Programs For Low-income Families Research Articles

Effects of the Head Start Program on Socioecological Obesogenic Factors in American Children.

Head Start is a nationwide developmental program for low-income families. This study aimed to investigate the association between the Head Start program and children’s BMI status, as well as their quality of life with respect to socioecological obesogenic factors. This cross-sectional study employed the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten cohort (ECLS-K) in which the data were collected in 2007 and analyzed in 2019. Propensity-score matching analysis was performed to examine the association between the Head Start program and children’s BMI status, as well as the quality of life, controlling for socioecological obesogenic factors. A total of 3753 children (representing 1,284,209 at the population level) were recruited in this study (mean age: 13.69 years; girls: 49.42%). In the final matched model, the program did not have a statistically significant effect on children’s obesity. Fewer African American children participated in school-sponsored activities, perceived themselves as overweight, lived in a household with fewer family members, had less strict TV regulations, and were more likely to be overweight than their counterparts. Outcomes suggest that multiple dimensions of sociological obesogenic factors including individual, parental, familial, and community support factors affect the weight of children from low-income families and should be considered when establishing behavioral and policy interventions to thwart the childhood obesity epidemic.

A Review of the Impact of Food Policies on Food Security Status and Healthy/Unhealthy Food Consumption

Background: Food insecurity refers to a household’s financial inability to access adequate food. Food subsidy programs are the right strategies that have been undertaken for many years in some countries. Aim: This study aims to summarize and compare the impact of some subsidy programs on food security as a narrative review. Methods: Community-based studies analyzing the impact of food policies on food security status and healthy/unhealthy food consumption were reviewed. Our search keywords included food tax, healthy/unhealthy food, food security, food subsidy, targeted subsidy, and Iran. Results and conclusion: Some subsidy programs aim to improve food security and nutritional status of low-income individuals. Developing countries, for the improvement of food security and hunger, use some food subsidy programs that can improve the food security status. One of the most used programs is a food subsidy program in schools. Unfortunately, the targeted subsidy policy in Iran has affected the nutritional status and food security of households, therefore, it is necessary to implement a food subsidy program for low-income families. Fruits and vegetable subsidies can increase their consumption. Unhealthy food consumption decreases by implementing food tax programs, especially if the number of tax increases. In general, cash subsidies are more beneficial in improving the nutritional status.

Racial/ethnic differences in health insurance adequacy and consistency among children: Evidence from the 2011/12 National Survey of Children's Health.

BackgroundSurveillance of disparities in healthcare insurance, services and quality of care among children are critical for properly serving the medical/healthcare needs of underserved populations. The purpose of this study was to assess racial/ethnic differences in children’s (0 to 17 years old) health insurance adequacy and consistency (child has insurance coverage for the last 12 months).Design and methodsWe used data from the 2011/2012 National Survey of Children’s Health (n=79,474). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the distribution and influence of several sociodemographic/family related factors on insurance adequacy and consistency across different racial/ethnic groups.ResultsStratified analyses by race/ethnicity revealed that white and black children living in households at or below 299% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) were approximately 29 to 42% less likely to have adequate insurance compared to children living in families of higher income levels. Regardless of race/ethnicity, we found that children with public health insurance were more likely to have adequate insurance than their privately insured counterparts, while adolescents were at greater risk of inadequate coverage. Hispanic and black children were more likely to lack consistent insurance coverage.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that racial/ethnic differences in adequate and consistent health insurance exists with both white and minority children being affected adversely by poverty. Establishing outreach programs for low income families, and cross-cultural education for healthcare providers may help increase health insurance adequacy and consistency within certain underserved populations.Significance for public healthAs the number of minority US children increases, monitoring racial/ethnic differences in health insurance coverage becomes critical in creating insurance programs that can provide adequate and consistent coverage. Using a nationally representative sample, the findings of this study suggest that low income and poor maternal health can adversely affect insurance consistency and adequacy for both minority and white children. This indicates that research studies on inequalities of healthcare coverage should also focus on underserved white populations of children as their insurance coverage is affected by similar factors as those for minority children. Elimination of inequalities may require targeted interventions that include the well-being of the entire family, cross-cultural education of healthcare providers, policy changes to grant low-income children with appropriate and reliable health insurance, and an ongoing monitoring of disparities by health plans.

