Pregnancy Research Study
Researchers at Rutgers University are conducting a study to understand how the environment shapes child health starting in pregnancy and beyond. Join the New Jersey Kids Study to help advance medicine and advocate for healthier starts for all children.
Fast Facts
Currently Less Than 36 Weeks Pregnant
18+ Years Old
Compensation Provided
Participate From Home
Study Background
Researchers at Rutgers University are conducting the New Jersey Kids Study (NJKS) to explore how environmental factors influence child health from pregnancy through early childhood, aiming to improve outcomes and prevent chronic diseases.
Study Background
Researchers at Rutgers University are conducting the New Jersey Kids Study (NJKS) to explore how environmental factors influence child health from pregnancy through early childhood, aiming to improve outcomes and prevent chronic diseases.
The NJKS is a state-supported research initiative focused on understanding and preventing childhood chronic diseases. As part of this effort, the NJKS Pilot Study will recruit 300 pregnant individuals to refine methods for recruitment and sample collection, shaping the design of a larger 10-year study involving 5,000 participants.
Participants in the pilot study will complete remote activities, such as online questionnaires and mailing in biospecimen samples like mouth swabs, urine, and stool. The study team provides clear instructions, support, and tools for convenient, at-home participation, including optional painless blood collection with the TAP-Micro device.
By joining, participants contribute to vital research aimed at improving child health and well-being for future generations.
Additional Information
This study is being done to understand how environmental factors during pregnancy and early childhood influence child health and development. The findings aim to identify ways to prevent chronic diseases in children, improve medical practices, and inform policies that support healthier outcomes for future generations.
You may qualify for the study if you meet the following criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
• Pregnant individuals who are 18 years of age or older
• Currently less than 36 weeks pregnant
• Live in New Jersey
• Speak English and/or Spanish
Exclusion Criteria:
• Medical conditions that would make it difficult or impossible to complete study activities
• Plans to terminate the pregnancy or place the child for adoption
• Unable to provide informed consent
If you participate in this study, you will engage in the following activities:
Enrollment Process:
• Complete an online screening questionnaire to determine eligibility.
• View a brief video about the study and provide informed consent online.
Data Collection:
• Complete online questionnaires during your pregnancy and your baby’s first year of life.
• Provide biospecimen samples, such as urine, mouth swabs, stool, and other samples, which will be collected at home and mailed back to the study team.
• Optionally use the TAP-Micro device for a painless home blood collection.
Support and Guidance:
• Receive detailed instructions, instructional videos, and support materials for collecting samples.
• Have access to study team members for questions or assistance.
Sample Return:
• Mail collected samples back to the study team using provided shipping options at no cost to you (e.g., UPS, FedEx, or Uber Health).
Duration:
• Your participation will last until your baby turns 1. Over the course of the study, you will be asked to complete questionnaires and collect biospecimens at up to 5 timepoints.
Participants who complete questionnaires and provide biospecimens will be compensated up to $580. The exact compensation depends on which activities you complete and how often you complete them. For example, specific payments include:
•Initial Biospecimen Kit Return: $50 (contingent upon a positive pregnancy test in the urine sample).
•Blood Collection (optional): Additional $25 for returning the TAP-Micro device.
•Completed Stool Collection: Bonus $20.
The study team will provide electronic gift cards as compensation for your time and effort throughout the study.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
Center for Advanced Biotechnology & Medicine, 679 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway NJ 08854
