Investigating the causes of attention problems in very preterm children.
Official title: Longitudinal Antecedents of Attention Problems in Very Preterm Children: Role of Epigenetics, Executive Function, and Caregiver Psychological Distress
Funded at Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island · NIH-11058484 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different things in a child's environment and their biology can affect attention problems in kids who were born very early, so we can find ways to help them do better in school.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $188,145 |
| NIH project number | 5K01MH129510-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058484 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who were born very preterm and may be experiencing attention difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not born very preterm or do not exhibit attention problems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how various environmental and biological factors contribute to attention problems in children who were born very preterm. It aims to identify different patterns of risk factors that may lead to inattention as these children transition to formal schooling. By analyzing existing data, the study will explore how changes in these risk factors over time relate to changes in attention levels, providing insights into when and how to best support at-risk children. The ultimate goal is to identify modifiable targets for early intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved screening and intervention strategies for attention problems in very preterm children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified risk factors for attention problems in children, suggesting that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Camerota, Marie — Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Camerota, Marie
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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.