Behavior Change

Are US Mothers Meeting the Healthy People 2010 Breastfeeding Targets for Initiation, Duration, and Exclusivity? The 2003 and 2004 National Immunization Surveys

The authors analyzed data from the 2003 and 2004 National Immunization Surveys to determine the characteristics of groups meeting the Healthy People 2010 breastfeeding targets. The results indicated that Hispanic children, children of college graduates, and children living in the western part of the country consistently had higher odds of breastfeeding.

Characteristics of Teenage Mothers and Predictors of Breastfeeding Initiation in the Michigan WIC Program in 1995

This study analyzed breastfeeding initiation rates among Michigan preteen and teenage mothers (ages 12 to 19) by demographics and health behaviors. The results showed that for white mothers, the strongest predictor of breastfeeding initiation was education beyond high school. Black mothers were less likely to breastfeed if they had multiparous births.

Predictors of Smoking Cessation in Pregnancy and Maintenance Postpartum in Low-Income Women

This study described the factors associated with the smoking status of low-income women during pregnancy and postpartum. Results showed that lower relapse rates among spontaneous quitters indicated a need to foster an environment that encourages quitting at pregnancy.

Changes in Maternal Cigarette Smoking Among Pregnant WIC Participants in Rhode Island

The authors explored the relationship between the timing of entry into the WIC Program among pregnant women in Rhode Island and changes in maternal cigarette smoking (MCS) during pregnancy. Self-reports from smokers indicated that 9.5% quit smoking; 24.6% decreased MCS; 26.8% experienced no change; 33.5% increased MCS; and 5.6% attempted to quit MCS, but failed during pregnancy.

A Longitudinal Study of Dental Caries Risk Among Very Young Low-SES Children

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a challenging public health problem, both in the US and elsewhere. Unfortunately, data relating to very young children's risk factors are scarce. This study assessed baseline risk factors for 18-month caries prevalence, in conjunction with a longitudinal study of high-risk children. Results suggested that early colonization by mutans streptocci (MS) and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages are significant predictors of ECC in high-risk populations.

Postpartum Mothers’ Attitudes, Knowledge, and Trust Regarding Vaccination

The objective of this study was to examine attitudes and knowledge about vaccinations in postpartum mothers. The study showed that although the majority of infants received vaccines, their mothers had concerns and would like to have received immunization information earlier. Mothers who are primiparous; have low family incomes, but do not qualify for the WIC Program; or are breastfeeding might need special attention to develop a trusting relationship regarding vaccinations.

Effects of Maternal and Provider Characteristics on Up-to-Date Immunization Status of Children Aged 19 to 35 Months

The researchers examines the effects of maternal and provider characteristics on the up-to-date immunization status of children. Results showed that low maternal educational levels and low socioeconomic status were associated with high 4:3:1:3 series completion rates. Also, completion rates were high in Hispanic and non-Hispanic black families with low income-to-poverty ratios.

Assessment of missing immunizations and immunization-related barriers among WIC populations at the local level

This study assessed immunization-related barriers among children in the WIC Program, a population at risk of undervaccination. Results indicated poor immunization rates, which improved with assessment and referral. DTaP;which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis—was the most commonly missing vaccine. Lack of insurance increased risk of undervaccination.

A Status Report from 1996–2004: Are More Effective Immunization Interventions Being Used in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program?

Since 1998, the CDC has monitored the WIC/immunization linkages assessment and referral (with and without the more aggressive strategy of monthly voucher pickup, client outreach and tracking, and parental incentives) and three other immunization supporting activities (computerized systems to assess immunization status, collocation of WIC and immunization services, and coordination of WIC and immunization services). Through an annual survey of state immunization and WIC programs, the authors conducted a trend analysis for the years 1998 through 2004 to determine changes in the use and frequency of WIC/immunization linkage activities.

Predictors of Oral Health Counseling by WIC Providers

The authors assessed selected predictors for the inclusion of oral health counseling by Illinois WIC providers. The results suggested that when WIC providers had some oral health training, they were more likely to provide counseling about dental disease and its prevention.