Food Insecurity and Breastmilk Provision at Discharge at Level 3 & 4 Nicu

Study on Food Insecurity and Breastmilk Provision in NICU Families

Age
23 weeks - 1 years
Gender
All
Phase
N/A
Participants needed
50
Primary Investigator
SM

Seethal Jacob, MD

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Brief description of study

This prospective, observational study characterizes prevalence of food insecurity and other social determinants of health in families of neonates admitted to the level 3 and level 4 NICU. We aim to assess correlation of food insecurity with breastmilk provision at discharge. Other aims include correlation of food insecurity with maternal complications and neonatal complications.

THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - Study team will review admissions to Riley NICUs and EHR will be scanned for the minimum needed data by to identify admitted neonates with mothers who meet study eligibility requirements. The mother will be approached by medical or research team to see if they would be interested in participating. 

Detailed description of study

Mothers will fill out a survey when their child is admitted into the NICU and when their child is getting ready to go home. 

The study will also collect information about the mother’s pregnancy and child’s birth and growth in the prenatal records.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: all, Riley
  • Age: 23 weeks - 1 years
  • Gender: All

Inclusion criteria: Mother-infant dyad who:

  • At least 23 weeks 0 days of gestational age.
  • Transferred within 7 days of life to Riley Children’s Hospital level 3 or 4 NICU.
  • Residence within Indiana, USA.
  • English-speaking with ability to read English materials.

Exclusion criteria:

  • Neonate has died prior to survey administration.

This study investigates the relationship between food insecurity and breastmilk provision in families of newborns admitted to level 3 and level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). The purpose is to understand how food insecurity, which refers to the lack of reliable access to sufficient quantities of affordable, nutritious food, affects the ability of mothers to provide breastmilk at the time of their baby's discharge. The study also looks at how food insecurity may relate to complications experienced by mothers and their newborns.

Mothers participating in the study will complete a survey when their child is admitted to the NICU and again when the child is ready to go home. The study will also gather information from prenatal records about the mother's pregnancy and the child's birth and growth. This observational study involves collecting data without altering the participants' treatment or routine care.

  • Who can participate: Mothers and their newborns who are at least 23 weeks gestational age, have been transferred within 7 days of life to Riley Children's Hospital level 3 or 4 NICU, reside in Indiana, USA, and can read and speak English are eligible. Newborns who have died before survey administration are excluded.
  • Study details: Participants will complete surveys during their child's NICU stay and at discharge. Information from prenatal records will also be collected.
Updated on 25 Jun 2026. Study ID: PNEO-IIR-FOOD-INSECURITY, 27622

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