The impact on clients of a community-based infant mortality reduction program: the National Healthy Start Program Survey of Postpartum Women.

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of the national Healthy Start Program on its clients. We used a cross-sectional survey of a sample from Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) rosters of women less than 6 months postpartum who were residents of Healthy Start Program areas. Healthy Start clients revealed higher sociodemographic risk, but not behavioral risk, for adverse pregnancy outcome than other area residents. They did not differ from other residents in receipt of services except for a greater likelihood of receiving case management, using birth control at the time of the interview, and rating their prenatal care more highly. The Healthy Start Program succeeded in enrolling women at high risk. It had little effect on the immediately concluded pregnancy, but it might influence future outcomes.