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.
This study used a social ecological model to examine the influences of sociodemographic factors, mothers; attitudes, financial barriers, and the healthcare delivery system on the use of dental services for 4- to 8-year-old Hispanic children. The results showed that initiating dental care during the preschool years was significantly related to the mothers; beliefs and their social networks ; beliefs in the value of preventive dental care. In addition, extended clinic hours increased the likelihood of returning to the dentist. Provider availability, dental insurance, and family income were related to frequency of planned visits.
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.
The study compared the prevalence of caries between children whose parents had previously participated in an infant oral health education program at a WIC clinic with those whose parents had not participated in such a program. The study results showed that parents ; previous WIC education program participation was highly associated with lower carious lesions. The research indicated that WIC could have a positive impact on caries prevention.
The researchers examines the association between childhood obesity and preschool enrollment and number of hours in child care among low-income preschool-aged children participating in the WIC Program. Children enrolled in preschool for more than 4 days per week were less likely to be obese. Meanwhile, children who watched at least an hour or more per day of TV and videos or who had mothers with higher body mass indices were more likely to be obese.
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.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of breastfeeding and sugar-sweetened- beverage (SSB) consumption on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Hispanic toddlers enrolled in the WIC Program. Results indicated that breastfeeding for 1 year or longer and low SSB consumption during the toddler years could significantly reduce prevalence of obesity in Hispanic toddlers.
The goal of this study was to assess the accuracy of maternal perceptions of their children's weight status. Almost all mothers in the study classified their overweight or obese child as being about the right weight. As a result, they might not see obesity interventions as relevant to their families. researchers concluded that parents need education in two areas: (1) how to identify whether their children are overweight or obese and (2) the consequences of obesity.
This studied looked at overweight and obesity trends in a multi-ethnic population of low-income preschool children enrolled in the New York State WIC Program. researchers found that annual obesity prevalence peaked in 2003, declined between 2003 and 2005, and plateaued through 2007, while annual prevalence for overweight increased from 2002 through 2007.
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.
