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Infant mortality among ethnic immigrant groups

Author

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  • Weeks, John R.
  • Rumbaut, Rubén G.

Abstract

The numerically large and growing Indochinese refugee population has been little studied with respect to infant health. It is a population that is young, is experiencing high fertility, late onset of prenatal care, and is characterized by low socioeconomic status. Thus, it presents a high risk profile with respect to infant mortality. Using linked birth and infant death records for the San Diego metropolitan area for the period 1978-1985 infant mortality rates (IMRs) were calculated for Indochinese refugee groups from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in comparison with other ethnic groups. We found, surprisingly, that Indochinese refugees as a group had an IMR below that for non-Hispanic Whites and substantially below that for Blacks. In general, IMRs for Indochinese refugees were similar to those for other Asian groups. These findings held even after controlling for birth weight and onset of prenatal care. The timing and causes of death suggest areas in which the IMR could drop to even lower levels with improved community outreach programs, especially among refugee groups from Laos (Hmong and Lao) who exhibited the unusual pattern of higher post-early neonatal than early neonatal mortality.

Suggested Citation

  • Weeks, John R. & Rumbaut, Rubén G., 1991. "Infant mortality among ethnic immigrant groups," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 33(3), pages 327-334, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:33:y:1991:i:3:p:327-334
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    Cited by:

    1. Melissa L. Martinson & Marta Tienda, 2016. "Birthing, Nativity, and Maternal Depression: Australia and the United States," International Migration Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 50(3), pages 793-824, September.
    2. S. M. Kanaiaupuni, "undated". "Child Well-Being and the Intergenerational Effects of Undocumented Immigrant Status," Institute for Research on Poverty Discussion Papers 1210-00, University of Wisconsin Institute for Research on Poverty.
    3. Elizabeth Baker & Michael Rendall & Margaret Weden, 2015. "Epidemiological Paradox or Immigrant Vulnerability? Obesity Among Young Children of Immigrants," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 52(4), pages 1295-1320, August.

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