IRON-DEFICIENCY AND MATERNAL FEEDING PRACTICES AMONG HIGH-RISK URBAN CHILDREN

This study evaluated the nutritional knowledge and feeding practices ( via a verbal questionnaire) of the clients of one semiurban women, inf ants, and children (WIC) center, which serves exclusively younger wome n (aged 12-21) and their children, and compared these variables to the hemoglobin levels of their infants and children. No significant benef it from documented WIC education regarding iron was detectable. Africa n American identification was associated with childhood anemia (p = 0. 05); the presence of concurrent medical problems approached significan ce (p = 0.06). Other previously reported risk associations were not fo und to be significant. Children with low iron ate more meals outside t he 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, t argeted interventions.