Improving health outcomes for Black preterm infants by addressing social factors
Official title: Identifying and addressing family-prioritized social drivers of health to improve the long-term health of Black preterm infants
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11181496 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how social issues, especially those related to racism, impact the health of Black babies born too early, and it aims to work with families to find out what support they need to help improve their babies' health in the long run.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $170,748 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MD019349-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11181496 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black families with preterm infants who are at risk for adverse health outcomes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have preterm infants or are not part of the Black community may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how social factors, particularly those influenced by structural racism, affect the health of Black preterm infants. It aims to identify the specific social drivers of health that families prioritize and to develop interventions that can effectively address these factors. By evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of these interventions, the research seeks to improve long-term health outcomes for this vulnerable population. The study will involve collaboration with families to ensure that their needs and perspectives are central to the intervention design.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health and neurodevelopmental outcomes for Black preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing social determinants of health can lead to improved health outcomes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karvonen, Kayla — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Karvonen, Kayla
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PREEMIE PROGRESS: a family program to help parents of very preterm babies
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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.