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.
To evaluate the effectiveness of an existing breastfeeding peer counseling program within the US, researchers conducted a randomized control trial, with peer counseling as an intervention. The proportion of mothers who initiated breastfeeding was significantly higher in the intervention group. These findings demonstrated that, in the US, peer counselors could significantly improve breastfeeding initiation and duration rates.
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.
This research documented racial/ethnic differences in breastfeeding duration among mothers from seven diverse racial/ethnic groups in rural and urban areas of the US. The findings suggested that breastfeeding initiation rates and breastfeeding durations of 6 months were lower among WIC-eligible mothers, compared with all mothers. WIC-eligible foreign-born Mexican-Origin Hispanic (FBMOH) mothers were most likely to breastfeed for 6 months.
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.
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 objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of a manual immunization status assessment for preschool-aged children. Paraprofessional immunization specialists conducted a manual immunization status assessment using the WIC client ;s personal vaccination record. Immunization status as recorded in the WIC record was compared with a computerized assessment.
The purposes of this study were to assess prevalence of overweight and obesity among urban 1- to 5-year-olds and estimate risk by age and gender. The results showed that significant increases in overweight and obesity occurred between ages 1 and 3. And, more than half of the urban children were overweight or obese by age 5. Furthermore, boys were more likely to be obese than were girls. Based on their findings, the researchers recommended that obesity prevention interventions should be targeted to children between the ages of 1 and 3.
This study examines the relationship between overweight in preschool children and their environment. No association was found between overweight and proximity to playgrounds or fast food restaurants. Additionally, no association was found between overweight and level of neighborhood crime.
The researchers evaluated the impact of the 2009 WIC food package changes on the availability of healthful food. After the introduction of the new food packages, the availability of healthful food increased significantly in stores, overall, with more substantial increases in WIC-authorized stores.