Longitudinal Impact of a Child and Family Intervention Program for Low-Income Families on Children’s Reading and Math Skills

Longitudinal Impact of a Child and Family Intervention Program for Low-Income Families on Children’s Reading and Math Skills

Financiamento habitacional popular: Como os recursos do FTGS estão sendo utilizados

In order to meet the housing shortage, was created popular housing programs for low-income families. In Brazil, these programs differs from the rest of the world, since here the programs are directed to the acquisition of real estate, unlike the rest of the world where the focus is lower rents for low-income families. In the context, this type of program has also been used as a tool against economic crises. Based on these aspects, this article aims to identify how the FGTS funds are being used regarding the housing finance. To perform this analysis was studied the targeting of FGTS funds for social housing in Brazil, thus demonstrating, a convincing growth in this modality and also an exchange preferably after the year 2009, of used real estates to new ones.

Abstract A21: Developing a model for engaging underserved breast cancer survivors: Expanding a financial assistance program to include support and education

Abstract Background: Living Beyond Breast Cancer's grant assists with the financial hardship of breast cancer treatment. Since 2006, the grant has funded more than 1,200 women by paying household bills. $1.1 million has been distributed in the Philadelphia region. 90% of recipients earn less than 300% of the federal poverty line; 63% are women of color. A 2010 needs assessment indicated that recipients were unfamiliar with LBBC's programs and had limited interactions with the organization. Personal and financial crises made seeking information and support a low priority. Methods: Interventions developed increase contact time with recipients and provide personalized invitations to other LBBC education and support programs. Applicants receive a peer support phone call from an LBBC Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer to share information about upcoming programs and refer to resources to meet their needs. Special invitations to recipients offer registration fee waivers to LBBC conferences and invite them to tailored programs for low-income families. Results: 65% of applicants were previously unaware of Living Beyond Breast Cancer and its programs. All applicants receive 10-20 minutes of phone peer support and invitations to two local programs. Applicants receive breast cancer publications on topics related to their concerns or experience. A nutrition-on-a-budget series was piloted in 2013 to address recipients' other wellness needs and provide meals. 14 women participated and reported that the program increased their knowledge of other nutrition resources available and increased their likelihood of using other LBBC services. Conclusions: A financial assistance program provides a unique opportunity to engage underserved breast cancer survivors who may not otherwise seek support and education from an organization. The addition of peer support interventions helps assess and alleviate other concerns and connects recipients to a support system that they can access throughout their experience. These interventions can act as a model for other regional and national grant programs. Citation Format: Catherine Creme Henry, Arin Ahlum Hanson, Janine Guglielmino. Developing a model for engaging underserved breast cancer survivors: Expanding a financial assistance program to include support and education. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A21.

Development and Effectiveness of a Parenting Program for Low Income Families with Adolescent Children

Development and Effectiveness of a Parenting Program for Low Income Families with Adolescent Children

Controversies in couple relationship education (CRE): Overlooked evidence and implications for research and policy.

Government interest in strengthening families in the United States and Great Britain has contributed to a rapid growth in couple relationship education (CRE) interventions, with a recent increase in programs for low-income families. We describe the policy contexts that initially led to increased support for CRE in both countries but now threaten its continuation. We summarize meta-analytic research and discussions of single studies by authors who draw opposing inferences about CRE effectiveness, often from the same studies. We discuss three sets of findings not featured in previous reviews, all of which focus on the potential benefits of CRE for the well-being of children. First, without intervention, average couple relationship satisfaction declines, with negative consequences for children. Second, including both parents in father involvement and parenting interventions results in value-added contributions to family functioning. Third, we describe 9 CRE intervention trials that include child outcomes, 8 of which support the assumption that CRE benefits children. These studies represent only a first step in determining what happens to children when their parents experience CRE. From both research and policy perspectives, there are too many positive findings to give credence to the claim that CRE programs should be discontinued and funding directed elsewhere. But there are too many negative findings to support the conclusion that CRE has been an unqualified success and that existing programs should be offered more widely. The negative findings and criticisms have much to teach us about potential modifications to CRE programs that will lead to more effective CRE approaches.

