The Washington State WIC Program developed a module to be used at local WIC agencies to promote family meals. Results from the study indicated that there was a statistically significant increase in family meal participation in intervention agencies, compared with controls.
This descriptive-correlational study examines the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change in relation to the physical activity behavior of WIC mothers. Relationships between stage of behavior change and other TTM constructs were found and helped inform strategies to increase physical activity in this population.
The aim of this study was to pilot test "Moms on the Move" a Transtheoretical Model (TTM)-derived physical activity intervention for low-income mothers enrolled in the WIC Program. The intervention was effective in getting sedentary moms to move, as the intervention group had higher physical activity levels.
The purposes of this study were (1) to determine the relationship between stage of change and decisional balance, processes of change, and self-efficacy variables of the Transtheoretical Model to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by low-income African-American mothers and (2) to assess the usefulness of the model for intervention efforts. Results showed that perceptions of benefits for health and planning meals were stronger for women in later stages, compared with earlier stages.
The researchers identified the barriers to and motivators of behavior change for WIC families. Barriers included lack of parenting skills, lack of knowledge, unhealthy social environments, lack of time, and lack of social or financial support. The motivators included feelings of responsibility, concern for child health and development, and positive social support. Facilitated discussions, support groups, cooking classes, and a WIC website were participants; preferred methods of nutrition education.
This position paper looked at women of childbearing ages and the importance of maintaining good nutritional status, through a lifestyle to optimize maternal health and reduce the risk of (1) birth defects, (2) suboptimal fetal growth and development, and (3) chronic health problems in their children. Most pregnant women need 2,200 to 2,900 kcal a day. However, body mass index before pregnancy, rate of weight gain, maternal age, and appetite must be taken into consideration for each individual.
The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between maternal depressive symptoms and the use of infant health services, parenting practices, and injury-prevention measures. A total of 48% of women had depressive symptoms at one or two time points (ever symptoms), and 12% had depressive symptoms at all points (persistent symptoms). There was no association between maternal depressive symptoms and infant receipt of well-child care or the likelihood of breastfeeding for 1 month or longer.
These authors studied the effect of WIC on birth outcomes. Based on their findings, WIC showed no statistically significant effects for any of the following six outcomes: birth weight, prematurity, maternal report of the infant's health, small for gestational age, and placement in the neonatal intensive care unit.
This study examines the existence and possible explanations for racial/ethnic disparities in preterm births, using a nationally representative sample of births. Race-stratified models indicated that maternal health complications and prenatal care adequacy offered the most potential to explain the remaining racial/ethnic disparities in preterm births.
This study utilized a large population-based birth registry to estimate the independent effect of county-level poverty on preterm birth risk. The researchers found that high county-level poverty was significantly associated with preterm birth risk.
