Theses and dissertations

This collection includes both ASU Theses and Dissertations, submitted by graduate students, and the Barrett, Honors College theses submitted by undergraduate students. 

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Dual Participation in SNAP and WIC: Household Characteristics and Barriers and Facilitators to Participation

Description

In 2020, approximately 55% of households facing food insecurity participated in one or more of the three largest federal nutrition assistance programs. Food insecurity rates have been relatively unchanged since 2019 but federal nutrition assistance programs have continued to see a decline in participation. Many families meet the income guidelines…

In 2020, approximately 55% of households facing food insecurity participated in one or more of the three largest federal nutrition assistance programs. Food insecurity rates have been relatively unchanged since 2019 but federal nutrition assistance programs have continued to see a decline in participation. Many families meet the income guidelines to participate in both the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programs, yet almost half of those participants are not utilizing WIC. The WIC program is an essential safety net for low-income families to combat food insecurity and improve diet quality. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in household characteristics among families participating in SNAP only and households participating in both SNAP and WIC. Additionally, we examined potential barriers and facilitators to participating in WIC among WIC-eligible SNAP participants. Hispanics made up 40% of SNAP Only households and about 65% of SNAP and WIC. Households with a larger number of beneficiaries and those with an infant in the household were more likely to participate in both SNAP and WIC. The main barriers identified by respondents previously enrolled in WIC were a lack of knowledge regarding WIC eligibility and issues with appointments. The two most common misconceptions regarding WIC eligibility were being unaware that simultaneous enrollment in both programs was allowable, and being unaware that household members were still eligible for WIC services. For the facilitators toward WIC enrollment, more than half of respondents knew to enroll in WIC when they needed nutrition or breastfeeding assistance. Results from this study suggest the need for targeted outreach campaigns that highlight the possibility and benefits of dual participation in SNAP and WIC. Understanding how SNAP can increase enrollment in WIC demonstrates to policymakers the benefits of streamlining the certification process.
ContributorsWaxman, Cayla (Author) / Ohri-Vachaspati, Punam (Thesis advisor) / Wadhera, Devina (Committee member) / Whisner, Corrie (Committee member) / Melnick, Emily (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2023
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The Impact of SNAP Participation on Pregnancy Weight Related Outcomes and Program Participation of Pregnant WIC Participants in Arizona; a Cross Sectional Study

Description
Purpose: Although numerous studies exist regarding the health impact of the Special, Supplemental Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on their participants’, limited studies have examined how participation in one federal nutrition assistance program, may impact participation or perceived benefit of the…

Purpose: Although numerous studies exist regarding the health impact of the Special, Supplemental Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on their participants’, limited studies have examined how participation in one federal nutrition assistance program, may impact participation or perceived benefit of the other. This study aimed to examine how SNAP participation may impact weight-related pregnancy outcomes and participation of pregnant WIC participants. Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional, secondary data analysis of data available from the Arizona Department of Health Services. A total of 35,659 pregnant woman participated in the Arizona WIC program during 2018 and were included in the study. Pregnant participants were assigned to Group WIC or Group WIC+SNAP respectively. Data was aggregated to the clinic level and clinics with less than 10 pregnant participants were combined for a total of 101 clinics included in the analysis. Weight-related pregnancy outcomes measures included average pre-pregnancy weight, average gestational weight gain, BMI class, and delivery weight. Participation indicator outcomes included average number of visits during pregnancy, timing of first prenatal and postnatal WIC appointment, and entry into WIC within the first trimester. Race, ethnicity, language, and education were also analyzed. Results: This study found average pre-pregnancy weight was statistically significant for women in group SNAP+WIC weighing 2.8 kg more than women in group WIC(p<0.001). Group WIC had a lower delivery weight average (p<0.001) and a higher amount of women beginning pregnancy with a normal BMI (p=0.004). Group WIC participants were statistically more likely to not enroll in WIC during the first trimester compared with Group WIC+SNAP (p=0.049). Group WIC was more likely to enroll in the 8th (p=0.045) and 9th month (p=0.009) of pregnancy and attend their first postpartum visit 6 months after delivery (p=0.007) as compared to Group WIC+SNAP. Conclusions: This study found that pregnant WIC participants, not enrolled in SNAP have a lower pre-pregnancy weight and are more likely not to enroll within the first trimester. Future research should focus on individualized characteristics of WIC participants to further improve prenatal and postnatal support.
ContributorsStolworthy, Alexandra (Author) / Bruening, Meg (Thesis advisor) / Wadhera, Devina (Committee member) / Whisner, Corrie (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022