The impact of childhood abuse and foster care on long-term health.

The Health Consequences of Childhood Maltreatment and Foster Care From Adolescence Into Mid-Life

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11117803

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11117803 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who experienced childhood abuse or neglect and those who were placed in foster care.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced childhood maltreatment or foster care may not receive direct benefits from this research.

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 performed: 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

Durham, 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.