Investigating how early-life stress affects maternal and infant health disparities
Official title: Racialized inequities in birth outcomes and maternal health following childbirth: the role of maternal early-life disadvantage, adolescent contexts, and pre-pregnancy stress
Funded at University of Nevada Reno · NIH-10871380 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how stress that mothers faced when they were younger affects their health and the health of their babies, especially in different racial groups, to find ways to help improve outcomes for both moms and infants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Reno NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Reno, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $176,255 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD115143-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871380 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include mothers and infants, particularly those from racial minority backgrounds who have experienced early-life disadvantages.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not mothers or who do not belong to the racial groups being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of social stressors experienced by mothers during their early life and adolescence on maternal and infant health outcomes. By analyzing data from a large longitudinal study, the project aims to uncover how these stressors contribute to racial disparities in birth outcomes. The study focuses on understanding the biosocial pathways that link early-life disadvantages to maternal health issues and birth weight variations. It seeks to identify critical factors that could inform interventions to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social stressors can significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nevada Reno
Reno, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koning, Stephanie Michelle — University of Nevada Reno
- Study coordinator: Koning, Stephanie Michelle
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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.