Mexican Immigrant Women: A Case Study

Immigrants, more often than not, come to America for the chance of a better life. However, immigration, particularly among Mexican women, does not always lead to better health outcomes. Health disparities among Mexican immigrant women living in the United States arise due to the intersection of various determinants. For example, immigration status and gender can lead Mexican immigrant women to experience a reduction in labor market access and activity in the United States (Leite et al., 2010). This in turn limits them to living in less than favorable economic conditions (Leite, Angoa, Castaneda, Felt, Schenker & Ramirez, 2013). Furthermore, living in bleak economic conditions influences negative health outcomes. Addressing determinants, such as gender, poverty and immigration status, that influence negative health outcomes among Mexican immigrant women is essential because they are an important demographic group in the United States (Leite et al., 2010). In addition the health of these women is vital …show more content…
Moreover, Mexican immigrant women with employment also find themselves in tough economic situations. The high rate of poverty experienced by Mexican immigrant women is alarming because poverty is associated with worse health outcomes. In high-income countries, levels of maternal mortality may be up to three times higher among disadvantaged ethnic groups than among other women (WHO, 2009). Likewise, those with poor social and economic circumstances can run at least twice the risk of serious illness and premature death (Wilkinson, & Marmot, 2003). Poor economic circumstances also affect other determinants of health. Among immigrant populations, poverty and low income status particularly impact the ability to establish food security and afford adequate housing and health insurance coverage (Garcia,