Iron deficiency and maternal feeding practices among high-risk urban children

This study evaluated the nutritional knowledge and feeding practices (via a verbal questionnaires) of the clients of one semiurban women, infants, and children (WIC) center, which serves exclusively younger women (aged 12-21) and their children, and compared these variables to the hemoglobin levels of their infants and children. No significant benefit from documented WIC education regarding iron was detectable. African American identification was associated with childhood anemia (p = 0.05); the presence of concurrent medical problems approached significance (p = 0.06). Other previously reported risk associations were not found to be significant. Children with low iron ate more meals outside the home per week (2.9 vs. 1.9, p = 0.10). Despite the proven value of the WIC program in reducing childhood iron deficiency, it appears that members of certain very high-risk populations may not experience the full benefit of this nutritional program and may require additional, targeted interventions.