Autism Rates Associated with Nutrition and the WIC Program

Objectives: Autism rates in the United States are increasing at a rate of 15% per year. Autistic children are diagnosed by age 3 when they have problems communicating and interacting socially. This study uses nutritional epidemiology and an ecologic study design to link the possible cause of autism to nutrition by creating autism rates for the 50 states of America and comparing them with published measures of infant nutrition such as duration of exclusive breast-feeding and participation in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The percentage of infants with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) inoculations was also compared with the autism rates.Study Design: Autism rates for each state were established. The percentage of infants who participate in the WIC program for low-income families was calculated for each of the 50 states as well as 21 New Jersey and 30 Oregon counties and compared with their autism rates. An ecologic study design with correlation coefficients is limited, but it is useful for generating hypotheses to be tested.Results: The states with the highest WIC participation have significantly lower autism rates (p < 0.02). A similar pattern was observed in 21 New Jersey counties (p < 0.02) and 30 Oregon counties (p < 0.05). In contrast, there was a direct correlation with the increasing percentage of women exclusively breast-feeding from 2000–2004 (p < 0.001). Infants who were solely breast-fed had diets that contained less thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin D than the minimal daily requirements (MDR). There was no correlation of MMR inoculations with the autism rate.Conclusion: The mothers who are exclusively breast-feeding should also continue their prenatal vitamins or their equivalent and make better dietary choices. These results suggest that autism may be nutritionally related to a possible deficiency of riboflavin or the cognitive vitamins such as thiamine or vitamin D. However, due to an ecologic study design there is a potential for fallacy because individuals were not examined. The results suggest the need for a robust observational study in advance of, and to confirm the need for, an intervention study.

Needs Assessment for Development of a Parent Training Program for Low Income Families: Focus Group Interviews of the Dream Start staffs

Needs Assessment for Development of a Parent Training Program for Low Income Families: Focus Group Interviews of the Dream Start staffs

A Phenomenological Study on Subjective Meaning of a Participant in Assets-building Program for Low-income Families

A Phenomenological Study on Subjective Meaning of a Participant in Assets-building Program for Low-income Families

Enrollment Decisions in a Child Development Accounts Program for Low-Income Families

This exploratory study analyzed factors that influenced parental decision to enroll in a child development accounts program for their pre-school children’s college education. Data used is from a savings demonstration program in a Midwestern U.S. state. Of the individual, household and service-level variables, only the level of parent’s education and the program orientation about the accounts offered to parents were significantly associated with enrollment decision. Analyzed variables explained 79.0% of the decision to enroll. Results provide limited support for an institutional mechanism to help low-income families participate in child development savings accounts program. Implications are directed towards program and policy implementation of similar programs.

Development and Effectiveness Evaluation of a Parent Training Program for Low Income Families

Development and Effectiveness Evaluation of a Parent Training Program for Low Income Families

Evaluation of an Holistic Case Mangement Intervention Program for Low-income Families of K-6 Grade Children: The Butler County Success Program (BCSP)

Evaluation of an Holistic Case Mangement Intervention Program for Low-income Families of K-6 Grade Children: The Butler County Success Program (BCSP)

A Study of the Institutional Design of Asset-Building Support Program for Low Income Families

A Study of the Institutional Design of Asset-Building Support Program for Low Income Families

The Personal Responsibility Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996: Long-Term Implications for Poor Americans

This paper examines the impact of the Personal Responsibility Work Opportunity and Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 on the social and economic predicament of poor Americans. This paper evaluates the correlation which may exist between the PRWORA of 1996 and changes observed among key social and economic indicators specific to low-income Americans. The main objective of this is review is to determine if the PRWORA effectively improved the social and economic condition of poor Americans using income, employment and poverty rates as the primary evaluation criteria. This paper also examines the possible adverse impact of changes in the way programs for low-income families with dependent children are funded. Particularly the impact of a decreased emphasis on education attainment and job training.

Estimating the Benefits of the Korean Public Housing Program for Low-Income Families Under Non-Homothetic Preference

Estimating the Benefits of the Korean Public Housing Program for Low-Income Families Under Non-Homothetic Preference

Applicants' Understanding of Wisconsin's TANF Program and Its Relationship to Other Programs for Low Income Families

This paper uses data from the Milwaukee TANF Applicant Study to examine what a sample of 1,075 TANF applicants from Milwaukee County knew about Wisconsin's TANF program and its relationship to other programs for low-income families. The data suggest that there were significant gaps in knowledge about the program both at the time of application and approximately 18 months later. Although there was a positive relationship between knowledge about the program and participation, even those who participated in the program were frequently confused. This confusion could also account for some of the discrepancies we found when we compared applicant self-reports to State administrative data.

