Maternal Health Behaviors and Infant Health Outcomes Among Arab American and Non-Hispanic White Mothers in Massachusetts, 2012-2016

Abstract

Objectives The health profile of Arab American mothers and infants may differ from that of non–Arab American mothers and infants in the United States as a result of social stigma experienced in the historical and current sociopolitical climate. The objective of our study was to compare maternal health behaviors, maternal health outcomes, and infant health outcomes of Arab American mothers and non-Hispanic white mothers in Massachusetts and to assess the role of nativity as an effect modifier. Methods Using data from Massachusetts birth certificates (2012-2016), we conducted adjusted logistic and linear regression models for maternal health behaviors, maternal health outcomes, and infant health outcomes. We used Arab ethnicity as the exposure of interest and nativity as an effect modifier. Results Arab American mothers had higher odds than non-Hispanic white mothers of initiating breastfeeding (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.61; 95% CI, 2.39-2.86), giving birth to small-for-gestational-age infants (aOR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.18-1.39), and having gestational diabetes (aOR = 1.31; 95% CI, 1.20-1.44). Among Arab American mothers, non–US-born mothers had higher odds than US-born mothers of having gestational diabetes (aOR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.33-2.44) and lower odds of initiating prenatal care in the first trimester (aOR = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.33-0.50). In linear regression models, infants born to non–US-born Arab American mothers weighed 42.1 g (95% CI, −75.8 to −8.4 g) less than infants born to US-born Arab American mothers. Conclusion Although Arab American mothers engage in positive health behaviors, non–US-born mothers had poorer maternal health outcomes and access to prenatal care than US-born mothers, suggesting the need for targeted interventions for non–US-born Arab American mothers.

Politically related stress and low-birth-weight infants among Arab, Asian, Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White women in Michigan

“…Several studies have examined racial/ethnic differences in birth outcomes, 1,[5][6][7][8][9][10][12][13][14][15]25,26 with a focus on Arab American women, 5,[7][8][9]12 and a few have examined whether the stress of the 11 September 2001 attacks 6,12 or presidential elections 13,14 play a role. The number of prenatal visits was missing for 23,173 records.…”

Disparities in Health Insurance Among Middle Eastern and North African American Children in the US

“… 3 People classified as “non-Hispanic White” represent a heterogenous group and prior studies have documented within-group disparities. 6 While relatively few studies in the maternal and child health field have examined disparate health and healthcare outcomes among MENA, 7 - 9 there are currently no published studies examining health insurance coverage among MENA children.…”

“… 11 Third, the MENA population has grown significantly in the US in the last 30 years, and little is known about the health and wellbeing of MENA children, especially by nativity status. 7 - 9 Lastly, there are only two2 national surveys where health insurance coverage for MENA children can be measured: the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the American Community Survey (ACS). We will leverage the strengths of these surveys to provide valid and reliable estimates of health insurance coverage among MENA children.…”

Breastfeeding Practices and Associated Factors among Immigrant Muslim Arab Women Living in a Metropolitan Area of the Southwest of United States

“…The purpose of this study is to describe 2 Clinical Medicine Insights: Pediatrics infant feeding practice among immigrant Muslim Arab women who reside in a metropolitan area of the Southwestern US. The following research questions were posed: (1) What are immigrant Muslim Arab mothers' infant feeding practices in terms of breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity at six months? (2) What are the reasons for stopping breastfeeding?…”

“…Arab immigrants are a fast-growing, under-studied, and underserved minority population. 1,2 The number of immigrant Arabs in the United States (US) increased from 1.1 million in 2000 to 1.9 million in 201. 3 Although immigrant Muslim Arabs represent the fastest growing segment of the Arab American community, little is known about breastfeeding practices of these women and challenges they face to establish successful breastfeeding.…”