The impact of childhood abuse and foster care on long-term health.
Official title: The Health Consequences of Childhood Maltreatment and Foster Care From Adolescence Into Mid-Life
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11117803 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how going through tough times in childhood, like abuse or being in foster care, can impact health later in life, focusing on issues like weight, blood pressure, and mental health, to help us understand what really matters for staying healthy as we grow up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $235,564 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD118539-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117803 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who experienced childhood abuse or neglect and those who were placed in foster care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced childhood maltreatment or foster care may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how experiences of childhood maltreatment and foster care affect health outcomes from adolescence into mid-life. It aims to understand the long-term consequences of these experiences on conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and mental health issues. By examining the differences in health outcomes based on the severity of maltreatment and the context of foster care, the study seeks to identify critical factors that influence well-being over time. The research will utilize a combination of health assessments and demographic data to analyze these relationships.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions and policies that address the long-term health needs of individuals who experienced childhood maltreatment or foster care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant health impacts related to childhood maltreatment and foster care, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wildeman, Christopher — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Wildeman, Christopher
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.