Helping families with food insecurity and caregiver mental health

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children: Strengthening the Caregiver-Child Story

Observational Baylor College of Medicine · NCT05809115

This study is trying to see if helping mothers with depression and families struggling to get enough food can improve their mental health and strengthen their relationships with their children.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBaylor College of Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05809115 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to support families facing food insecurity and assist mothers dealing with depression. It involves implementing a mental health intervention for caregivers of hospitalized children, focusing on enhancing caregiver-child bonding and connecting them with community mental health resources. Additionally, families identified as food insecure will receive assistance with public benefits and access to local food pantries, along with support for other non-medical needs. The study will track outcomes related to caregiver mental health, attachment, and child development through surveys and electronic health records.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include English or Spanish-speaking caregivers of young children aged 0-36 months who are hospitalized at Texas Children's Hospital.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those without primary custody of the child or caregivers living outside of Texas.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could significantly improve the mental health of caregivers and the overall well-being of children in food-insecure households.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in addressing food insecurity and mental health in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Caregivers of young children (0-36 months of age) hospitalized at Texas Children's Hospital on acute care units.
* English or Spanish speaking caregiver.
* Age of caregiver ≥ 18 years old.
* Hospital day 2 or later of patient admission.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Caregivers who do not have primary custody
* Children in CPS custody
* Caregivers who live outside of Texas (due to lack of Houston Food Bank resources outside of Texas)
* Previous enrollment in this study.
* Patient is in the process of being discharged/observation status administration.
* Caregiver is not the primary caregiver.

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Food InsecurityDepressionAnxiety
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.