How childhood environments influence adult health and lifespan

The effect of childhood environments on adult health and mortality

NIH-funded research Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10944686

This study looks at how the quality of schools and exposure to illnesses during childhood can affect health and longevity in adults, aiming to help improve childhood environments for everyone, especially for both Black and White individuals.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-10944686 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the quality of childhood environments, specifically school quality and infectious disease exposure, affects health outcomes and mortality in adulthood. By constructing a detailed dataset that links individual childhood experiences to later life health, the study aims to uncover which specific early life conditions are most impactful. The research will focus on a diverse population, including both Black and White individuals, to ensure comprehensive insights. The goal is to provide evidence that could inform policy changes to improve childhood environments and health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experienced varying childhood environments, particularly those from Black and White populations in the U.S.

Not a fit: Patients who had stable and high-quality childhood environments may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved policies that enhance childhood environments, ultimately resulting in better health and longevity for future generations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown associations between childhood conditions and adult health, but this study aims to provide novel causal evidence, making it a significant advancement in the field.

Where this research is happening

College Park, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.