Differences in Health Behaviors of Hispanic, White, and Black Childbearing Women

Abstract

Maternal health behaviors such as substance use and sexual promiscuity can put the health of mothers and their offspring at risk. Sociodemographic factors including low socioeconomic status are also found to correlate with health risks for childbearing women. Hispanic women—particularly those less acculturated—often have sociodemographic risk factors present, but have paradoxically positive pregnancy outcomes. This study examines the acculturation and ethnic differences among Hispanic, White, and Black women in health behaviors and attitudes during childbearing, using data from the National Survey of Family Growth Cycle 6 on 1,062 women who were either currently pregnant or had given birth in the past 12 months. Less acculturated Hispanic women had the lowest rates of substance use and reported the least risky sexual behavior compared to Blacks, Whites, and more acculturated Hispanic women, and had the highest levels of agreement with statements valuing traditional maternal roles compared to the other groups.