NIH-funded research Career grant

Understanding the factors affecting maternal and child health disparities

Official title: Investigating structural drivers of maternal and child health inequities: a geospatial and data science approach

Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11124660 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how different social and community factors affect the health of mothers and children, especially in underserved groups in the U.S., and aims to find ways to create better health solutions that fit the needs of specific communities.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Chicago
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project startJune 25, 2024
Project endJanuary 31, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$113,372
NIH project number5K01MD019318-02
Project IDNIH-11124660 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include women of childbearing age, particularly those from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds or lower socioeconomic status.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not of childbearing age or those who do not belong to marginalized communities may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how social and structural factors contribute to disparities in maternal and child health outcomes, particularly among marginalized groups in the United States. By utilizing geospatial and data science methods, the study aims to identify the spatial patterns of these structural drivers and their impact on health inequities. The findings could lead to the development of targeted policies and interventions that address the unique needs of different communities. Patients may benefit from improved health outcomes as a result of these tailored approaches.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant improvements in maternal and child health outcomes for underserved populations.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing social determinants of health can lead to improved health outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Chicago
    Chicago, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Martinez-Cardoso, Aresha Maree — University of Chicago
  • Study coordinator: Martinez-Cardoso, Aresha Maree

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.