Investigating health disparities in sexual minorities related to stress and chronic illness.
Official title: The National Couples Health and Time Use Stress Biology Study (NCHAT-BIO): Biobehavioral Pathways to Population Health Disparities in Sexual Minorities
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10878896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how ongoing stress from being treated unfairly affects the health of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, by checking for signs of inflammation in their bodies that could lead to health problems like obesity and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $159,430 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MD018158-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include sexual minorities aged 18-60, particularly those from Black, Latinx, and Asian backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as sexual minorities or are outside the age range of 18-60 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines how chronic stress, particularly from stigmatization, affects the health of sexual minorities, including those from racial and ethnic backgrounds. It utilizes data from the National Couples’ Health and Time Study, which includes a diverse group of participants, to explore the biological impacts of stress on health outcomes. By analyzing biological samples for inflammation markers, the study aims to uncover the links between stress and various chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. This research is particularly focused on understanding the unique experiences of sexual minorities and how their intersecting identities influence their health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health interventions and support for sexual minorities facing chronic health issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that chronic stress significantly impacts health outcomes, suggesting that this study's approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christian, Lisa Michelle — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Christian, Lisa Michelle
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.