Maternal and Child Health Research
Crisis pregnancy centers come up short in providing access to information on pregnancy options
August 9, 2021 New findings from a study co-authored by maternal and child health researchers at the Gillings School and the University of California at San Francisco suggest that crisis pregnancy centers are not meeting the needs of people seeking information on abortion.
For Black Americans, strong family bonds are instrumental to increasing breastfeeding rates
May 20, 2021 To improve breastfeeding rates among Black Americans, Dr. Alexis Woods Barr and graduate student Jacquana Smith have co-authored studies examining the role intergenerational family support networks have in infant feeding practices. This understanding can help shape more empathetic and culturally mindful approaches to public health messaging.
Little known about needs of people who experience menopause while incarcerated
April 26, 2021 Without necessary care and support, those who experience menopause while incarcerated face significant challenges that can contribute to increased distress and compound existing systems of injustice, according to the results of a pilot study led by maternal child and health alumna Elana Jaffe.
Chalachala works to improve maternal health and family planning in the DRC
April 6, 2021 Jean Lambert Chalachala has a calling: to improve the human condition. As a clinician and public health expert, the Gillings School alumnus has found ample opportunities to do just that – working in surgery, hospital administration, epidemic and crisis management, lactation support, family planning and more.
The next generation of public health leaders must focus on human rights
March 4, 2021 Twelve students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill teamed up to publish a perspective in the American Journal of Public Health about why and how they — the next generation of public health leaders — must center human rights in their work.
Housing stress linked with higher rates of child maltreatment
November 17, 2020 When families are dealing with stress over housing insecurity, there is a greater risk of child maltreatment and Child Protective Services becoming involved. These findings come from three researchers at the UNC Gillings School.
AJPH editorial: Populism threatens the public health response to COVID-19
November 13, 2020 In an editorial published in the American Journal of Public Health, doctoral candidate Caitlin Williams and Dr. Benjamin Mason Meier write that populist policies have hindered public health responses to COVID-19 and could have lasting consequences on health and human rights.
Palmquist responds to COVID-19, advocates and supports best practices for infant and young child feeding during pandemic
August 25, 2020 Dr. Aunchalee Palmquist, assistant professor of maternal and child health at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, studies infant and young child feeding in emergencies and other situations of extreme adversity. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, her understanding of the information environment and needs allowed her to contribute expert guidance about best practices for perinatal mothers, infants and children where it is needed most.
Some sexual minority groups are disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence
August 3, 2020 A new study from researchers at the UNC Gillings School finds that certain groups of sexual minorities are more likely to experience physical, psychological and sexual violence at the hands of a romantic partner.
North Carolina sees highest estimates to-date in prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in 8-year-olds
June 25, 2020 The 2020 Community Report on Autism from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which includes research from Dr. Julie Daniels, has found that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder detected in 8-year-olds in North Carolina was significantly higher than the national average. It also found that the prevalence detected in 4-year-olds was lower.