Lead exposure and attention regulation in children living in poverty

This study examined the relationship between lead exposure and attention regulation in children from low-income families. Children with lead exposure were expected to have lower attention regulation abilities than children who were not exposed. The 57 participants (39% male, 61% female) were children aged 4 and 5 years (mean age 4y 7mo [SD 5mo]); 24 children were lead-exposed (10-29microg/dl) and 33 were non-exposed comparisons (1-6microg/dl). Both groups qualified to be enrolled in programs for low-income families. A puzzle-matching task was completed in parent-child and child-alone conditions. Attention allocation and puzzle-matching performance were assessed in the two conditions. Children who were lead-exposed demonstrated less self-regulated attention than comparisons and had poorer puzzle performance in the child-alone condition. Attention patterns did not differ in the parent-child condition. This study extends previous knowledge concerning effects of lead exposure on preschool children from disadvantaged environments and suggests that lead exposure affects specific attention regulation abilities.

The Power of Older Women and Men in Egyptian and Tunisian Families

Phenomenological analysis was used to understand how rural low-income families accessed and used child-care resources to meet the needs of their families using data from Wave 1 of the Rural Families Speak Project. In the aftermath of welfare reform, results highlight the continuing need for policy aimed at building stronger supports for families with inadequate access to child care. Key Words: child care, low-income, phenomenology, policy, rural families, welfare reform. (Family Relations, 2004, 53, 201-209) The passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996, commonly known as welfare reform, changed how the government supports low-income families. This legislation changed 61 years of guaranteed benefits to eligible mothers and children, along with many services and programs for low-income families. The safety nets that once existed for these families have been removed and replaced with work-focused programs. In the aftermath of welfare reform, low-income families, perhaps more than ever before, must rely upon many sources within their environments in order to access the resources they need. With the implementation of welfare reform came many policy changes for those families receiving cash assistance and for families relying on other programs and services that changed, such as the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for children, Food Stamps, child support enforcement, childcare systems, and child nutrition programs. Recent studies have analyzed the impacts of welfare reform by looking at program outcomes using quantitative analysis, econometric methods, and secondary analyses of administrative data to investigate caseload decline, employment status, employment and earnings, welfare spells (Bell, 2001; Loprest, 1999; Weber, Duncan, & Whitener, 2001), and economic well-being (Porterfield, 2001; Weber et al). Although these macro-level studies give insight to general patterns and trends, the family perspective is missing-that is, the voices of families affected by policies often are muted in statistical reports. Instead of allowing families to talk about the triumphs and tribulations of their lives within a changing policy environment, previous studies have offered a generalized picture of their experiences. We argue that to understand the everyday unique experiences of families, policy researchers must begin with the family's perspective. As a decade review of literature on family policy research highlighted, the family's perspective has been virtually ignored (Bogenschneider, 2000). Moreover, few studies have taken the needed qualitative approach to understand the experiences from the perspectives of low-income families, with a few exceptions. Stack (1970) began from the family perspective by describing the survival strategies of a Black community through an ethnographic lens. Edin and Lein (1997) investigated the lived experiences of 379 urban low-income single mothers in four urban cities across the United States to understand how they pieced together the resources needed to meet the needs of their families. Newman (1999) offered an ethnographic view of inner-city poverty by letting families talk about their struggles to survive within their communities. Seccombe (1999) interviewed 47 women from small- and medium-sized communities in Florida to see their perspectives on welfare reform. Monroe and Tiller (2001) described the work of welfare-reliant women and their experiences with participants in the labor force, the rural job market, their use of support networks, and the stigma of welfare. Although these studies provide insight into the everyday experiences of low-income families, missing are those from rural low-income families. Previous studies have focused on urban low-income families or combined all families together, so the impact of one's location as low income was ignored. Rural low-income families face unique challenges due to the variability in availability and affordability of resources to help them get what they need (Lewis, 2000). …