Cash support for improving maternal and child health
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
This study tests if giving cash support to pregnant women can improve their health and their babies' growth in the U.S.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1250 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06923371 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
Not a fit: Patients with severe health conditions, severe addiction disorders, or those who are incarcerated or institutionalized may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: Other studies have shown promising results with cash transfer programs improving health outcomes, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
New York, New York
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.