Document Type

Presentation

Date of Original Version

3-29-2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has been linked to positive health outcomes. However, caregiver perspectives on WIC in Rhode Island remain unexplored. This study examines factors influencing caregiver satisfaction with WIC. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 163 caregivers receiving WIC services (online or in-person) in Rhode Island was conducted using a selfadministered questionnaire. Data included sociodemographics, WIC experiences, service awareness, 20 and satisfaction ratings (customer service, appointment duration, overall satisfaction) on a 3- item Likert scale. Ordered logistic regression identified predictors of satisfaction. Results: The mean caregiver age was 30 years; 52.8% had a high school education, half were non-Hispanic, and 52.8% were unemployed. Eight percent reported difficulties, primarily difficulty finding WIC foods, and 14.7% suggested improving product identification in stores. Caregivers with less than a high school education (OR= 0.14, 95% CI= 0.02, 0.79) or some college (OR= 0.16, 95% CI= 0.03, 0.92) had lower satisfaction than college graduates. Spanish-speaking caregivers were 97% less likely to be satisfied than English-speaking caregivers (OR= 0.03, 95% CI= 0.01, 0.09). Current WIC participants were 13.5 times more likely to be satisfied than those who dropped out (OR= 13.57, 95% CI= 1.74, 25.80). Receiving WIC referrals increased satisfaction 4.6 times (OR= 4.63, 95% CI= 1.28, 16.71). Conclusion: Education, language preference, enrollment status, and referrals influence caregiver satisfaction. These factors should guide interventions to improve WIC participation and retention.

Contributors: Ophelia X. Mensah, Fred B. Addo, Emilie Signore, Kathryn Roy, Ann Barone, Nick N. Hamdi, Sarah Amin, Isaac Agbemafle

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