How social factors and vaginal bacteria affect preterm birth in Hawaii
Social Determinants and Vaginal Microbiome Effects on Preterm Birth in Hawaii
This study is looking at how social factors, like income and healthcare access, might affect the bacteria in the vagina and how this could relate to preterm birth in Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, with the hope of creating a test to help predict and improve health outcomes for moms and babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10890826 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between social determinants and the vaginal microbiome in relation to preterm birth rates among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. It focuses on identifying specific bacterial profiles in the vaginal microbiome that may indicate a higher risk for preterm birth. By analyzing these microbial communities and their interactions with social factors like income and healthcare access, the study aims to develop a predictive test for preterm birth. The ultimate goal is to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes in these communities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women from Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander backgrounds who are at risk for preterm birth.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those from populations not represented in the study may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a reliable test that helps predict and potentially prevent preterm births in at-risk populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that vaginal microbiome profiles can significantly influence preterm birth outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Honolulu, United States
- University of Hawaii at Manoa — Honolulu, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Corrie — University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Study coordinator: Miller, Corrie
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.