B4444 - Navigating reproductive events and autoimmune disorders - 31/10/2023

B number: 
B4444
Principal applicant name: 
Kayleigh Easey | University of Bristol, School of Psychological Science (United Kingdom)
Co-applicants: 
Dr Robyn wootton
Title of project: 
Navigating reproductive events and autoimmune disorders
Proposal summary: 

During pregnancy, many important biological and physiological changes occur to protect both mother and the growing baby, particularly related to hormones and the immune system. We also know that compared to men, women are more likely to have autoimmune disorders, where the body's defence system attacks itself. However, pregnant women are often excluded from studies because of safety implications. We now need to figure out how reproductive hormones might impact autoimmune disorders in both pregnant and non-pregnant people, as well as what other health behaviours may influence this.

Impact of research: 
The impact of this research will to expand knowledge within a hard to research area of particular health behaviours and their relationship to reproductive events. Journal articles and conference presentations will be expected from this research.
Date proposal received: 
Tuesday, 24 October, 2023
Date proposal approved: 
Tuesday, 31 October, 2023
Keywords: 
Epidemiology, Mental health, Statistical methods, Birth outcomes