THE EFFECT OF WIC PARTICIPATION ON SMALL-FOR-GESTATIONAL-AGE BIRTHS -MICHIGAN, 1992

Objectives. This study examined the relationship between enrollment in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Ch ildren (WIC) and delivery of small for-gestational-age infants. Method s. WIC records were linked with birth certificates for 1992 full-term births: 41234 WIC records and 18534 non-WIC records were identified Le ngth of participation was defined by gestational age at enrolment. Log istic regression was used to examine the association between WIC parti cipation and small-for-gestational-age births. Results. Odds ratios fo r small-for-gestational-age births decreased with increasing length of enrollment in WIG. Conclusions. Enrollment in WIC is associated with a lower prevalence of small-for-gestational-age deliveries.