How poverty and stress affect health and immune function over time
The effect of poverty, stress and immune function on health across the life-course
This study looks at how a national program to reduce poverty affects the health and immune systems of young adults aged 20-26 and older adults over 45, to see if having more money can help lower disease risk and improve thinking skills, especially by looking at how stress plays a role.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10784677 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of a national anti-poverty program on the health and immune function of adults aged 20-26 and those over 45. By analyzing data from a randomized control trial, the study aims to understand how changes in income influence disease risk and cognitive capacity. It will explore the biological, behavioral, and economic pathways that connect income poverty to health outcomes, particularly focusing on the role of stress. The research will also assess how these effects differ across various stages of life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 20-26 and those over 45 who have experienced poverty or stress.
Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by poverty or stress may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for individuals affected by poverty by informing policies that enhance immune function and reduce disease risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that cash transfer programs can positively impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Handa, Sudhanshu — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Handa, Sudhanshu
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 below.