Ecological Systems Affecting Urban Childbearing Puerto Rican Women in the City of Philadelphia.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore socio-ecological influences affecting the daily lives of urban, pregnant Puerto Rican women and factors negatively influencing their health seeking behaviors related to prenatal care.

Methods: Qualitative, descriptive methods were used including individual interviews and focus groups to obtain maximum understanding of the women's lives. The interviews and focus groups were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide based on various components of the study's conceptual framework.