Improving child health and oral health through social networks
Official title: MAP for Child Health: Using Social Networks to Improve child health and oral health
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11126562 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a program called the Mothers Action Project (MAP) to help low-income immigrant families, especially South Asian moms, make healthier choices about feeding their young kids and taking care of their teeth, all while building a supportive community over a year to reduce the risk of cavities and obesity in children aged 1-5.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,252,526 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3DE030070-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126562 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are low-income immigrant families with children aged 1-5, particularly those from South Asian backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to low-income immigrant families or whose children are outside the age range of 1-5 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing early childhood caries and obesity, which are significant health disparities affecting children. It aims to develop a community-based intervention called the Mothers Action Project (MAP) that targets low-income immigrant families, particularly South Asian mothers, to modify their feeding and oral hygiene behaviors. By leveraging social networks within neighborhoods, the project seeks to create a supportive environment that encourages healthier practices among mothers and their young children. The intervention will last for 12 months and is designed to reduce the risks of dental caries and nutrition-related diseases in children aged 1-5.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved oral health and reduced obesity rates in young children from vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that community-based interventions can effectively influence health behaviors, particularly in vulnerable populations, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karasz, Alison — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Karasz, Alison
Related research
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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.