The impact of paid family leave on respiratory infections in infants
Official title: Paid Family Leave and Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections in Young Infants
Funded at University of Southern Maine · NIH-10709908 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at whether having paid family leave helps new moms take more time off work and if that can lower the chances of their babies getting serious respiratory infections, like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, by comparing New York, where this policy is in place, to other nearby states without it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern Maine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $73,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R03HD108526-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10709908 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants up to 8 weeks old, particularly those whose mothers may have access to paid family leave.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 8 weeks or whose families do not have access to paid family leave may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how paid family leave policies affect the rates of respiratory tract infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, in young infants. By analyzing data from New York State, which implemented a comprehensive paid family leave policy, the study aims to determine if delaying the return to work for new mothers can reduce emergency department visits and hospitalizations for these infections. The methodology involves a controlled interrupted time series analysis, comparing outcomes in New York with other Northeastern states that did not have similar policies. This approach seeks to provide insights into the potential public health benefits of paid family leave.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for infants by supporting policies that reduce their risk of serious respiratory infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that similar policies in other regions have had positive impacts on maternal and infant health, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern Maine
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ahrens, Katherine — University of Southern Maine
- Study coordinator: Ahrens, Katherine
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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.