Diet and Health

"Prototype Notebook: Short Questions on Dietary Intake, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors." Heather Hartline-Grafton, Rebecca Nyman, Ronette Briefel, and Rhoda Cohen, April 2004. This compendium includes 128 survey questions used in previous research to assess dietary knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors for low-income populations over the age of 18. Questions on nine topics--including fruits and vegetables; grains, legumes, and fiber; variety; fat; calcium food sources; nonalcoholic beverages; knowledge, attitudes; and behaviors--are drawn from a literature review. Each question is presented using a common template that includes citations, data sources, and characteristics, such as question reliability, validity, sensitivity to change, availability in other languages, mode of administration, use in populations with low-income and/or low-education levels, relation to nutrition and health outcomes, and availability of comparative data.

Medicare's Future

"Monitoring Medicare+Choice: What Have We Learned? Findings and Operational Lessons for Medicare Advantage." Marsha Gold, Lori Achman, Jessica Mittler, and Beth Stevens, August 2004. The role of private health plans in Medicare expanded substantially in 2004 under the Medicare Modernization Act. The act builds on plan experience under Medicare+Choice, created in 1997 to offer more managed care choices for beneficiaries and recently renamed Medicare Advantage. Although sponsors originally hoped Medicare+Choice would lead to a greater role for private plans in Medicare, this report notes that the program is widely viewed as a failure, with plans leaving and beneficiaries having fewer, less attractive choices when the program ended in 2003 than they did when it began. As private plans continue to be a focal point for changing Medicare in the future, the researchers note that policymakers need a better understanding of the dynamics of the system to facilitate a successful transition in this latest effort.

Work First New Jersey

“WFNJ Clients and Welfare Reform: A Final Look at an Early Group.” Robert G. Wood, Anu Rangarajan, and Anne Gordon, September 2004. In 1997, New Jersey implemented its welfare initiative, Work First New Jersey, which included five-year time limits on cash assistance, immediate work requirements for most clients, and expanded support services. This fifth, and final, report from our multiyear study tracking an early group of Work First clients focuses on their economic progress, housing situations, and noncustodial fathers’ involvement with their children. Clients have experienced substantial economic gains, although progress has not always been steady; housing stability has improved as incomes have risen with about a third receiving housing subsidies, mainly through rent vouchers; and most of these clients’ children have little contact with their noncustodial fathers and typically receive little or no financial support from them.

Upcoming Presentations

The 2004 research conference of the Association for Public Policy and Management will take place in Atlanta from October 28 to 30. The theme of the conference, "Creating and Using Evidence in Public Policy Analysis and Management," will help disseminate new accomplishments, foster integration, and share ideas across disciplines and areas. Check out the large contingent of Mathematica staff who will be presenting.