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Births of Hispanic origin, 1989-95
T J Matthews1, S J Ventura, S C Curtin
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782-2003, USA.
Monthly Vital Statistics Report
|March 25, 1998
Summary
Births to Hispanic women increased from 1989 to 1995, with Mexican women showing significantly higher fertility rates. Prenatal care also improved substantially for Hispanic mothers during this period.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- The United States experiences diverse maternal and infant health trends across ethnic groups.
- Understanding these trends is crucial for targeted public health interventions and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in births to Hispanic and non-Hispanic women in the U.S. from 1989-1995.
- To examine demographic, healthcare utilization, and infant health characteristics across various Hispanic subgroups and non-Hispanic white and black women.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive statistical analysis of birth data from 1989-1995.
- Categorization of Hispanic women by origin (Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central/South American, other) and non-Hispanic women by race (white, black).
Main Results:
- Births to Hispanic women increased annually, rising from 14% in 1989 to 18% in 1995.
- Hispanic women, particularly Mexican women, exhibited higher fertility rates than non-Hispanic women.
- Significant improvements in early prenatal care were observed for Hispanic women, while cesarean delivery rates, though declining overall, remained high for Cuban women.
Conclusions:
- Hispanic women represent a growing segment of U.S. births with distinct demographic and health profiles.
- Targeted strategies may be needed to address specific health disparities, such as high cesarean rates among Cuban women.
- Continued monitoring of maternal and infant health trends among diverse populations is essential.