The HOPE Study

Health Outcomes in Pregnancy and Early Childhood

Overview

The HOPE Study is a longitudinal, observational study of mother-infant dyads, aiming to understand how genetics, environment, and behavior will impact the health of women during and after pregnancy, as well as the health of children in American Samoa. The study focuses on gestational diabetes (a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy) and its influence on child body size and growth.

Planned genomic data

  • CREBRF rs373863828
  • Genome-wide DNA methylation data
  • Genome-wide RNA seq data
  • Microbiome data
  • PFAS data

Eligibility

The study includes mothers who are over 18 years old, at least 35 weeks pregnant, planning to give birth at LBJ Hospital in American Samoa, and intending to reside in American Samoa for at least 6 months post-birth.

Study Dates

2025 - present

Ethics

This study is approved by the Institutional Review Boards at the University of Pittsburgh, Yale University, and the American Samoa Department of Health, as well as the Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center (American Samoa) Research Oversight Committee.

Assessments

Trained, bilingual Samoan research assistants conduct assessments at various time points: before birth, immediately post-birth, and at 2, 4, and 6 months post-birth. Data collection includes sleep, nutrition, behavior, environment, social determinants of health, and physical growth measurements. Biospecimens such as saliva, stool, umbilical cord blood, and capillary blood are collected.

Team

Lacey Heinsberg (PI); Nicola Hawley, Bethel Muasau-Howard, Daniel Weeks, Jenna Carlson, Yvette Conley, and Erin Kershaw (Co-Is); Miracle Loia (Project Coordinator)

Funding

Selected publications

  • Heinsberg LW, Loia M, Tasele S, Faasalele-Savusa K, Carlson JC, Anesi S, Desobry K, Yuchongco E, Guevara BF, Sesaga A, Iloilo A, Tofaeono V, Bryan K, Tauasosi-Posiulai T, Kershaw EE, Conley YP, Weeks DE, Hawley NL, Muasau-Howard BT. Study protocol for the Health Outcomes in Pregnancy and Early Childhood (HOPE) Study: A mother-infant study in American Samoa. PLoS One. 2025 Sep 15;20(9):e0326644. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0326644. PMID: 40952996; PMCID: PMC12435730.