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Objective: Compare the socio-economic conditions of immigrant and Portuguese mothers.
Participants and Methods: Cross-sectional study involving mothers nationwide from 22 maternity units/hospitals between 2009 and 2011. Data collection was conducted through face to face interviews in a sample of 1601 women (499 immigrant and 1102 Portuguese). For every immigrant woman admitted the following two Portuguese women were also selected. Ages range between 15 and 45, the average was higher among Portuguese women (30.0 + -5.4 vs. 29.1 + -5.6 p <0.05).
Results: The immigrant mothers present a higher rate of agglomeration (>1) 40.7% vs. 19.3%, p<0.01; Portuguese mothers present a higher level of education (Higher Education -29.7% vs. 18.6%, p<0.001); They have more senior job positions 34.4% vs. 12.8% and administrative 37.5% vs. 26.5% p<0.001; They also present a higher family income (greater than 2000 euro) 8.7% vs. 3.3% p<0.001 and a higher rate of employment 76.1% vs. 50%, p<0.001; They also reside more often in their own home 70.8% vs. 28.4% p<0.001. Of the reasons given for their choice of maternity unit 67.9% of the immigrants stated it was because it was in their residential area. Among the Portuguese mothers, 16.5% mention the quality of the health care service provided, 9.1% mentioned the influence of the obstetrician assisting, and 2.6% said it was because their other children were born there (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Immigrant mothers present less favourable socio-economic conditions. The majority of immigrant mothers based their choice of maternity unit on its proximity to their residence while the Portuguese women refer to the quality of care.
Keywords: Immigration, Mother, socioeconomic characteristics, Multiculturalism
Learning Objectives: Compare the socio-economic conditions of immigrant and Portuguese mothers