ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis University has been awarded a $538,431 grant from Missouri Foundation for Health to research ways to improve maternal and infant health in the state of Missouri with improved access to clean diapers. The three-year grant will study ways to improve access to diaper supplies for families in need across the state.

The research project is led by Hisako Matsuo, Ph.D., professor of sociology and anthropology at Saint Louis University, and Jessica Barreca, Ph.D., program manager for community partnerships in interprofessional education (IPE) and adjunct faculty instructor in physical therapy at SLU.

SLU’s research team will partner with the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank (STLADB) and its partner banks around the state, as well as Kids Win Missouri (KWM), a statewide policy and advocacy organization that works through collaboration, coalition building, and community and policymaker engagement to advance policies and systems changes that support the health, education, and well-being of children and families.

One in two families in the United States experiences diaper needs, according to the National Diaper Bank Network. The need is defined as the ability to have an adequate number of diapers to keep the infant or toddler clean, dry, and healthy. Diapers are considered an essential hygiene item for young children and can cost families upwards of $1,000 a year.

“Babies can use an average of 10 diapers a day,” said Matsuo, the principal investigator on the project. “When families experience diaper shortages, it can lead to increased levels of stress for caregivers.”

In Missouri, 20% of children live in families earning below the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) and major federal assistance program funds cannot be used to purchase diapers. Families without adequate diaper supplies have limited options for childcare as many daycares require the family to provide diapers for their child. Without a supply of diapers, children can’t be enrolled in daycare, which can limit a parent’s ability to work.

“Families need to have a consistent, sufficient set of diapers to keep their baby dry,” said Barreca, who manages SLU’s partnerships with more than 25 local non-profits in the St. Louis region and serves as a STLADB board member. “Having enough diapers allows babies to be healthy and happy.”

The project will focus on improving infants’ and guardians’ well-being by reducing diaper needs for those currently utilizing diaper banks in the state, as well as educating relevant state stakeholders and policymakers regarding diaper needs to improve access to diapers for families in need. Policy solutions could include best practices already in place in other states, including a diaper sales tax exemption or reduction, provision to fund local diaper banks, direct assistance in the form of vouchers or diapers, and/or Medicaid reimbursement.

Nearly 50% of U.S. states exempt diapers from sales tax. Currently, Missouri has a 4.225% sales tax on feminine products and diapers.

“Removing barriers like a luxury tax on necessary items like diapers could make things a little easier for families,” Matsuo said. “We are conducting evidence-based research with the goal of changing the system.”

The project is scheduled to begin data collection in May. 

Missouri Foundation for Health

Missouri Foundation for Health is building a more equitable future through collaboration, convening, knowledge sharing, and strategic investment. Working in partnership with communities and nonprofits, MFH is transforming systems to eliminate inequities within all aspects of health and addressing the social and economic factors that shape health outcomes.

Saint Louis University

Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic institutions. Rooted in Jesuit values and its pioneering history as the first university west of the Mississippi River, SLU offers more than 15,200 students a rigorous, transformative education of the whole person. At the core of the University’s diverse community of scholars is SLU’s service-focused mission, which challenges and prepares students to make the world a better, more just place.