Tougaloo College2026-03-04T18:38:08+00:00

Tougaloo College Maternal Health Research Collaborative

Tougaloo College Maternal Health Research Collaborative

Currently, Tougaloo College Delta Health Partners team collects the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) surveys after a woman has delivered an infant. Although this time point may be the best time for collection, especially if a woman has not been enrolled in the program until late in the third trimester, this time point may not be the best for the recollection of the woman. It may reflect the prenatal and perinatal health of the woman accurately. To collect more accurate prenatal and perinatal health data of these birthing people, this study will collect PRAMS information at the three times identified in the survey -before, during, and after pregnancy. This study will identify birthing people in their first trimester and follow them throughout their prenatal journey until the perinatal time, three months after delivery. The study aims to compare the PRAMS information collected in TC/DHP Healthy Start Initiative with previously collected PRAMS data. This will help to identify the woman’s healthcare needs and potential interventions as early as possible. This pilot study will be the first to examine the difference in data collection of TC/DHP Healthy Start PRAMS information and the identification of healthcare needs and potential interventions during the prenatal and perinatal periods.

Diva Melvin, PhD

Principal Investigator

Center Goals

  • To collect PRAMS information before and after pregnancy for at least 40 mothers enrolled in the Tougaloo College Delta Health Partners Healthy Start (TC/DHP) Initiative by September 29, 2028.

  • To analyze and identify trends from the data collected from PRAMS information by September 29, 2028.

  • To conduct a pilot study examining the PRAMS research findings and identify strategies for healthcare needs and potential interventions during the prenatal and perinatal periods on September 29, 2028.

  • To develop and disseminate research findings to address community and environmental factors in maternal health by September 29, 2028.

  • To submit one grant proposal to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) by September 29, 2028.

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