Application Status Among Women Enrolled in a Healthy Start Program in Arkansas for the Special Nutrition Program for Women and Children

This study aimed to examine the demographic characteristics of pregnant women in a Healthy Start program who are presumed eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), but who have not yet applied for WIC benefits. We used a cross sectional evaluation of data collected from pregnant women (n=203) participating in a Healthy Start program. Data came from surveys administered at enrollment in the Healthy Start program from July 15th, 2019 until January 14th, 2022. The primary outcome was WIC application status, which was determined by whether the woman had applied or was receiving benefits at the time of enrollment. Covariates included race/ethnicity, marital status, insurance, education, income, age, employment, and having previous children/pregnancies. Fisher exact tests and logistic regression were used to examine associations. Approximately 65% of women had not yet applied for WIC benefits. Marshallese women (80.9%) and other NHPI women (80.0%) had the highest need for assistance. In adjusted analyses, White women (p = 0.040) and Hispanic women (p = 0.005) had lower rates of needing assistance applying for WIC than Marshallese women. There were higher rates of needing assistance in applying for women with private insurance or with no insurance and for those with higher incomes. Nearly two out of every three pregnant women who were eligible for WIC had not yet applied for benefits. The findings highlight the need for outreach for all populations that may be eligible, particularly among racial/ethnic minorities and those with higher incomes.