Online Support Networks for Safe Infant Care
Support via Online Social Networks to Promote safe Infant Care Practices Toward Reducing Racial Disparities in Infant Mortality (SUPERSONIC)
This project helps mothers use online social networks to learn about safe infant care, aiming to reduce differences in infant mortality rates among Black and White families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11004620 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project builds on previous findings that showed how social networks influence infant care practices, especially regarding safe sleep. We are conducting a large randomized trial to see if online social networks can effectively share information about safe infant care. The goal is to help mothers adopt these practices and ultimately reduce the higher rates of infant deaths among Black infants. We want to understand how online communities can best support new and experienced mothers in keeping their babies safe.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is designed for new and experienced mothers of young infants, particularly those who are part of online social networks.
Not a fit: Patients who are not mothers of young infants or who do not engage with online social networks may not directly benefit from this specific intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help more families adopt safe infant care practices, leading to fewer infant deaths and reducing health disparities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team (SONIC study) identified how social networks influence infant care, providing a strong foundation for this new intervention.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moon, Rachel Y — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Moon, Rachel Y
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.