Understanding Stress and Health in Immigrants
Association of DNA Methylation and Stress in Immigrants
This project looks at how stress affects the health of immigrants, especially those from Ethiopia, by studying changes in their DNA.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181654 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Immigrants often experience many types of stress, from challenges related to moving to new environments and daily life, which can affect their overall health. This project explores how these stressors might lead to changes in their body's immune system at a genetic level, potentially contributing to long-term health issues. Researchers will work with Ethiopian American immigrants to measure their stress levels and identify specific changes in their DNA that are linked to this stress. The team includes bilingual and bicultural experts to ensure the findings are relevant and helpful for the community.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is specifically looking for Ethiopian American immigrants who are willing to share information about their stress experiences and provide biological samples.
Not a fit: Patients who are not immigrants or are not of Ethiopian American descent may not directly benefit from this specific project's findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us develop new ways to reduce health disparities and improve the well-being of immigrant communities.
How similar studies have performed: This is a novel project, as very few previous studies have explored these specific connections between stress and DNA changes in African immigrants, particularly Ethiopian Americans.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vaughn, Lisa Michelle — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Vaughn, Lisa Michelle
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.