WIC Research, Policy and Practice Hub WIC Research, Policy and Practice Hub

Geography: North Carolina


A Diet Quality Index for Pregnancy Detects Variation in Diet and Differences by Sociodemographic Factors

The authors examines dietary intake of pregnant women using the Diet Quality Index for Pregnancy (DQI-P), a new index developed to reflect current nutritional recommendations for pregnancy and national dietary guidelines. The highest overall DQI-P scores were identified in women who were older than 30, above 350% of the poverty level, nulliparous, and high school graduates. Additionally, higher-income, older, and better-educated women consumed higher amounts of vegetables. But, black, low-income, and nulliparous women consumed greater intakes of folate and iron.


WIC and Breastfeeding Support Services: Does the Mix of Services Offered Vary with Race and Ethnicity?

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.


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.


Determinants of Dental Referral Practices among WIC Nutritionists in North Carolina

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of knowledge and confidence on dental referral practices among WIC nutritionists in North Carolina. The study showed that the more confident WIC nutritionists felt about their ability to assess oral health risk, the more likely they were to make dental referrals. Because a child's first point of contact with a health professional is frequently at a WIC clinic, WIC workers might improve children's access to dental care, by providing screenings and referrals.


Effects of WIC Participation on Children’s Use of Oral Health Services

The authors estimated the effects of the WIC Program on dental services use by Medicaid children in North Carolina. According to the results, children who participated in WIC had an increased probability of having a dental visit, were more likely to use preventive and restorative services, and were less likely to use emergency services.


North Carolina WIC Program Manual

Guidance for local North Carolina WIC agencies on how to deliver WIC services in line with North Carolina Division of Public Health – Nutrition Services Branch policies and procedures.


North Carolina WIC Program Vendor Manual

A North Carolina Division of Public Health – Nutrition Services Branch WIC publication that outlines policies and procedures for selling WIC approved foods to participants in North Carolina.