexities and realities faced by Mexican immigrant women, as they strove to obtain optimal health in rural America, and contributes to the growing literature focused on health disparities among ethnic and racial minorities. Implications for research, professional practice, and public policy are discussed. Ethnographic and longitudinal studies that include the perspectives of populations that are difficult to reach such as first-generation Latino immigrant families are needed to further explore the nuances of achieving health in growing, diverse areas of rural America.


Assuntos
Emigrantes e Imigrantes/psicologia , Nível de Saúde , Americanos Mexicanos/psicologia , Adulto , Antropologia Cultural , Características Culturais , Feminino , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Promoção da Saúde , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Meio-Oeste dos Estados Unidos , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Características de Residência , População Rural , Imigrantes Indocumentados
8.
J Women Aging ; 30(6): 467-483, 2018.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28459312

RESUMO

Data from focus groups held in Montréal (Canada) with 13 women born in Cameroon, Colombia, and Democratic Republic of Congo were used to explore cancer knowledge among immigrant grandmothers and mothers-in-law and their influence over family cancer-preventative practices. Thematic analysis identified the following leading themes: cancer literacy and influence over family cancer preventative and early detection practices, cancer literacy in relation to family health behaviors, and barriers to accessing health services. Perceived external causes of cancer and its prevention are countered by healthy eating and exercises. Cancer literacy was contextualized by the development of women's ways of being and doing.


Assuntos
Emigrantes e Imigrantes/psicologia , Avós/psicologia , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Mães/psicologia , Neoplasias/psicologia , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Camarões , Canadá , Colômbia , Congo , Características da Família , Feminino , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Humanos , Relação entre Gerações , Neoplasias/prevenção & controle
9.
Arq. bras. psicol. (Rio J. 2003) ; 69(1): 90-106, 2017.
Artigo em Espanhol | LILACS, Index Psicologia - Periódicos | ID: biblio-908901

RESUMO

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo valorar la perspectiva de mujeres inmigrantes sobre las características del trato que ellas reciben desde su red social, explorando el rol que sus redes han tenido en relación al cese o reducción de la violencia de género en la pareja. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo exploratorio en el cual participaron 14 mujeres inmigrantes latinoamericanas que habían sufrido violencia de género en la pareja en Barcelona, España. A través del análisis de los datos obtenidos por medio de entrevistas, se pudo identificar que la red social cobra importancia a la hora de ofrecer soporte emocional y facilitar recursos materiales. Por otro lado, la atención ofrecida por la red social puede reeditar la victimización. Los resultados evidenciaron la necesidad de intervenciones para instrumentalizar a la red sobre su rol en la recuperación de las mujeres que padecen violencia


This paper presents the perspective of Latin America immigrant women about the role that social support had concerning the cessation or reduction of intimate partner violence. Qualitative methodology was chosen to analyze the experience of fourteen battered Latin American women in Barcelona, Spain. According to the data analysis through interviews, emotional support and economical resources are important functional aspects given by the social network. On the other hand, the social network's answer can produce victimization risks. Results showed the importance of interventions to use the social network to help battered women recover from violence


O presente trabalho tem como objetivo conhecer a perspectiva de mulheres imigrantes sobre a ajuda que recebem da sua rede social, ao investigar o papel que essas redes exerceram em relação ao término ou à redução da violência no relacionamento íntimo. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa exploratória da qual participaram 14 mulheres imigrantes latino-americanas que sofreram violência na relação de casal em Barcelona, Espanha. A análise dos dados coletados através de entrevistas aponta a importância da rede social ao oferecer apoio emocional e favorecer recursos materiais. Por outro lado, a atenção oferecida pela rede social pode ser fonte de vitimização. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de intervenções que orientem a rede sobre o seu papel na recuperação de mulheres que sofrem violência


Assuntos
Humanos , Mulheres Maltratadas , Emigrantes e Imigrantes , Hispânico ou Latino , Violência por Parceiro Íntimo , Rede Social
10.
J Int Migr Integr ; 17(4): 1049-1063, 2016 Nov.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28025594

