Exploring how food insecurity affects heart health in immigrant populations
Official title: A biobehavioral Approach to Explore the Migration-food Insecurity Nexus as a Social Determinant of Cardiovascular Health
Funded at Rice University · NIH-11175775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how not having enough food affects heart health in Latino immigrants, especially considering the stress they face from moving and settling in a new place, and it aims to find ways to improve their health by understanding these challenges better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $748,647 |
| NIH project number | 1R56HL174589-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11175775 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Latino immigrants who have experienced food insecurity and are at risk for cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Latino immigrants or those who do not experience food insecurity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of food insecurity on cardiovascular health among Latino immigrants, focusing on how stress from migration and lack of access to food can lead to health disparities. The study will collect data over time from 450 participants, examining both psychological well-being and biological markers of health. By understanding the connections between food insecurity, trauma, and heart disease, the research aims to identify cultural factors that could help mitigate these health risks. Participants will be recruited from immigrant camps and shelters near the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as from established Latino communities in the U.S.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for immigrant populations by addressing the root causes of food insecurity and its effects on heart health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing social determinants like food insecurity can significantly improve health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcini, Luz Maria — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Garcini, Luz Maria
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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.