Research

Haitian Wellbeing Study

The Haitian Wellbeing Study is a longitudinal study to investigate mental health and wellbeing among Haitians in the United States and in Haiti. The large, prospective study aims first to identify the most important mental health, overall health, and sleep-related factors through focus groups. The researchers will also look at factors including employment, education level, income, immigration status, gender, genomic factors, and type and level of traumatic event exposure.
The results will then inform a survey designed to evaluate the impact of specific stressful factors among larger numbers of Haitians and Haitian Americans. The project could also reveal differences between Haitians, Haitian immigrants to the U.S., and Haitian American U.S. citizens who may be more acclimated to the culture in this country.

The ultimate goal is to enroll 1,000 participants in the study. Depending on funding, the study could follow even more people for up to 10 years to note any changes. The hope is that focus group feedback and survey responses will lead to effective solutions to boosting the well-being of Haitian populations.

For more information on the Haitian Well-Being Study, call 305-243-7452 or e-mail Haitianstudy@miami.edu.

The Nurturing Moms Project

The Nurturing Moms Project uses virtual reality to evaluate and reduce stress among Black and Latina expectant and postpartum women. The project, conducted in partnership with the Miller School’s Media and Innovation Lab, provides headsets preloaded with VR videos to women currently pregnant and to others who gave birth in the previous 12 months. Effectiveness is measured after each VR session and following completion of the year-long study to gauge the technology’s short- and long-term impact on maternal mental health. 

The VR videos are designed as an immersive experience that is part education, part mindfulness. 

For more information on the Nurturing Moms study, email nurturevr@miami.edu or call 305-243-7931 or 786-584-8003.