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

Scope: Research

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.

Improving Client Provider Communication: Evaluation of a Training Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Professionals in New York State

This study evaluated an intensive 1-day training program to improve the growth monitoring counseling skills of WIC providers.  The researchers; patient-centered approach focused on a seven-step technique that emphasized eliciting the clients perspective on the child's health and negotiating follow-up strategies. Study results suggested that counseling skills of non-physician health providers could change after a 1-day focused training: Providers were more client centered in their discussions. Limitations and implications of the study were also discussed.

Factors Associated with Underimmunization at 3 Months of Age in Four Medically Underserved Areas

This study examines coverage rates and factors associated with underimmunization at 3 months of age in four medically underserved areas. Vaccination coverage levels at 3 months of age varied across sites: They were 82.4% in northern Manhattan, 70.5% in Detroit, 82.3% in San Diego, and 75.8% in rural Colorado. Among children who were not up to date, the majority (65.7% to 71.5%, per site) had not received vaccines because of missed opportunities.

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.

Maternal Characteristics Associated with Vaccination of Young Children

The authors analyzed maternal characteristics associated with vaccination in US preschool children. Results showed that factors most strongly associated with undervaccination included mothers who were black; had less than a high school education; were divorced, separated, or widowed; had multiple children; were eligible for WIC, but not participating; or had incomes below 50% of the federal poverty level.

Caries Prevalence of Children in an Infant Oral Health Educational Program at a WIC Clinic

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.

Improving the Health of Infants on Medicaid by Collocating Special Supplemental Nutrition Clinics With Managed Care Provider Sites

The study objective was to determine whether collocation of WIC clinics at managed care provider sites improved healthcare for infants enrolled in Medicaid and WIC. The findings revealed that compared with other infants, those who visited collocated WIC sites were either closer to their age-appropriate weight or had higher immunization rates when recertified by WIC staff after their first birthday.

Preschool Enrollment is Associated with Lower Odds of Childhood Obesity Among WIC Participants in LA County

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.

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.