Investigating how racial discrimination and vitamin D levels affect preterm birth in Black women
Genomic signatures of inflammation: Pathways of racial discrimination, depressive symptoms, Vitamin D status with preterm birth among Black women
This study is looking at how experiences of racial discrimination, feelings of depression, and low vitamin D levels might affect the risk of preterm birth in Black women, by examining blood samples to find out how these factors work together during pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Arlington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Arlington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11228745 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the connections between racial discrimination, depressive symptoms, and vitamin D deficiency in relation to preterm birth among Black women. By analyzing blood samples from pregnant Black women, the study aims to identify specific gene expression patterns that may link these psychosocial factors to increased inflammation and the risk of preterm birth. The research utilizes data from a cohort of 168 participants to explore how these factors interact and contribute to health outcomes during pregnancy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant Black women who may be experiencing racial discrimination, depressive symptoms, or vitamin D deficiency.
Not a fit: Patients who are not Black or who are not currently pregnant may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions to reduce preterm birth rates among Black women.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of factors being studied is novel, previous research has shown that psychosocial stressors and vitamin D levels can impact pregnancy outcomes.
Where this research is happening
Arlington, United States
- University of Texas Arlington — Arlington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woo, Jennifer — University of Texas Arlington
- Study coordinator: Woo, Jennifer
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 below.