The impact of structural racism on birth outcomes for Black women in the US South.
Structural Racism and Adverse Birth Outcomes in the US South: A Multigenerational Perspective
This study looks at how long-term experiences of racism affect the health of babies born to Black women in the Southern U.S., especially focusing on issues like low birth weight and early births, by examining the experiences of both mothers and grandmothers in the same families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10653717 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how multigenerational exposure to structural racism affects birth outcomes among Black women in the US South, particularly focusing on low birth weight and preterm births. By analyzing data from Black grandmothers and mothers within the same families, the study aims to quantify their exposure to various dimensions of structural racism over time. The researchers will create a comprehensive dataset linking births from 1989 to 2020 with administrative data to explore these relationships. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of how systemic inequalities influence maternal and child health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Black women in the US South, particularly those who are pregnant or have recently given birth.
Not a fit: Patients who are not Black or who do not reside in the US South may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for Black women and their children by informing policies that address the root causes of racial disparities in birth outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has indicated that addressing structural racism can lead to improved health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fleischer, Nancy — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Fleischer, Nancy
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.