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(http://www.niehs.nih.gov//portfolio/index.cfm?do=portfolio.grantdetail&&grant_number=F30ES036439&format=word)
| Principal Investigator: Eatman, Jasmin Africali | |
|---|---|
| Institute Receiving Award | Emory University |
| Location | Atlanta, GA |
| Grant Number | F30ES036439 |
| Funding Organization | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences |
| Award Funding Period | 15 May 2024 to 14 May 2028 |
| DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): | PROJECT SUMMARY Lead (Pb) is a naturally occurring metal in the environment, however; biomonitoring and epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that there is no safe level of Pb in humans. Despite this fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies race as a known risk factor for higher exposure to Pb, with African Americans (AAs) recognized as an overexposed group. Structural racism impacts many of the demographic characteristics commonly associated with higher Pb exposure. Data from the Continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 1999–2016) demonstrates higher Pb levels among individuals living in low- income housing and without health insurance. The CDC also identifies pregnant women as a population at higher risk for Pb exposure, as bioaccumulated Pb released from bone during pregnancy can cause an acute increase in blood Pb concentration. Further, Pb exposure during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk for adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth, the leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. AAs experience the highest rates of preterm birth, with rates nearly 50% higher than their white counterparts, and socioeconomic status does not fully account for these disparities. We recognize that experiences of racism uniquely impact AA women, who concurrently represent groups that are targeted by historic and current discrimination on the basis of both race and gender. However, research has yet to elucidate determinants of increased Pb exposure among AA women and, specifically, in the context of pregnancy. My study will leverage the Atlanta African American Maternal Child Cohort, an ongoing, prospective birth cohort of self-identified AA pregnant women in Atlanta. In seeking to understand root-causes of racial health disparities in maternal health, I will take advantage of the rich extant survey data and biologic measurements of Pb. In Aim 1, I will test the hypothesis that levels of maternal Pb are higher among those who are of lower socioeconomic status, who live in older homes, and who live in neighborhoods that are more racially and economically segregated. In Aim 2, I will examine associations between exposure to Pb and preterm birth and assess whether this relationship is stronger among those who report experiencing greater frequency of gendered racial discrimination. In Aim 3, I will return contextualized Pb exposure data back to participants through reporting back of research results (RBRR). Participants will not only learn about the impact of Pb exposure on adverse maternal health outcomes, including preterm birth, but will receive this information through focus groups designed in partnership with the community and facilitated by scientific researchers. Together, these aims will fill a critical knowledge gap in understanding racial disparities in Pb exposure and identifying risk factors for overexposed groups. The proposed project represents an innovative and accessible approach to research in perinatal health disparities: exploring risk identification and intervention through community-academic partnerships. |
| Science Code(s)/Area of Science(s) |
Primary: 44 - Developmental Biology/Teratogenesis Secondary: 03 - Carcinogenesis/Cell Transformation |
| Publications | No publications associated with this grant |
| Program Officer | Abee Boyles |