This study evaluated risk factors associated with anemia and iron deficiency in a sample of children participating in or applying for WIC. The results revealed that current child WIC participation and maternal WIC participation during pregnancy were negatively associated with anemia and iron deficiency.
The researchers examines associations between WIC participation and indicators of underweight, overweight, length, caregiver-perceived health, and household food security among infants ages 12 months or younger, at six urban hospitals and clinics. Results showed that of the eligible families not receiving WIC assistance, 64% reported access problems, and 36% denied a need for WIC. Families who were not receiving WIC because of access problems were more likely to have underweight infants and experience food insecurity.
This study was conducted to evaluate the Walk Texas! Clinical Counseling Guide for Nutrition, a brief, stage-based nutritional counseling guide designed for use in clinical settings. Primary measures included state of change, barriers to change, attitudes toward fruits and vegetables (F&V), self-efficacy, and self-reports of F&V consumption. Results were mixed. Although there was no significant increase in the cognitive constructs (e.g., self-efficacy, attitudes), participants in the intervention clinics reported a significant increase in the state of change and a composite measure of F&V intake.
This 1999 pilot study of 127 ethnically diverse mothers in the WIC Program addressed mental health symptomatology using the PrimeMD tool and mental healthcare utilization. Prevalence of anxiety symptoms differed by presence of support and self-perceived health status.
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.
The purpose of this study was to identify the maternal background and intrapersonal predictors associated with the timing of breastfeeding cessation of mothers enrolled in the WIC Program. The results revealed that women who were older and of Mexican ethnicity, who had previous breastfeeding experience, and who had support from family or friends were at lowest risk of breastfeeding cessation.
This study examines the association between acculturation and breastfeeding behaviors. Prevalence rates of breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusive breastfeeding for; 10 weeks or longer were significantly higher among less acculturated mothers, than among highly acculturated mothers.
This study explored the associations between breastfeeding initiation and the availability of WIC-based breastfeeding support, as well as the racial and ethnic composition of WIC clients in North Carolina. The study found that breastfeeding initiation by site was negatively associated with the percentage of African-American clients and positively associated with percentage of white or Hispanic clients.
This study investigated the frequency of exclusive breastfeeding in the early postpartum period, maternal attitudes toward breastfeeding, and WIC Program participation status in a population of mothers at two San Francisco hospitals. The results showed that a higher percentage (79.8%) of the sample was exclusively breastfeeding at 1 to 4 days postpartum. There were no significant differences in the rates of formula or mixed feeding, by WIC participant status. Independent risk factors for formula or mixed feeding at 1 to 3 days postpartum included Asian/Pacific Islander ethnicity. Being a college graduate was associated with a decreased risk of formula or mixed feeding.
This study examines how breastfeeding behaviors, perceptions, and experiences vary by race and ethnicity among a low-income sample in the US. The authors concluded that although breastfeeding initiation rates approached the Healthy People 2010 goals, breastfeeding duration remained far below these goals. Racial and ethnic differences in experiences related to breastfeeding cessation suggested that culturally sensitive breastfeeding interventions were necessary.
