Differential Effects of Stress on Maternal and Infant Health Amongst Canadian Ethnic Minorities

• Main Author: Robinson, Alexandra
• Other Authors: Cairns, Sharon, Benzies, Karen
• Format: Doctoral or Postdoctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Graduate Studies 2013
• Subjects: Health; Psychosocial Health; Pregnancy; Perinatal Indicators; Preterm birth; Minority Status; Canada; First Nations
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11023/1095; https://doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/25710

The aim of the present study was to identify specific types of maternal psychosocial stress experienced by women of ethnic minority status (Asian, Arab, Other Asian, African, First Nations and Latino) in relation to pregnancy and infant health. A secondary analysis of variables that may contribute to maternal psychosocial stress was conducted using data from the All Our Babies prospective study where questionnaires were completed at less than 24 weeks of pregnancy, between 34-36 weeks of pregnancy, and at 4 months postpartum. Questionnaires included standardized measures of perceived stress, anxiety, depression, physical and emotional health, and social support. Socio-demographic data included immigration status, language proficiency in English, ethnicity, age, and socio-economic status. Findings from this study indicate that women who identify with an ethnic minority experience greater levels of psychosocial stress during pregnancy and have significantly poorer pregnancy and birth outcomes than those who identify with the dominant culture. Preterm birth, low birth weight, small or large for gestational age, extended hospital stay, and Apgar scores < 7 were used in the outcome assessment. From these findings, counselling interventions that target the most detrimental stressors faced by women of minority status in Canada are also discussed.