Formulation and validation of a composite migration history score for epidemiological research in Mexican American women.

This research developed a composite migration history score, using data on birth places of subjects, and their parents and grand parents, and the length of residence in US from 390 overweight Mexican American women. The derived migration history score is validated through a factor analysis of the nine dimensional migration history variables. The importance of this methodology of defining migration history score for epidemiological research is discussed in the context of studying the role of migration-related health behavior changes and their consequent impact on risks of untoward health outcomes in migrants.