Thank you for your interest in the COMBO Initiative!

THE COMBO INITIATIVE

The COMBO (Covid-19 Mother Baby Outcomes) Initiative started out of Columbia University Medical Center in 2020 to study the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant mothers and their infants. Since then, the COMBO Initiative has grown into a study of parents, caregivers and children, and how the bonds and connections they share can help a child grow.

Reach Out and Read and the COMBO Initiative are looking for families to help us learn more about how family bonds and connections help a child learn and grow.

We know that children are cared for by any number of adults: parents, grandparents, extended family, foster parents and more, and we are hoping for families of all types to join.

Want to know more? Hear from Dani Dumitriu, our lead researcher, and some of our current families about their time in the project.
(Parent Experience English)
(Researcher Video)
WHAT IT IS

This project is about 1 year long.

During this time, you (and other members of your family who might be willing) will be contacted up to 5 times to fill out surveys or take part in video calls.

  • Sometimes, you will fill out surveys about your health or your child’s health.
  • Other times, a team member will record as you and your child do things like read or play together.

    • Your personal information will be anonymous. These recordings will not be shared outside of the project setting.

    These calls and surveys will help the COMBO research team gather data about the role that bonds and connections between families and children have in the child’s growth and well-being.

    Each survey is different but could take up to 35 minutes to complete. Each video call will be from 15 minutes to 1 hour long. You do not have to do all surveys or video calls to join the project.

    MORE INFORMATION

    Compensation

    Depending on how many video calls you join, you could receive up to $400 for participating in the study.

    Sign up

    If you want to join the project or learn more about compensation or the types of surveys you’ll complete, please enter your contact information below and you will be called by a member of the COMBO team.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about the project, feel free to email COMBOnational@cumc.columbia.edu.