Selected measures of health status for Mexican-American, mainland Puerto Rican, and Cuban-American children

Article Abstract:

To better characterize the health of Hispanic children in the US, data were analyzed from the National Vital Statistics System and the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES). These data allowed investigators to separately analyze results for carefully selected samples of Mexican-Americans, mainland Puerto Ricans, and Cuban-Americans. The particular focus was on pregnancy outcomes (birthweight and prematurity) and the prevalence of chronic medical disorders. Low-birthweight infants were those who weighed less than 5.5 pounds at birth; very-low-birthweight infants weighted less than 3.25 pounds; and premature births took place prior to than 37 weeks' gestation. Results showed that Hispanic mothers younger than 20 have approximately the same proportion of low-birthweight babies as non-Hispanic whites, a rate that is lower than for non-Hispanic blacks. The rate is slightly higher among older mothers, but still far below the rate for blacks. Low birthweight was associated with lower educational levels; this association was stronger for some groups (mainland Puerto Ricans) than for others (Mexican-Americans). The prevalence of very-low-birthweight babies was approximately equal for Mexican- and Cuban-Americans and non-Hispanic whites; it was higher for Puerto Ricans and non-Hispanic blacks. Premature births occurred more frequently among Hispanics than among non-Hispanic whites (11.4 percent); less frequently among non-Hispanic blacks (21.5 percent). The rates for the three groups were: Cuban-Americans, 12.6 percent; Mexican-Americans, 13.5 percent; and Puerto Ricans, 14.6 percent. Puerto Rican children had a higher prevalence of chronic medical conditions than Mexican-American and Cuban-American children (although data were incomplete for this latter group). The disorders included cardiovascular disease (heart valve abnormalities), high blood pressure, seizures, endocrine disorders, and mental retardation. When evaluated as a homogeneous group, Hispanic children do not have poorer health status than non-Hispanic white children. However, clear differences exist among Hispanic subgroups, with mainland Puerto Rican children at the greatest disadvantage. Such differences should be taken into account in health care planning; access to health care is already known to be poorest for Mexican-Americans. The report appears in the January 9, 1991 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, which is devoted to the health of, and health care for, Hispanics in the US. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Medical care, Hispanic American children, Mexican American children, Puerto Rican children

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Rates of cesarean delivery among Puerto Rican women-Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland, 1992-2002

Article Abstract:

The rates of cesarean delivery among the Puerto Rican women who delivered on the US mainland and in Puerto Rico during the1992-2002 period are reported. The total and primary cesarean rates among Puerto Rican women in both the places have suggested that measures to reduce the number of cesarean deliveries in Puerto Rico should focus on lowering the rate of primary rate cesarean deliveries, especially among women at low risk for a cesarean delivery.

Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Mothers, Cesarean section, Maternal mortality, Puerto Rican women

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Salmonella serotype Enteritidis infections among workers producing poultry vaccine - Maine, November-December 2006

Article Abstract:

The article examines the outbreak of Salmonella serotype Enteritidis infections among workers producing poultry vaccines. Results suggested that the infection was resulted from environmental contamination after the spill of a liquid containing a high concentration of SE.

Poultry slaughtering and processing, Poultry and Eggs, Development and progression, Environmental aspects, Drug therapy, Salmonellosis, Poultry industry, Salmonella enteritidis

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