Impact of COVID-19 on maternal opioid use policies
Official title: COVID-19, health systems and vulnerable populations: Policies affecting maternal opioid use during pregnancy
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10923867 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the rules and support for pregnant women using opioids, especially those who are most at risk, to help improve care for moms and their babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $399,998 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HS028651-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923867 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women who are using opioids or are at risk of opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have any history of opioid use may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected policies related to opioid use during pregnancy, particularly for vulnerable populations. It examines the increase in maternal opioid-related diagnoses and the associated risks for both mothers and infants. The study analyzes various state responses to opioid use in pregnant women, including treatment access and legal implications, and how these policies may evolve during the pandemic. By understanding these dynamics, the research aims to inform better health system responses and improve care for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved policies and treatment options for pregnant women struggling with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that policy changes can significantly impact treatment access and outcomes for opioid use disorder, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leslie, Douglas L. — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Leslie, Douglas L.
Related research
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This project looks at signs in spinal fluid and blood to better understand mental health and thinking problems after COVID‑19 in pregnant and recently postpartum women.
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How COVID infection or vaccination during pregnancy shapes newborn immunity
This project looks at how getting COVID or a COVID vaccine while pregnant changes a mother's antibodies and a newborn's immune cells.
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.