Why do low-income women not use food stamps? Findings from the California Women's Health Survey.

摘要: Objective To determine factors associated with Food Stamp Program (FSP) participation in a potentially eligible California population. Design The Women’s Health Survey is an on-going annual telephone survey that collects data about health-related attitudes and behaviours from randomly selected sample of women. Statistical procedures included χ 2 logistic regression. Setting California, USA, 2002 to 2004. Subjects A total 527 FSP female participants 1405 non-participant females, aged 18 years older. Results following characteristics remained independently positively related participation: single mother children; unemployed; on welfare; WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, Children); US-born. Women under 25 those over 54 were less likely participate than women 25–54 years. Hispanic/Latino ethnicity was also negatively participation. Over 42 % non-participants cited ‘don’t need them’ as the reason not applying FSP, but 34·9 either do think they are or know how apply. Potentially who cite be food insecure, have inadequate income use alternative emergency aid, compared citing all other reasons. highest level among worry citizenship stigma reasons applying. Conclusion Strategies increase should incorporate messages change public’s perception programme, addition simplifying application process, raising awareness eligibility criteria improving customer service.