Investigating how hospital quality and Medicaid expansion affect maternal health disparities among different racial and ethnic groups

Hospital quality, Medicaid expansion, and racial/ethnic disparitiesin maternal mortality and morbidity

NIH-funded research University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-10873172

This study looks at how the quality of hospitals and changes in Medicaid affect the health of mothers, especially focusing on differences among various racial and ethnic groups, to help understand why some women have better or worse experiences during childbirth.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10873172 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research examines the impact of hospital quality and Medicaid expansion on maternal health outcomes, particularly focusing on racial and ethnic disparities. It aims to identify whether differences in hospital quality exist across various regions, including rural areas, and to understand the factors influencing where women of different backgrounds give birth. The study will also explore the broader societal and structural conditions, such as structural racism, that may contribute to these disparities. By analyzing data from various hospitals, the research seeks to uncover the relationship between healthcare policies and maternal morbidity rates.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, particularly those who may be affected by disparities in maternal health outcomes.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or who do not belong to racial or ethnic minority groups may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved maternal health outcomes for minority women by informing policies that enhance hospital quality and access to care.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown significant disparities in maternal health outcomes based on hospital quality, indicating that this research builds on established findings while exploring new dimensions.

Where this research is happening

Columbia, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.