Childhood Experiences and Uterine Fibroids in Black Women
Early Life Adversities and the Risk of Uterine Fibroids
This project explores how experiences in childhood might be connected to the development of uterine fibroids in Black women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144555 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Uterine fibroids are a common health concern, especially for Black women who often experience them earlier, more severely, and with greater symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain. This research aims to understand if difficult experiences during childhood, known as adverse childhood events (ACEs), contribute to the risk of developing fibroids and their growth. We will also look at whether strong social and personal resources might help protect against this risk. To do this, we are using information from a previous study called the Study of Lifestyle & Fibroids (SELF), which collected detailed health and life experience data from young Black women over several years.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This study analyzes existing data, so it does not recruit new participants, but its findings are highly relevant to Black women, particularly those who have experienced early life adversities and are at risk for or have uterine fibroids.
Not a fit: Patients not identifying as Black women or those without uterine fibroids may not directly benefit from the specific findings of this particular analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us better understand why uterine fibroids are more common and severe in Black women, potentially leading to new strategies for prevention or earlier management.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon existing knowledge about health disparities and fibroids, focusing on the specific link between early life adversities and fibroid risk in this population, which is an important area of ongoing investigation.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vines, Anissa I — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Vines, Anissa I
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.