Grant: Team Grant: DOHaD - Implications for Men, Women, Boys and Girls - LOI

The foundations of adult health and functioning are set early in life. Developing biological systems (during pregnancy and early in childhood) are impacted by toxic stressors including poverty, exposure to family violence and maternal depression. These biological changes in turn are associated with a broad range of health outcomes and learning capacities in children. Although much is known about risk factors and their impact on health and development, less is known about whether or not preventive interventions can change trajectories. There is a need to better understand underlying mechanisms, which interventions work and for whom. Building upon existing literature and interventions this team proposal addresses some these questions and examines mechanism in the context of preventive interventions with various high risk populations, including young, socially disadvantaged mothers, new immigrants and refugees to Canada, and mothers in Kenya. Findings will be disseminated to researchers, policy makers and practioners. These findings will inform the design of effective preventive interventions aimed at the health of children born into adverse circumstances.