RESUMO

The present longitudinal study examined cultural adaptation (i.e., acculturation and enculturation) and its correlates in a sample of 189 Mexican and Dominican immigrant women. Acculturation and enculturation were measured within the domains of language competence, identity and cultural knowledge at two time points over a one-year period. Across groups and domains, cultural adaptation was generally stable over time; only American cultural knowledge showed change, and only for MA women. Several correlates of cultural adaptation were identified. For Mexican women, living in poverty and in immigrant-dense neighborhoods was associated with lower acculturation. For Dominican women, age at immigration was the most robust correlate and was associated with more acculturation and less enculturation, though poverty and neighborhood characteristics emerged as significant for Dominican women too. Findings are consistent with the notion of cultural adaptation as a complex construct that is influenced by cultural context as well as individual immigrant characteristics.

11.
Ribeirão Preto; s.n; 2016. 96 p. ilus.
Tese em Português | LILACS, BDENF - Enfermagem | ID: biblio-1442783

RESUMO

Este estudo descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa, teve como objetivo compreender como se dá a assistência do enfermeiro obstetra/obstetriz à mulher imigrante, durante o trabalho de parto e parto. Para obtenção dos dados, foram realizadas entrevistas com 11 enfermeiras obstetras/obstetrizes que tiveram a experiência de assistir mulheres imigrantes, durante o trabalho de parto e parto. Para o tratamento dos dados, foi utilizado o método de análise temática proposto por Bardin, utilizando o referencial da Teoria da Transculturalidade de Leininger, e foi possível obter três temas principais: o primeiro abordou a experiência ao realizar a assistência às mulheres imigrantes, trazendo os sentimentos vivenciados pelas enfermeiras obstetras/obstetrizes nessa experiência; o segundo, as dificuldades encontradas, com categorias relacionadas à linguagem e à cultura e o terceiro sobre os meios encontrados para facilitar a assistência às mulheres imigrantes. Neste estudo, os profissionais que atenderam a mulheres imigrantes relataram dificuldades principalmente relacionadas às barreiras linguísticas e culturais. Indicaram que perceber que a assistência às mulheres imigrantes é diferente é o primeiro passo para o cuidado transcultural. Apontaram que admitir a existência de dificuldades e considerá-las como um obstáculo que necessita ser enfrentado, fazendo com que essa experiência se torne positiva tanto para o profissional quanto para a mulher que está sendo atendida, é importante para que a assistência se torne cada vez melhor. É necessário um maior conhecimento sobre essa população para a adaptação da assistência às especificidades culturais, e o enfermeiro obstetra/obstetriz deve ser sensível a essas diferenças e adaptar seu cuidado. Os dados obtidos neste estudo podem oferecer subsídios para a implementação de ações no âmbito do atendimento às mulheres imigrantes, envolvendo os profissionais de saúde, as instituições de saúde e a população imigrante


This descriptive study, which takes a qualitative approach, sought to understand the workings of assistance given by obstetrics nurse/midwifes to immigrant women during labor and delivery. To obtain this data, interviews were carried out with 11 obstetrics nurses/obstetricians with experience assisting immigrant women during labor and delivery. Interpretation of this data was done via the thematic analysis method proposed by Bardin and by utilizing Leininger's Transcultural Theory, which allowed us to find three main themes: the first touches on the experience of carrying out assistance to immigrant women and concerns the sentiments felt by the obstetrics nurses/midwifes during this experience; the second, the challenges faced, with categories related to language and culture; and third, the ways that were found to facilitate assistance to immigrant women. In this study, the professionals that served immigrant women noted difficulties related primarily to language and cultural barriers. They noted that the perception that there is a difference when assisting immigrant women is the first step in transcultural care. They noted that admitting the existence of difficulties and considering these as obstacles that need to be overcome - turning the experience into something positive for both the professionals and the women being cared for - are important for continuously improving care. It is necessary to have a better understanding of this population to adapt assistance to specific cultures, and the obstetrics nurse/midwifes should be sensitive to these differences and adapt care accordingly. The data obtained in this study can offer support for the implementation of activities to serve immigrant women, involving health professionals, health institutions, and the immigrant population


