Cash support for improving maternal and child health
Official title: Investments in Mothers' and Babies' Health and Well-being During Pregnancy, Perinatal and Post-natal Period: Evidence From an Unconditional Cash Allowance Program in the Appalachian Region, USA, 2024-2027
Run by Columbia University · NCT06923371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if giving cash support to pregnant women can improve their health and their babies' growth in the U.S.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 1250 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 28, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06923371 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women aged 18 and older in their first or second trimester living in the Appalachian regions of West Virginia, Ohio, or Kentucky.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe health conditions, severe addiction disorders, or those who are incarcerated or institutionalized may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the impact of direct cash transfers on the health outcomes of pregnant women and their infants in the U.S. It aims to determine whether financial assistance during pregnancy and the early months of a child's life can enhance maternal health, improve infant growth, and facilitate better healthcare access. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either high or low cash support and will complete surveys at baseline, 12 months, and 18 months post-enrollment to assess health outcomes and behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved health outcomes for mothers and their babies, particularly in low-income populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with cash transfer programs improving health outcomes, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria for treatment and control * Living in any of the study sites: Appalachian regions (West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee) * Being in the first or second trimester * Being 18 years or older Exclusion criteria * Mothers with severe conditions such as terminal cancer. * Mothers with identified addiction disorders. This includes any current or past addiction to legal (pain medication, alcohol) or illegal substance that has known risk for self-harm death (suicide, overdose) and/or consequences for maternal and/or fetal health. * Mothers younger than 18 years old. * Not living in the study site range * Mothers incarcerated during the course of the study * Mothers institutionalized during the course of the study. Additional Notes: * Participants who are not eligible for this study are also excluded from enrolling in the Bridge Project and receiving the direct cash transfer. * Per protocol, participation in the study will be determined based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Final eligibility and study participation decisions will be made at the discretion of the Principal Investigator.
Where it's running
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Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Catherine Monk, PhD — Columbia University
- Study coordinator: Khadija Jones Clinical Research Manager, MPH
- Email: kj2660@cumc.columbia.edu
- Phone: 917-817-1490
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.