Health status of Mexican-origin persons: do proxy measures of acculturation advance our understanding of health disparities?
OBJECTIVE
This paper compares select health status indicators between the U.S. and Mexico, and within the Mexican-origin population using proxy measures of acculturation.


METHODS
Statistical data were abstracted and a Medline literature review conducted of English-language epidemiologic articles on Mexican-origin groups published during 1976-2005.


RESULTS
U.S.-born Mexican-Americans have higher morbidity and mortality compared to Mexico-born immigrants. Mexico has lower healthcare resources, life expectancy, and circulatory system and cancer mortality rates, but similar infant immunization rates compared to the U.S. Along the U.S.-Mexico border, the population on the U.S. side has better health status than the Mexican side. The longer in the U.S., the more likely Mexican-born immigrants engage in behaviors that are not health promoting. Conclusions Researchers should consider SEP, community norms, behavioral risk and protective factors when studying Mexican-origin groups. It is not spending-time in the U.S. that worsens health outcomes but rather changes in health promoting behaviors.
Carter-Pokras
Olivia
O
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland College Park School of Public Health, College Park, MD 20742, USA olivia.carterpokras@verizon.net
Zambrana
Ruth E
RE
Yankelvich
Gillermina
G
Estrada
Maria
M
Castillo-Salgado
Carlos
C
Ortega
Alexander N
AN
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult