Tracking the Use of Free Produce Coupons Given to Families and the Impact on Children's Consumption.

BACKGROUND: American children typically eat fewer fruits and vegetables than recommended by guidelines. This study examines whether free coupons can increase children's fruit and vegetable intake at home. METHODS: Families of the participating students received weekly coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables over a 1-month period. Pretest and posttest surveys were conducted to measure change in consumption. Each survey consisted of 3 consecutive days of self-reported dietary recall of each student's fruit and vegetable intake for dinner. RESULTS: Coupon redemption across the 4-week study was 27.3%. There was evidence of increased vegetable consumption, but not fruit consumption. CONCLUSIONS: We identified successes and challenges that can guide practitioners, policymakers, and other academic researchers in future endeavors to meet this goal.

Consequences of uninsurance in Wisconsin.

BACKGROUND: More than 9% of Wisconsin residents are without health insurance. Several states have passed legislation to increase access to health care and move toward universal coverage. Wisconsin legislators are also considering health care reform proposals that present alternatives to the current system. OBJECTIVE: To describe experiences and concerns of individuals who are uninsured as compared to individuals with health insurance. The purpose is to contribute to the current policy debate on health care reform in Wisconsin. METHODS: Participants in this qualitative study were selected from a set of individuals in west-central Wisconsin who completed a health care survey (n = 222) and gave consent to be contacted for an interview. The interviews were conducted in the spring of 2008; the sample (n = 18) includes equal numbers of individuals with and without health insurance. RESULTS: Regardless of insurance status, participants in this study reported worries about affordability, access to health care, and the influence that health insurance coverage has on their choices in life. Participants agreed that all citizens have a right to health care and favor health care reform to make that right a reality. CONCLUSION: Wisconsin residents, both insured and uninsured, experience worries and uncertainties about health care access and affordability. These qualitative findings provide evidence of public support for health care reform.

A descriptive analysis of health care coverage and concerns in West Central Wisconsin.

This study examines the level of health care coverage and health care concerns among a sample of 222 West Central Wisconsin residents. More than 68% of respondents felt that Wisconsin health care has at least major problems, and only 2.7% felt that there were no problems. Approximately 60% were extremely or very worried about not being able to afford health care services, whereas more than 70% were extremely or very worried that insurance companies care more about profits than patient care. These concerns translate into a desire for reform, with more than 90% of respondents saying it is extremely or very important for Wisconsin to make health care more affordable and accessible for all residents. Despite some differences between the insured and uninsured, the call for action to expand access and control costs was significant among both groups. These results can help guide the current policy debate on health care reform.