How natural disasters affect children's health

The Impact of Natural Disasters on Child Health

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-11063271

This study looks at how natural disasters like floods and hurricanes affect children's health in poorer countries, focusing on both injuries and problems like not having enough food or clean water, to help improve how we respond to these disasters and keep kids safe.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11063271 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the health impacts of natural disasters, such as floods and hurricanes, on children living in low and middle-income countries. It focuses on both direct effects, like injuries, and indirect effects, such as food and water insecurity, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. The study aims to improve the measurement of child mortality related to these disasters by cataloging storm data and linking it to child health records across over 50 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. By understanding these impacts, the research seeks to inform better strategies for disaster response and recovery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-11 years living in low and middle-income countries who are exposed to natural disasters.

Not a fit: Patients who are not children or those living in high-income countries may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for children affected by natural disasters through better preparedness and response strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated significant indirect health impacts from disasters, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into child health outcomes.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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 2026-06-13 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.