582 - Knowledge, attitudes, and referring practices to WIC in Washington, D.C.

Poster Number: 582
Publication Number: 582.241

Karen Ganacias, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, United States; Hannah Arem, Medstar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States; Sara Beckwith, DC Department of Health, Washington, DC, United States; Amanda G. Kuhn, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States; Janine A. Rethy, Georgetown University School of Medicine, 4200 Wisconsin Avenue, DC, United States

Background: Participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infant and Children (WIC) improves the nutrition and health of low-income women, infant and children.1  More than half of US infants and children ages 0-5 years are eligible for WIC participation, yet enrollment amongst eligible families varies widely across the United States.1  The District of Columbia ranks amongst the 5 lowest states for WIC enrollment, at 44.6% of eligible compared to national coverage at 56.9% of eligible.2   Pediatricians have an important role in educating and referring families to WIC, and there is a gap in the recent literature in understanding pediatrician’s knowledge, attitudes and referral patterns.3 

Objective: Identify gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and confidence around WIC amongst pediatric providers in the District to inform public health interventions for clinical-community linkages.  

Design/Methods: Cross-sectional web-based anonymous survey created in collaboration with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, DC Department of Health, DC WIC Program, and the DC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (DC AAP). The link was emailed out on local pediatric listservs and posted on DC AAP social media.

Results: There were 41 responses. While most had favorable attitudes toward WIC (81%), there is an overwhelming perception that WIC provides free formula (95%). Far fewer knew that WIC provided breastfeeding support (68%) and food for mothers (61%), infants and children (73%). 68% reported feeling at least somewhat confident in educating patients about WIC. Only 24% reported that they had the materials they needed to do so. Providers with less than 50% WIC eligible families or who were not sure of WIC eligibility had significantly less favorable attitudes, confidence and likelihood to educate on WIC. Of the 90% that refer to WIC, 47% do not complete a warm referral and advise the patients to apply on their own. 63% of providers expressed interest in an online portal for referrals and communication with WIC.Conclusion(s): WIC provides a vital service to improve the health and well-being of young children. Pediatricians play a critical link in referring children ages 0-5 years to WIC. This study reveals gaps in knowledge, attitudes, confidence and opportunities for multi-sector collaboration to improve this clinical-community linkage.
CV Karen GanaciasKaren_Ganacias_CV (1).pdf
Table 2Attitudes, Knowledge, Confidence to Educate and Referral Patterns for Pediatric Providers