OBJECTIVES: This study explored whether work or immigration concerns affect women's participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). METHODS: The sample included women who had withdrawn from the WIC program and current WIC clients from 1 center in New York City. Logistic regression analyses were used to predict noncollection of checks; demographic characteristics, program participation, and problems with the WIC program were independent variables. RESULTS: Strong predictors of noncollection of checks were job conflicts, transportation or illness problems, and WIC receipt by the woman herself (rather than by her children). CONCLUSIONS: Employment conflicts were related to failure to pick up WIC checks; immigration concerns were not. As a means of enhancing WIC participation, flexibility is recommended in terms of center hours, locations, and staffing and program check distribution policies.
OBJECTIVES: This study explored whether work or immigration concerns affect women's participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). METHODS: The sample included women who had withdrawn from the WIC program and current WIC clients from 1 center in New York City. Logistic regression analyses were used to predict noncollection of checks; demographic characteristics, program participation, and problems with the WIC program were independent variables. RESULTS: Strong predictors of noncollection of checks were job conflicts, transportation or illness problems, and WIC receipt by the woman herself (rather than by her children). CONCLUSIONS: Employment conflicts were related to failure to pick up WIC checks; immigration concerns were not. As a means of enhancing WIC participation, flexibility is recommended in terms of center hours, locations, and staffing and program check distribution policies.
Authors: Cristina M Gago; Jhordan O Wynne; Maggie J Moore; Alejandra Cantu-Aldana; Kelsey Vercammen; Laura Y Zatz; Kelley May; Tina Andrade; Terri Mendoza; Sarah L Stone; Josiemer Mattei; Kirsten K Davison; Eric B Rimm; Rachel Colchamiro; Erica L Kenney Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2022-02-01 Impact factor: 7.124