Purpose: South Florida’s office of WIC (Women, Infant, and Children), in conjunction with Florida International University’s Public Health faculty and Survey Research Methods students conducted two surveys in the Fall of 2000 as a follow-up to similar ones in 1998. The surveys were conducted in order to assess those who were eligible for WIC services but were not enrolled (community survey) and the satisfaction of current WIC participants (client survey). Methods: Miami-Dade County was sectioned into 5 grids to select study sites that met the eligibility criteria of income and race. Furthermore, 8 South Florida WIC clinics were chosen to administer the client surveys. The number of participants was 368 (153 community, 215 client survey). Once the data were gathered, students presented the results to South Florida WIC directors. Results: There was a decline in the number of Spanish-speakers from 1998 (42.1%) to 2000 (38.8) while English-speaker rose from 1998 (28.9) to 2000 (50.7). The current participant survey found that approximately 56% of clients preferred Saturday hours. Chi-square analysis in the community survey showed a significant association between eligibility for WIC services and whether they had heard about WIC (p< .05). Conclusions: It was recommended that WIC should continue their efforts to reach populations whose primary language is not English. WIC was also advised to expand their weekend hours as a convenience to clients. Finally, there is a great need to increase awareness regarding eligibility to postpartum women, breastfeeding women, and women with children under age one.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the partnership between community organizations and academia. 2. Discuss a unique research in Florida about WIC services to the local South Florida community. 3. Develop interventions to better materal care with the aid of WIC.
Keywords: WIC, Maternal Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: WIC (Women, Infant, and Children)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.