By Kaylee Alivo

Kara Whitaker, associate professor and director of graduate studies in the Department of Health and Human Physiology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa, will present her research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) event, “Diverse Voices: Intersectionality and the Health of Women focused on Researching Rural Women: Implications for Research on Pregnancy.”  

Whitaker’s Pregnancy 24/7 Study examines how 24-hour activity patterns— physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep — relate to adverse pregnancy outcomes like hypertensive disorders. Her research focuses on health disparities, particularly between rural and urban communities, and the implications for maternal health.  

“Nearly 40 percent of Iowa’s population lives in rural areas, and these women are at a higher risk for complications during pregnancy,” Whitaker explained. “Understanding the determinants of these disparities is key to developing interventions that improve health outcomes.”  

Preliminary findings from the study reveal that pregnant women in rural areas have poorer sleep quality, lower physical activity levels, poorer diet quality, and higher stress compared to urban women. She hopes these insights will inform programs and policies to reduce health inequities.  

“We are entering the final year of this study, and I’m excited to share our results,” Whitaker said. “I hope to spark discussions about improving pregnancy health, especially in rural communities.”  

The NIH Diverse Voices series highlights researchers working to advance women’s health. To learn more about Whitaker’s research and her lab’s ongoing projects, visit the PAWH Lab website.