Exploring how food insecurity affects breastfeeding behaviors across generations.
Official title: Cross-generational effect of food insecurity: Understanding the relationship between food insecurity and breastfeeding behaviors.
Funded at University of North Carolina Greensboro · NIH-10439150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how not having enough food affects breastfeeding among low-income moms, especially those who are African American and Hispanic, to understand the challenges they face in breastfeeding when food is hard to come by.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Carolina Greensboro NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greensboro, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2019 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $436,500 |
| NIH project number | 2R15HD095261-02A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10439150 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are low-income mothers, particularly those who are African American or Hispanic, who are experiencing food insecurity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are food secure or those who do not have an interest in breastfeeding may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of food insecurity on breastfeeding practices, particularly among low-income mothers. It aims to understand how inconsistent access to food can increase stress levels and disrupt breastfeeding frequency. By examining the experiences of mainly African American and Hispanic mothers, the study seeks to identify the barriers that prevent exclusive breastfeeding in food-insecure households. The research employs Social Cognitive Theory to analyze the relationship between food supply and breastfeeding behaviors over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved breastfeeding support programs for low-income families, enhancing infant health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing food insecurity can positively influence breastfeeding rates, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Carolina Greensboro
Greensboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dharod, Jigna Morarji — University of North Carolina Greensboro
- Study coordinator: Dharod, Jigna Morarji
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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.