Evaluation on a Shoestring: Key to Success for Virginia Prenatal Incentive Program

Abstract

This article recounts how a local cost-effective yet comprehensive evaluation of a prenatal incentive program called Beds and Britches, Etc. (BABE) was used to provide accountability and generate support from financial sources and from other community members. Both infant mortality and low birth weight are outcomes that have been linked to a lack of appropriate, early, and continual prenatal care. The BABE program provides coupon incentives for women who keep appointments for prenatal, postpartum, well baby, and immunizations visits and who attend educational classes. The coupons are exchanged for new and used infant and toddler clothing and equipment in a way that fosters self-esteem and responsibility. Results after 19 months of operation show that 783 women participated and 5,779 coupons were redeemed—twice the number that was originally projected. The clients enter care in the first trimester at a higher rate than the general population (88% versus 83%). Clients are satisfied, and the community continues to fund the program with personnel support ($18,000 in inventory and $7,954 in cash donations).