Improving maternal health for Marshallese women through group care and support

Exploring the Preliminary Efficacy of Centering Pregnancy with Care Navigation to Reduce Maternal Health Disparities among Marshallese Women

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS · NIH-10708990

This study is looking at how a special group prenatal care program can help improve the health of Marshallese women in the U.S. by providing them with support and education during pregnancy, aiming to reduce issues like preterm births and low birth weights.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LITTLE ROCK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10708990 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how a group-based prenatal care program, known as Centering Pregnancy, combined with care navigation can improve health outcomes for Marshallese women in the United States. The program aims to address high rates of preterm births and low birth weights by providing consistent and supportive care throughout pregnancy. By facilitating better access to prenatal and postpartum services, the research seeks to reduce maternal and infant health disparities. Participants will engage in group sessions that promote education, social support, and health management.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Marshallese women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and are at risk for poor maternal health outcomes.

Not a fit: Patients who are not of Marshallese descent or those who do not meet the criteria for high-risk pregnancies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to healthier pregnancies and improved birth outcomes for Marshallese women and their infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that group-based prenatal care can improve health outcomes, but this specific approach with care navigation for Pacific Islanders is novel.

Where this research is happening

LITTLE ROCK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.