Recruitment and Retention of WIC Participants

Maternal Health Behaviors and Infant Health Outcomes Among Homeless Mothers: US Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) 2000-2007

The goal of this study was to determine whether participation in the WIC Program was associated with improved maternal and infant health outcomes among homeless women in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Compared with those not in the program, women enrolled in WIC were significantly more likely to have a higher body mass index, initiate breastfeeding after delivery, have prenatal care visits, have a longer gestational age, and have a higher infant birth weight.

Can Targeted Transfers Improve Birth Outcomes? Evidence from the Introduction of the WIC Program

This study explored the relationship between participation in the WIC Program and birth outcomes. The authors analyzed whether WIC participation increased the average birth weight and decreased the number of low-birth weight births. Based on the results, WIC initiation raised the average birth weight by 2 grams and raised it by 7 grams among infants born to mothers with low education levels.

Does Prenatal WIC Participation Improve Birth Outcomes? New Evidence from Florida

Using data sets from Florida about all births between 1997 and 2001, the authors analyzed the effects of prenatal nutrition and education services provided by WIC on birth outcomes. Based on their results, WIC participation had no effect on mean birth weight and gestational age, but substantially reduced the likelihood of adverse birth outcomes, including birth weights below 2,500 grams.

Effect of the Washington Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) on Pregnancy Outcomes

The researchers; goal was to study the effect of the WIC Program on adverse pregnancy outcomes. Based on the findings, WIC was protective for preterm delivery. Furthermore, it was most protective for women with inadequate prenatal care.

A Comparative Analysis of Effects of Early Versus Late Prenatal WIC Participation on Birth Weight: NYS, 1995

The researchers examines the effects of prenatal participation in the New York State WIC Program on birth weight through enhanced control of selection bias and gestational age bias. Adjusted estimates showed a significant positive effect of longer prenatal WIC participation on birth outcomes for all of the groups studied.

Socioeconomic Gradients and Low Birth‐Weight: Empirical and Policy Considerations

The objective of this study was to examine whether socioeconomic status (SES) gradients emerged in health outcomes as early as birth. Results showed that participation in WIC substantially flattened income gradients for short-term participants and virtually eliminated an income gradient among long-term participants. The researcher concluded that WIC’s effects on income gradients warrant additional study, to explore further whether interventions or participants; characteristics could resolve socioeconomic disparities in such early-life health;outcomes as low birth weight.

Effects of Participation in the WIC Program on Birthweight: Evidence From the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth

This study examines the impact of maternal participation in WIC on birth weight. The authors concluded that after controlling for potential biases, a significant positive association between WIC participation and birth weight was observed.

Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Breastfeeding: National, Regional, and State Level Analyses

This study looked at the relationship between WIC and breastfeeding initiation and duration. Using the 2007 National Immunization Survey data set, the researchers found a negative association between WIC and breastfeeding initiation and duration, compared with non-participants.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children and Infant Feeding Practices

This study examines the association between a mothers participation in the WIC Program and adherence to four American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations on infant feeding. WIC participants were 8.5 percentage points less likely than non-participants to adhere to the AAP recommendation to delay introduction of infant formula until month 6. However, the difference between participants and non-participants disappeared by month 6.

WIC Participation, Breastfeeding Practices, and Well-Child Care Among Unmarried, Low-Income Mothers

This study estimated the effect of WIC participation from 1999 to 2000 on breastfeeding initiation and duration, as well as on well-child care. The results showed that WIC participation was associated with increased likelihood of initiating breastfeeding and having at least four well-child visits since birth. Both behaviors benefit infants beyond the newborn period.