# Breaking the Cycle of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for High-Risk Perinatal Populations

> **NIH NIH K23** · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · 2024 · $140,835

## Abstract

Project Summary / Abstract
 The overall goal of this mentored career award is to establish my independent research career centered
on improving perinatal health outcomes for the most vulnerable. One untested, promising way to do so is to
examine how reduction in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms experienced during pregnancy and
the postpartum period may affect subsequent health outcomes. PTSD is an under-recognized and untreated risk
factor for adverse perinatal health outcomes. Black women, and rural-dwelling women are often the most likely
to experience adverse perinatal outcomes, the highest rates of maternal and infant mortality, and increased risk
for trauma exposure and subsequent PTSD symptoms. Engaging pregnant and postpartum individuals in PTSD
treatment is critical as there are serious risks associated with untreated perinatal PTSD that often extend into
the next generation. Although evidence-based treatments exist for PTSD, clinical research on treatment for
perinatal PTSD is limited, with few studies sufficiently engaging Black women and none targeting rural-dwelling
women. Targeting perinatal PTSD in Black women, and rural-dwelling women presents a unique opportunity to
improve maternal health and eliminate health disparities.
 To address these gaps in the literature, I propose a randomized controlled pilot study (the New
Empowerment after eXposure to Trauma (NEXT) study). This study will evaluate the acceptability and feasibility
of a revised brief (6-week) virtual PTSD protocol (Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)) targeting Black women
and rural-dwelling women. Training activities utilizing community engaged methods and qualitative data
collection will be used to tailor the protocol for maximal acceptability and uptake among Black, and rural-dwelling
women prior to the pilot trial. This pilot study will evaluate a revised NET protocol against a standard care control
condition. This will be the first rigorous evaluation of a brief perinatal PTSD protocol specifically tailored for Black
and rural-dwelling perinatal individuals, and results will be of high interest to local and national stakeholders.
 The proposed study will lay the foundation for an R01 application for an RCT designed and powered to
examine if reduction in PTSD symptoms can reduce likelihood of adverse perinatal outcomes in high-risk, under-
represented, vulnerable perinatal populations. This project is specifically designed to address my training goals
to develop expertise in: (1) participant-centered methodological approaches to increase recruitment and
engagement of minoritized populations; (2) health equity considerations for perinatal populations; and (3)
conducting rigorous clinical trials that improve healthcare in all groups of women. To complete these goals, I
have assembled an extraordinary mentorship team with expertise in perinatal populations, health equity,
academic community partnerships, qualitative data, and conducting clinical trials with...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10949372
- **Project number:** 1K23HD115845-01
- **Recipient organization:** INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Michelle Louise Miller
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $140,835
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-08-01 → 2028-07-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10949372

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10949372, Breaking the Cycle of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for High-Risk Perinatal Populations (1K23HD115845-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10949372. Licensed CC0.

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