Exploring how neighborhood disadvantage affects preterm birth in Black women
Official title: An Integrated Omics Approach to Neighborhood Disadvantage and Preterm Birth in Black Women
Funded at Loyola University Chicago · NIH-11099797 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how living in tough neighborhoods might affect the chances of non-Hispanic Black women having babies born too early, and it wants to understand how stress from these environments could impact their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maywood, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $157,680 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MD019315-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099797 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are non-Hispanic Black pregnant women who reside in neighborhoods characterized by socioeconomic disadvantage and higher levels of stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not non-Hispanic Black women or those who do not live in disadvantaged neighborhoods may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between living in disadvantaged neighborhoods and the risk of preterm birth among non-Hispanic Black women. It examines how psychological stress from these environments may influence biological responses, particularly through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and inflammation. By analyzing genetic and epigenetic factors, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the higher rates of preterm birth in this population. Participants may provide biological samples and health information to help identify these pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that reduce the risk of preterm birth in Black women living in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between neighborhood disadvantage and health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into preterm birth risk.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University Chicago
Maywood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nowak, Alexandra — Loyola University Chicago
- Study coordinator: Nowak, Alexandra
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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.