Assuntos
Humanos , Feminino , Emigrantes e Imigrantes , Tocologia , Enfermeiros Obstétricos
12.
Med Anthropol Q ; 27(3): 434-52, 2013 Sep.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24123259

RESUMO

In this article, I focus on Mexican immigrant women who, as care workers in various care settings in the wealthy city of Santa Barbara, California, attempt to defend aging Americans patients from devaluation and harm. To understand why vulnerable women defend more privileged citizens of the nation, I address Mexicana subjectivity. I argue that neoliberal policies have created multiple vulnerabilities for Mexican women and it is in formal care contexts where these vulnerabilities intertwine with that of their patients. Workers' feelings of shame, complicity, and empathy help explain a defense of the Other. A significant form of defense is informal sector family-based care. This article is based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted between 2009 and 2011.


Assuntos
Cuidadores/psicologia , Emigrantes e Imigrantes/psicologia , Americanos Mexicanos/psicologia , Mulheres/psicologia , Adulto , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Antropologia Médica , California , Feminino , Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos/organização & administração , Humanos
13.
Saúde Soc ; 22(2): 328-341, abr.-jun. 2013.
Artigo em Português | LILACS | ID: lil-684169

RESUMO

A utilização dos serviços de saúde pelas populações imigrantes tem vindo a ser considerado um dos mais importantes indicadores da sua integração nas sociedades receptoras (Dias e col., 2009). No entanto, o conhecimento em torno da qualidade e da eficácia do acesso dos/as imigrantes aos cuidados de saúde, especialmente no que respeita às mulheres imigrantes, é ainda escasso em Portugal (Fonseca e col., 2005). Embora os estudos nacionais tenham vindo, nas últimas décadas, a procurar traçar os diferentes perfis sociais das mulheres imigrantes em Portugal, sobretudo no que concerne às suas relações familiares ou laborais (Wall e col., 2005), a investigação no domínio da saúde é ainda parca e exclusora de uma análise centrada no género ou interseccional. Neste texto apresenta-se uma reflexão sobre os determinantes que condicionam a (in)acessibilidade das mulheres imigrantes aos cuidados de saúde, enfatizando-se os fatores que poderão estar a agir no sentido contrário à sua integração neste setor.


Assuntos
Humanos , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Aculturação , Equidade no Acesso aos Serviços de Saúde , Fatores Culturais , Formulação de Políticas , Isolamento Social , Migrantes , Mulheres , Preconceito
14.
Psicol. soc. (Online) ; 24(3): 648-661, 2012. ilus, tab
Artigo em Espanhol | LILACS | ID: lil-660714

RESUMO

El objetivo de esta investigación fue conocer la situación de inmigración de mujeres sudamericanas en la región de Antofagasta (Chile) y construir un modelo teórico para su análisis. Las participantes de este estudio fueron 19 mujeres de entre 18 y 50 años, residentes en la ciudad de Antofagasta y provenientes de Perú, Bolivia y Colombia. Los principales hallazgos sugirieron un modelo dinámico, en el que se tensiona la identidad social y de género de las mujeres inmigrantes ante la búsqueda de coherencia dentro de sus espacios vitales. Advertimos en la interacción con la sociedad receptora, la imposición de nuevas categorías sociales a cambio de integración basada en la asimilación. No obstante, también se observan formas de resistencia frente a dicho proceso.


O objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar o estado de imigração de mulheres sul-americanas na região de Antofagasta (Chile) e construir um modelo teórico para a análise. Os participantes do estudo foram 19 mulheres entre 18 e 50 anos residentes na cidade de Antofagasta e provenientes do Peru, Bolívia e Colômbia. Os resultados sugerem um modelo dinâmico, que enfatiza a identidade social e de gênero das mulheres imigrantes à procura de coerência em seus hábitats. Notamos, na interação com a sociedade de acolhimento, a imposição de novas categorias sociais em troca de integração baseada na assimilação. No entanto, também existem formas de resistência a este processo.


The objective of this research was to know the immigration situation of South American women in the region of Antofagasta (Chile) and build a theoretical model for analysis. The study participants were 19 women between 18 and 50 years old, living in the Antofagasta city and from Peru, Bolivia and Colombia. The main findings suggested a dynamic model, which stresses the social and gender identity of women immigrants to the search for coherence in their life spaces. Furthermore, we noted in the interaction with the host society, the imposition of new social categories in exchange for assimilation and integration supported by uprooting. However, we also perceived in different dimensions, spaces of resistance to the rules of the host.

15.
Saúde Soc ; 18(supl.2): 67-71, abr.-jun. 2009. tab
Artigo em Português | LILACS | ID: lil-522031

RESUMO

O processo imigratório dos bolivianos para o Brasil vem trazendo muitos questionamentos e necessidades de intervenção pelos serviços de saúde na cidade de São Paulo. As barreiras impostas pela cultura boliviana (como a linguagem) e o receio que os bolivianos têm pela situação de ilegalidade no país colocam aos serviços obstáculos no acesso à população. O objetivo dessa pesquisa é a compreensão das concepções das mulheres imigrantes bolivianas - que frequentam o Centro de Saúde Escola Barra Funda "Dr. Alexandre Vranjac" (CSEBF), na região central de São Paulo - sobre gestação, nos contextos: familiar, de adaptação como imigrantes e de espaço de construção da vida pessoal. Realizou-se uma análise qualitativa de entrevistas que incluíram mulheres bolivianas gestantes maiores de 18 anos, matriculadas no CSEBF. Foram realizadas algumas visitas domiciliares junto às agentes comunitárias. Como resultado, obteve-se que as bolivianas praticam endogamia e seus parceiros são fixos. Na Bolívia, não procuravam o serviço de saúde. Notou-se um paradoxo no que diz respeito à gravidez e ao trabalho, pois dizem ter planejado a primeira gestação, embora concordem que o trabalho - principal motivo da imigração - seja prejudicado pela gestação, parto e maternidade. Quanto à prática de parto, as bolivianas desejam e acreditam que o parto normal seja melhor que a cesárea, o que diverge do posicionamento comum das mulheres brasileiras. Este estudo poderá contribuir com conhecimentos sobre as concepções de saúde, particularmente sobre a gravidez, e acredita-se que as práticas dos serviços possam ser melhoradas, ampliando-se a capacidade de organização para receber imigrantes bolivianos.


Assuntos
Humanos , Feminino , Gravidez , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Gravidez , Parto , Saúde da Mulher , Migrantes
16.
Anthropol Med ; 16(1): 49-59, 2009 Apr 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27269641

RESUMO

Women who have immigrated to the United States from Mexico have better than expected birth outcomes. Part of this apparent health 'paradox' has been explained by high levels of social support which are thought to offset known risk factors for low birth weight. Yet common measures of social support during pregnancy suffer from presumptions of cultural homogeneity and a-priori definitions of meaningful social support. Analysis of qualitative data from ethnographic research with 28 low-income immigrant women from Mexico living in south Texas demonstrates that preferences for certain kinds of social support vary considerably, based on how each woman makes meaning of being pregnant. This diversity is one more piece of evidence that minority cultures cannot be essentialised in health disparities research. By not measuring the diversity of desire for different kinds of support, existing correlations between social support and birth outcomes may obscure other important psychosocial mediators, such as pregnancy-related social status, that could impact birth outcomes. Moreover, a measure of pregnancy-related status may offer a more thorough explanation of the 'protective effect' that could be explored independent of immigrant status.

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