Birth Through Generations: Emerging transgenerational patterns of interventive childbirth in the US

Our society is becoming increasingly dependent on technology in many ways, potentially including requiring (or choosing) surgical birth. Are cesarean section births becoming more common in families, or are they random events? Are there identifiable characteristics of families more likely to deliver by cesarean? This study seeks to address these questions, which have reproductive health implications for birthing persons, their families and their communities now and into the future.

I am looking for a student interested in maternal health to assist with the conduct of this mixed-methodology survey research. Both qualitative and quantitative, anonymous information will be collected from study participants, in real time (in-person, on Zoom, or via telephone) and online (Survey Monkey).

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated student to learn how to conduct and analyze research at the intersection of social science and clinical medicine which will contribute to an understanding of emergent trends in human birth practice, which ultimately has ramifications for human reproduction in general.

This undergraduate researcher will work closely with the primary investigator in data collection and analysis.

COURSE PREREQUISITES - preferred but not essential:
* The ideal candidate will have an appreciation of evolutionary processes that have shaped modern human beings (Biological Anthropology ANT 2110, Evolution - Basic Concepts BIO 2700, Biological Dimensions of Evolution BIO 4220).
* Grasp of Public Health principles is helpful (Intro to Public Health PH 2100, Epidemiology PH 3300).
* Once selected, the student will be required to document successful completion of the CITI program "Basic Course in Human Subjects Research: Biomedical or Social Behavioral Investigators" and the "Internet Research (CITI module: 152338)" as required by the WSU Institutional Review Board.

INTERESTS, SKILLS, and EXPERIENCE BASE:
* The student will be required to become knowledgeable about the ethical conduct of clinical research involving human participants.
* The student will acquire basic understanding of current bio-social birth practice and outcomes, including those related to maternal and child morbidity and mortality. Mentorship and materials will be provided to support the student in developing important background knowledge and skills to successfully participate in this research.
* The successful candidate will have excellent people skills. The subject of the study is generally well received by participants, but the student investigator must be respectful and sensitive to participant responses.
* Prior experience working in a clinical setting is helpful but not essential.

This position is scheduled for summer of 2023: May, June, July, with potential to extend the study period based on recruitment and interim data analysis.

The student will be required to:
* Commit 3 hours per week to productive participation in this project for its 12 week duration.
* Meet with the primary investigator virtually or in-person once a week for approximately 30 minutes during the conduct of the study.
* Conduct approximately 6-8 research surveys per week: identify, consent, and interview study participants in-person, by telephone, or on Zoom. Accurately record survey results on designated survey tools and submit these to the primary investigator. This work may be conducted anywhere in the United States.
* Assist in data entry using Excel.
* Assist in didactic data analysis including theme identification and possible study tool revision/refinement.
* An interested and capable student may participate in publication preparation (writing). Depending on the student's interest and participation, authorship of resultant publication is a potential.
* Depending on the student's interests, mentorship on a related research question may be available under this current project or outside of this current project.

March 10, 2023