COVID-19, Mental Health, and Tribal College Students
Official title: COVID19 and Mental Health Wellbeing in Tribal College & University Communities
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11218543 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how the pandemic affected mental health and wellbeing among AIAN students at Tribal Colleges and Universities and to learn culturally relevant ways to support them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $426,919 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH135850-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11218543 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
TCU students who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native and are affected by COVID-19 related mental health challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Students not experiencing mental health challenges or not enrolled in TCUs may derive less direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project partners with AIHEC and 15 years of collaboration to explore COVID-19 related mental health experiences of TCU students. It focuses on culturally informed coping, resilience, and wellbeing strategies to better support students’ emotional, social, and cultural health. The team will gather insights from students and communities to shape interventions that align with AIAN values and practices. The study is designed to inform programs that universities can implement to help students cope with long COVID and related stressors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to tailored mental health supports and programs for AIAN students at TCUs, improving wellbeing and academic success.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows higher depression and anxiety during COVID-19 among young adults; this study extends knowledge to AIAN TCU students with culturally grounded approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Magarati, Ratna Maya — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Magarati, Ratna Maya
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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.