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African American

Breastfeeding Advice Given to African American and White Women by Physicians and WIC Counselors

This study determined rates of breastfeeding advice given to African-American and white women by medical providers and WIC nutrition counselors. It also sought to determine whether racial differences in advice contributed to racial differences in rates of breastfeeding. Results indicated that self-reported racial identification did not predict a medical providers advice. However, being African American was associated with less likelihood of being given breastfeeding advice and greater likelihood of receiving bottle-feeding advice from WIC nutrition counselors.

Rural and Urban Breastfeeding Initiation Trends in Low-Income Women in North Carolina from 2003 to 2007

The objective of this study was to examine racial, ethnic, and regional (rural versus urban) trends in breastfeeding initiation among low-income women in North Carolina, from 2003 to 2007. The research determined that women in rural areas, particularly non-Hispanic blacks, were less likely to initiate breastfeeding. Increased emphasis should be placed on developing breastfeeding interventions for rural communities, particularly targeting the non-Hispanic black population.

Racial/Ethnic Differences in Breastfeeding Duration among WIC-Eligible Families

This research documented racial/ethnic differences in breastfeeding duration among mothers from seven diverse racial/ethnic groups in rural and urban areas of the US. The findings suggested that breastfeeding initiation rates and breastfeeding durations of 6 months were lower among WIC-eligible mothers, compared with all mothers. WIC-eligible foreign-born Mexican-Origin Hispanic (FBMOH) mothers were most likely to breastfeed for 6 months.

Racial/ethnic disparities in preschool immunizations: United States, 1996 – 2001

The authors analyzed current racial and ethnic differences in immunization coverage rates among US preschool children. During the 6-year study period, the immunization coverage gap between white and black children widened by an average of 1.1% each year, and the gap between white and Hispanic children widened by an average of 0.5% each year. The gap between white and Asian children narrowed by an average of 0.8% each year.

Maternal Characteristics Associated with Vaccination of Young Children

The authors analyzed maternal characteristics associated with vaccination in US preschool children. Results showed that factors most strongly associated with undervaccination included mothers who were black; had less than a high school education; were divorced, separated, or widowed; had multiple children; were eligible for WIC, but not participating; or had incomes below 50% of the federal poverty level.

Improving the Health of Infants on Medicaid by Collocating Special Supplemental Nutrition Clinics With Managed Care Provider Sites

The study objective was to determine whether collocation of WIC clinics at managed care provider sites improved healthcare for infants enrolled in Medicaid and WIC. The findings revealed that compared with other infants, those who visited collocated WIC sites were either closer to their age-appropriate weight or had higher immunization rates when recertified by WIC staff after their first birthday.

Obesity Prevalence in Low-Income Preschool Children in Oklahoma

The purposes of this study were (1) to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in low-income preschool children in Oklahoma, enrolled in the WIC Program, and (2) to identify potential racial and ethnic disparities. American Indians and Hispanic children had the highest obesity rates. The researchers pointed out the necessity to explore targeting interventions at these high-risk groups.