This paper evaluated the skepticism that WIC research failed to properly control for selection into the WIC Program, using rich data from the national Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. The authors showed that relative to Medicaid mothers, all of whom were eligible for WIC, WIC participants were negatively selected on a wide array of observable dimensions, yet WIC participation was associated with improved birth outcomes.
Data from the Wisconsin Childhood Lead-Poisoning Prevention Program were analyzed to examine the distribution and trends in elevated blood lead levels among WIC-enrolled children from 1996 until 2000. According to the study, higher blood lead levels were seen among WIC-enrolled children. And, although statistically not significant, the rate that blood lead levels declined among WIC-enrolled children was greater than the rate among non-WIC-enrolled children.
This research was designed to establish a baseline from which to monitor the nutritional and health characteristics of WIC participants and non-WIC participants over time. Because of age-based variations in the survey protocols and small samples of pregnant and postpartum women, data were not consistently available among women, infants, and children. The richest datasets were available for children, and datasets were most limited for pregnant women.
Using data from the 2002 Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS), the researchers examines the nutrient intakes, foods consumed, and feeding patterns of infants and toddlers participating in WIC. Results found that infants enrolled in WIC were less likely to have been breastfed, compared with other US children. Significant numbers of WIC and non-WIC toddlers did not consume enough fruits and vegetables.
The authors' goal was to screen Indian children on the reservation who were participating in WIC and Head Start. researchers screened close to 100% of the young children on the Rocky Boy reservation. The average blood lead level for these Indian children, ages 1 to 5, was 2.4 micrograms/dL, which is not significantly different from that of children of the same age nationally.
These authors explored whether work or immigration concerns affected women's participation in the WIC Program. Results showed that non-collection of checks was associated with job conflicts, transportation or illness problems, and check distribution policies.
The authors used data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to analyze the effect of the WIC Program and other factors on the health of US preschool children. Findings revealed that the WIC Program had a significant positive impact on the overall health of children. In particular, children in households participating in WIC were significantly more likely to be in excellent health.
This study analyzed birth outcomes and the cost of infant hospitalization at delivery for black and non-black Medicaid clients, in relation to their level of prenatal participation in the WIC Program. Based on the results, prenatal WIC participation was associated with lower Medicaid costs and better birth outcomes, particularly for blacks.
This study examines the relationship between child participation in WIC to Medicaid costs and use of healthcare services in North Carolina. Medicaid-enrolled children participating in the WIC Program showed greater use of all types of healthcare services, compared with Medicaid-enrolled children who were not WIC participants.
This report described the WIC Program: how it works, its history, program trends, and the characteristics of the population it serves. It also examines issues related to program outcomes and administration. How the WIC community responded to these issues might have a large impact on future program operations.
