Exploring how structural racism affects birth outcomes in different racial groups
Official title: Measuring multidimensional structural racism as a driver of racial inequities in birth outcomes
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10809951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of structural racism might affect the health of babies, like causing preterm births or low birth weights, especially for Black and white pregnant people, to help understand and improve maternal and infant health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $155,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD111802-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10809951 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals who are US-born Black, foreign-born Black, or white.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not fall into these racial categories or who are not currently pregnant may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connections between various forms of structural racism and adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight, particularly among Black and white pregnant individuals. The study employs a novel measurement tool called the Multidimensional Measure of Structural Racism (MMSR), which assesses multiple aspects of structural racism simultaneously. By analyzing data from community surveys and justice databases, the research aims to uncover how these interconnected factors impact the health of infants. The findings could provide valuable insights into the systemic issues affecting maternal and infant health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health policies and interventions that address racial inequities in birth outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing structural racism can lead to significant improvements in health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chantarat, Tongtan — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Chantarat, Tongtan
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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.