Social Determinants of Health Among Pregnant Hispanic Women and Associated Psychological Outcomes

Background There has been a concerning surge in maternal mortality among Hispanic women in recent years. Compromised mental health is present in nearly half of all maternal deaths, and risk factors include poor social support and depression.Objective Among Hispanic women who were born in the USA versus those not born in the USA, we sought to describe and compare social determinants of health and maternal psychological outcomes.Methods Hispanic pregnant women (n = 579) were recruited from two clinics in Tampa, FL, and completed various questionnaires related to social determinants of health, depression, stress, and social support.Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and chi-square analyses were used to compare relationships between maternal nativity and subsequent psychosocial outcomes. Pearson correlations were used to explore associations between variables.Results Hispanic pregnant women who were not born in the USA had lower incomes (chi(2) = 5.68, p = 0.018, df = 1), were more likely to be unemployed (chi(2) = 8.12, p = 0.004, df = 1), and were more likely to be married (chi(2) = 4.79, p = 0.029, df = 1) when compared with those born in the USA. Those not born in the USA reported lower social support (t = 3.92, p<0.001), specifically the tangible (t = 4.18, p < 0.001) and emotional support subscales (t = 4.4, p<0.001). When compared with those born in the USA, foreign-born Hispanic women reported less stress (t = 3.23, p = 0.001) and depression (t = 3.3, p = 0.002).Conclusion Pregnant Hispanic women not born in the USA are at increased risk for suboptimal social determinants of health, including less social support. US-born women were more stressed and depressed and had higher BMIs.

Automated summary

Hispanic pregnant women born in the USA have lower income, higher unemployment rate, and higher marriage rate compared to those not born in the USA. Foreign-born Hispanic women report lower social support, less stress, and depression compared to those born in the USA.