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. 2015 Jun;129(6):691-7.
doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2015.04.007. Epub 2015 May 19.

The Hispanic health paradox across generations: the relationship of child generational status and citizenship with health outcomes

A J Balcazar  1 , S E Grineski  2 , T W Collins  1
Affiliations

The Hispanic health paradox across generations: the relationship of child generational status and citizenship with health outcomes

A J Balcazar et al. Public Health. 2015 Jun.

Abstract

Objectives: In examining the Hispanic health paradox, researchers rarely determine if the paradox persists across immigrant generations. This study examines immigrant respiratory health disparities among Hispanic children in terms of current asthma, bronchitis, and allergies using an expanded six-group immigrant cohort framework that includes citizenship and the fourth-plus generation.

Study design: Cross-sectional primary survey data from 1568 caretakers of Hispanic schoolchildren in El Paso, Texas (USA), were utilized.

Methods: Data were analyzed using generalized linear models.

Results: Results indicate that a healthy immigrant advantage lasts until the 2.5 generation for bronchitis and allergies (P < 0.05), and until the third generation for asthma (P < 0.10). Citizenship was not an influence on the likelihood of a child having a respiratory health condition.

Conclusions: Findings demonstrate the utility of the expanded six-group cohort framework for examining intergenerational patterns in health conditions among immigrant groups.

Keywords: Asthma; Children; Generational status; Hispanic health paradox; Immigrant health.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Histogram of the Distribution of the Child Generational Status Variable for Hispanic Children in El Paso (Texas, USA)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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