Economic evaluation of California prenatal participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to prevent preterm birth

Abstract

RAN contributed to the problem definition, conceptualized the analysis plan, conducted the data analysis and wrote the first draft. SEW and MCW led the problem definition, helped conceptualize and supervise the implementation of the analysis plan, reviewed and revised the manuscript. RB contributed to the analysis and critically reviewed the manuscript. TZN helped with data gathering and participated in the study design and reviewed and revised the manuscript. MP and OAA participated in the study design and reviewed and revised the manuscript. All authors provided critical input and insights into the development and writing of the article and approved the final manuscript as submitted. Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

Caregiver Perspectives on Underutilization of WIC: A Qualitative Study

“…20 As with previous studies, 16,57,58 many in our sample justified WIC as a temporary service-something to leave as soon as possible to allow room for others. Addressing misperceptions about availability and eligibility, limiting barriers to entry, reducing administrative burden, 59,60 and expanding eligibility [61][62][63] are key strategies that warrant future research. Although caregivers reported leaving to open space for others more in need, the early-leaving participants reported high rates of food insecurity and continued enrollment in SNAP; therefore, additional examination of the relationship between perceived need and the decision to disenroll from WIC is needed.…”

“…At time of referral and recertification, health care providers can offer careful communication around WIC eligibility, perceived need, and potential for financial security. 65 In terms of policy, expansion or universalization of eligibility 61 (eg, Community Eligibility Provision 62,63 ) may reduce barriers to entry and help to shift public perception around government assistance.…”

Food Insecurity and Health: Practices and Policies to Address Food Insecurity among Children

“…57,58 WIC is cost-saving, too, investing $1 in prenatal WIC services saves about $2.48 in medical, educational, and productivity costs over a newborn's lifetime by preventing preterm birth, based on simulations of WIC participation in California. 59 Participation in CACFP, a program primarily targeting infants and young children, is associated with better dietary intake, 60,61 improved weight outcomes, 60,62 and a lower likelihood of being hospitalized or in fair or poor health. 63 For school-aged children, national and local studies demonstrate the value of school breakfast and lunch in improving student dietary intake and quality.…”

Prioritization of Features for Mobile Apps for Families in a Federal Nutrition Program for Low-Income Women, Infants, and Children: User-Centered Design Approach

“…The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (commonly known as WIC) is one of the most successful [ 1 ] and cost-effective [ 2 , 3 ] nutrition programs aimed at improving maternal, infant, and child health in the United States. WIC is a federal program that provides nutritious food (eg, fresh and frozen produce, whole grains, milk, eggs), nutrition education, and health care referrals to low-income women during pregnancy and the postpartum period and to their children from birth up until their fifth birthday.…”