Effects of structural racism on pregnancy health outcomes for women of color
Official title: Impacts of structural racism on racial and ethnic disparities in perinatal health
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11083034 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how racism affects the health of pregnant women of color, especially Black and Hispanic women, who often face more challenges during pregnancy compared to white women, and it aims to find ways to help improve their health and the health of their babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $499,993 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD111500-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083034 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women of color, particularly those from communities affected by structural racism and environmental stressors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not identify as women of color may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how structural racism contributes to racial and ethnic disparities in perinatal health, particularly among women of color. It examines the higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and maternal morbidities, in Black and Hispanic women compared to non-Hispanic white women. The study aims to understand the complex interplay of factors, including environmental exposures and social stressors, that affect these health outcomes. By analyzing these influences, the research seeks to identify potential interventions to improve maternal and infant health in affected communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for pregnant women of color and their infants by addressing the root causes of health disparities.
How similar studies have gone: There is growing evidence suggesting that structural racism impacts health outcomes, but this specific approach to understanding its effects on perinatal health is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitworth, Kristina Walker — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Whitworth, Kristina Walker
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.