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Ethnicity

Comparison of Manual and Electric Breast Pumps Among WIC Women Returning to Work or School in Hawaii

The aim of this study was to find out whether an electric breast pump (versus a manual pump) would increase breastfeeding duration among mothers who were returning to work or school full time. The authors concluded that both the manual and electric breast pumps may improve breastfeeding duration, as long as breastfeeding is encouraged and supported when women return to work or school full time.

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.

Rural-Urban Differences in Breastfeeding Initiation in the United States

This research examines a nationally representative sample of births using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study - Birth Cohort to explore associations between rural ;urban residence and maternal race/ethnicity on breastfeeding initiation. Results indicated that associations observed for rural ;urban breastfeeding initiation differed, based on maternal race/ethnicity and poverty status. These patterns likely reflected differences in economic resources, work environments, and social support among rural minority postpartum women.

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.

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.

Using Focus Group Results to Inform Preschool Childhood Obesity Prevention Programming

The purpose of this study was to help determine material for developing a childhood obesity prevention program for multi-ethnic parents. researchers concluded that intervention components should focus on parent self-efficacy and incorporate themes specific for ethnic groups. The authors also suggested that there was a need for culturally sensitive health and nutrition information.

Fruit Juice Intake Predicts Increased Adiposity Gain in Children from Low-Income Families: Weight Status-by-Environment Interaction

The purposes of this study were to test (1) whether increased fruit juice intake and parental restriction of a child's eating were associated with increased adiposity and (2) whether nutrition counseling reduced adiposity gain in a population of WIC children ages 1 to 4 in New York State. Results indicated that children who were already overweight or at risk of becoming overweight who increased their fruit juice intake were associated with excess weight gain. These findings supported the Institute of Medicine recommendation to reduce juice intake in overweight and at-risk children.