COVID RuHBY Study
Covid-19, Racial trauma, & Heart health of Black Young Women
Researchers at the University of South Carolina are conducting a study in young Black women to understand how the Covid-19 pandemic and other stressors have affected their heart health and quality of life.
Fast Facts
Black/African American Women Ages 18-39
Have Ever Tested Positive for COVID-19
Compensation Provided
Conducted Remotely
Study Background
Characterizing the Influence of COVID-19, Racial Trauma, and Social Networks on Quality of Life and Cardiovascular Health Behaviors among Black Young Women in the South (The Ruby Study)
Deaths from heart disease are on the rise for young women, and Black women are disproportionately affected. Psychosocial stress, such as racism and social isolation, are significant contributors to increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a unique spotlight on these and other stressors.
The goal of our current research is to better understand the pandemic’s impact on the cardiovascular and mental health of young Black women, the ways that stress is managed within their social network, and their preferences for future interventions. We hope that this study might point to opportunities for interventions that address the psychosocial stressors experienced by young Black women and provide support in optimizing their heart health.
Study Background
Characterizing the Influence of COVID-19, Racial Trauma, and Social Networks on Quality of Life and Cardiovascular Health Behaviors among Black Young Women in the South (The Ruby Study)
Deaths from heart disease are on the rise for young women, and Black women are disproportionately affected. Psychosocial stress, such as racism and social isolation, are significant contributors to increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a unique spotlight on these and other stressors.
The goal of our current research is to better understand the pandemic’s impact on the cardiovascular and mental health of young Black women, the ways that stress is managed within their social network, and their preferences for future interventions. We hope that this study might point to opportunities for interventions that address the psychosocial stressors experienced by young Black women and provide support in optimizing their heart health.
Additional Information
The purpose of the study is to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic and other stressors in the lives of young Black women may have influenced their heart health and quality of life.
You may qualify for the study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Woman 18-39 years old
- Identify as Black or African American
- Tested positive for COVID-19 in the past without requiring hospitalization
- Live in South Carolina, North Carolina, or Georgia
- Speak and read English
Your participation will be entirely online. Once you speak with the research team to confirm eligibility, you will receive a link to begin the research survey. You will be asked to provide information about yourself and to complete some health surveys (about 35-40 minutes). These surveys ask about your overall health, general feelings (stress, depression, eating habits, exercise, and sleep), and about the types of stress you experience in your life, including stress related to your race or skin color.
After completing the surveys, you may be invited to participate in one or more additional parts of the study. Research participation is always optional.
As a participant, you can receive up to $165 for your time and effort.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
