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Reece S, McElfish PA, Andersen JA, Ayers BL, Tiwari T, Willis DE, Rowland B, Norris JD, Beasley K, Mendoza Kabua P, Brown CC. Application Status Among Women Enrolled in a Healthy Start Program in Arkansas for the Special Nutrition Program for Women and Children. J Community Health 2023; 48:724-730. [PMID: 37000375 PMCID: PMC10063932 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01215-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the demographic characteristics of pregnant women in a Healthy Start program who are presumed eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), but who have not yet applied for WIC benefits. We used a cross sectional evaluation of data collected from pregnant women (n=203) participating in a Healthy Start program. Data came from surveys administered at enrollment in the Healthy Start program from July 15th, 2019 until January 14th, 2022. The primary outcome was WIC application status, which was determined by whether the woman had applied or was receiving benefits at the time of enrollment. Covariates included race/ethnicity, marital status, insurance, education, income, age, employment, and having previous children/pregnancies. Fisher exact tests and logistic regression were used to examine associations. Approximately 65% of women had not yet applied for WIC benefits. Marshallese women (80.9%) and other NHPI women (80.0%) had the highest need for assistance. In adjusted analyses, White women (p = 0.040) and Hispanic women (p = 0.005) had lower rates of needing assistance applying for WIC than Marshallese women. There were higher rates of needing assistance in applying for women with private insurance or with no insurance and for those with higher incomes. Nearly two out of every three pregnant women who were eligible for WIC had not yet applied for benefits. The findings highlight the need for outreach for all populations that may be eligible, particularly among racial/ethnic minorities and those with higher incomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Reece
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, College of Medicine, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703 USA
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703 USA
| | - Pearl A. McElfish
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, College of Medicine, 2708 S. 48th Street, Springdale, AR 72762 USA
| | - Jennifer A. Andersen
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, College of Medicine, 2708 S. 48th Street, Springdale, AR 72762 USA
| | - Britni L. Ayers
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, College of Medicine, 2708 S. 48th Street, Springdale, AR 72762 USA
| | - Tanvangi Tiwari
- Office of Community Health and Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 2708 S. 48th Street, Springdale, AR 72762 USA
| | - Don E. Willis
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, College of Medicine, 2708 S. 48th Street, Springdale, AR 72762 USA
| | - Brett Rowland
- Office of Community Health and Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 2708 S. 48th Street, Springdale, AR 72762 USA
| | - Jacqueline D. Norris
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703 USA
| | - Kristen Beasley
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, College of Medicine, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703 USA
| | - Philmar Mendoza Kabua
- College of Nursing, University of Arkasnas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703 USA
| | - Clare C. Brown
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Fay W Boozman College of Public Health, 4301 W. Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205 USA
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