UCLA

Rationale

The 2016 U.S. presidential election and its aftermath involved political rhetoric and policies that especially targeted women, Latinos, and immigrants. It is possible that concerns about the political environment could affect mental health of individuals in targeted groups.

Objective

In a cohort of 148 pregnant Latina women, this study investigated how demographics and political concerns related to each other and to maternal anxiety, depression, and perceived stress, which have been associated with adverse birth and child development outcomes.

Methods

In this cross-sectional, self-report study, participants in Southern California completed a one-time questionnaire from January 2017 to May 2018.

Results

The highest rates of endorsement were for concerns regarding President Trump's racism, attitude towards women, and deportation risk for family or friends. From several demographic variables, the only significant predictor of state anxiety was expectant parents' birthplaces. From several political concerns variables, the only significant predictor of state anxiety was President Trump's attitude towards women or women's rights. There were no significant effects on other mental health outcomes.

Conclusions

Results suggest that birthplace and women's issues may be particularly salient anxiety risk factors for Latina pregnant women in this context. Because of the cross-sectional study design, it is possible that, conversely, pregnant women with high anxiety levels are particularly sensitive to the issue of birthplace or women's rights. Results imply that the political climate and events in the U.S. could have deleterious consequences that may cascade across generations of Latino Americans via effects on pregnant women.