Beyond the Epidemiological Paradox: The Health of Mexican-American Children at Age Five

Objective This study investigates how prenatal demographic, social, and behavioral characteristics of Mexican-origin immigrant mothers, which are linked to their relatively healthy birth outcomes, influence the subsequent health of their children in comparison to other racial and ethnic groups. Methods We use data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study on a cohort of 2,819 children born between 1998 and 2000 to analyze chronic health conditions at age five using logistic regression models. Results Multivariate analyses revealed no significant differences in chronic health conditions between children of Mexican immigrant mothers and non-Hispanic white children, controlling for socioeconomic status and access to healthcare. In contrast, children of U.S.-born Mexican-American mothers had significantly higher odds of chronic conditions compared to non-Hispanic white children. Social support and health-care use were related to child health outcomes but did not explain racial and ethnic differences. Conclusions Health policy must respond in order to help maintain the healthy outcomes of Mexican-American children of immigrants and reverse the deteriorating health of children in subsequent generations in light of considerable socioeconomic disadvantage and inadequate access to healthcare.