Improving maternal health outcomes for Black women after COVID-19
Official title: Reducing Racial Disparities in SMM post COVID19: Assessing the integration of maternal safety bundles and community based doulas to improve outcomes for Black women
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-10898618 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how combining special safety practices for moms with the support of community doulas can improve care for Black women during pregnancy and after childbirth, aiming to make their experiences better and reduce health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $574,669 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD016026-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898618 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black women who are pregnant or recently postpartum and are seeking support during their maternal care journey.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Black or do not fall within the maternal care spectrum may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how integrating maternal safety bundles with community-based doulas can enhance care for Black women, who face significant disparities in maternal health outcomes. The project aims to track severe maternal mortality patterns and implement interventions that involve mothers of color in the planning and execution of care strategies. By utilizing various data sources, including state-level discharge data and maternal mortality reviews, the research seeks to assess the effectiveness of these integrated care models in reducing health inequities. Patients can expect a focus on improving their prenatal, birth, and postpartum experiences through community support.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved maternal health outcomes and reduced mortality rates for Black women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that community-based support models can effectively improve health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this integrated approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amutah-Onukagha, Ndidiamaka — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Amutah-Onukagha, Ndidiamaka
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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.