Individual and Household-Level Factors Associated With Caregivers' Intention to Keep Their Child Enrolled in WIC

Abstract

ObjectiveIdentify factors associated with caregivers’ intention to keep their child enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program until age 5 years. MethodsBaseline data from a longitudinal questionnaire aiming to assess the impact of a statewide intervention to increase WIC retention in Illinois were analyzed in 2018. Data on sociodemographics and household characteristics were collected in 2015 from 174 caregiver/child dyads. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with caregivers’ intention to keep their child enrolled in WIC until age 5 years (ie, intention). ResultsA total of 66% of caregivers stated they were very likely to keep their child enrolled in the WIC program. Breastfeeding and homeownership status were associated with 58% (P =.03) and 72% (P =.02) lower odds of intention among caregivers, respectively. Conclusions and ImplicationsSignificant inverse associations among breastfeeding, homeownership, and intention support the need for tailoring state-level WIC retention efforts to specific population characteristics and health behaviors.