Among NICHD-funded centers, the Hopkins Population Center is unique in having a large majority of its faculty associates from health institutions (Bloomberg School of Public Health, School of Medicine, and School of Nursing). These affiliations offer the research activities of HPC associates a distinctive focus on the health and well-being of population aggregates, both at home and abroad.
Poverty and Welfare Policy Research on this theme focuses on both the United States and the developing world. Specific research activities include a major study of the effects of the US welfare reform legislation of 1996 on low-income families, studies of the equity effects of mass health interventions in the developing world, and the role of income and other development indicators on reducing child mortality levels. | Dr. Andrew Cherlin, the Hopkins Population Center director, is one of the Principal Investigators on the Three-City Study, an intensive study in Boston, Chicago, and San Antonio to assess the well-being of low-income children and families in the post-welfare reform era. Go to the Three-City Study Website... |
Sexual and Reproductive Health Research on this theme runs the gamut from the politics of adolescent sexuality in the United States to levels of maternal mortality in the developing world. Specific activities include a major cohort study of HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) in Uganda, analyses of contraceptive use in the developing world, the development and testing of methods to measure maternal and perinatal health, and studies of STD and teenage pregnancy risk factors in Baltimore. | Dr. Ron Gray is a co-Principal Investigator for the Rakai Health Sciences Program, a long term study of AIDS that started in 1987. Currently the Program staff in Uganda includes just under 400 highly dedicated and energetic principal investigators, multidisciplinary professionals, and support staff who conduct a wide range of reproductive health research and service activities. Go to the Rakai Health Sciences Program Website... |
Transition to Adulthood and Family Demography
This research theme focuses on issues specific to adolescence, taken as the age range between 10 and 25, and the crucial life course transitions that take place. Specific activities involve research on the roles of neighborhood, family and individual factors in successful adolescence in inner-city US populations, analysis of trends in transitions to marriage and first birth in the developing world, and protective factors for risky behaviors such as smoking and alcohol use. | Dr. Freya Sonenstein and Dr. Clea McNeely, HPC Associates, are director and deputy director of the Center for Adolescent Health, a research center committed to assisting urban youth to become healthy and productive adults. Together with community partners, the Center conducts research that identifies the needs and strengths of young people and tests programs designed to promote their health and well-being. Dr. Sonenstein is also the PI for the fourth wave of the National Survey of Adolescent Males (NSAM). Go the the Center for Adolescent Health Website... |
Demography of Aging (EMERGING THEME) In recent years, the HPC has increased its support for and presence in issues related to population aging and biodemography. Associates are engaged in research on disability and frailty; longevity and active life expectancy, early life influences on later life health; families and informal care; and the mental health of older displaced persons. | | Associates Emily Agree, Christopher Seplaki, Thomas LaVeist, Robert Moffitt, ME Hughes, Sarah Szanton, Roland Thorpe are part of the team leading
development of the new National Survey on Aging and Health, funded by the National Institute on Aging. The survey will be an annual panel study of
persons age 65 and older. The goals of the survey are to promote scientific inquiry into the relative contributions of biophysiological, socioeconomic,
environmental, behavioral, and medical factors to the trends and transitions in late-life functioning for older adults. The study also will provide
information on consequences of the disablement process, including living and care arrangements, medical and long-term care expenditures,
and other aspects of economic well-being and quality of life. |
(Updated: October 2009)
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