“In collaboration with Salimetrics, we explored the intersection of trauma, stress, and reproductive health among women with lifetime violence exposures in the U.S. Using a bio-psycho-social approach, our study found that both structural stressors, like everyday discrimination, and individual factors, including elevated cortisol and perceived stress, were associated with greater lifetime exposure to violence and higher risk of reproductive health complications. Importantly, stronger gender-equitable beliefs were linked to lower odds of health complications, highlighting the protective role of social and cultural factors. These findings underscore the need for trauma-informed care and policies that address both the biological and social drivers of health.” – Bushra Sabri, PhD
How Trauma, Stress, and Discrimination Shape Reproductive Health
Trauma, Stress, and Reproductive Health: A Bio-Psycho-Social Perspective on Violence Exposure in Immigrant Women
Sabri, B., & Granger, D. A. (2026). Research in Nursing & Health.
Research Highlights: The study found that everyday discrimination, elevated cortisol, and higher perceived stress were all associated with greater violence exposure and increased reproductive health complications. In contrast, stronger gender-equitable beliefs were linked to lower risk of health complications. These findings underscore the importance of trauma-informed care and the need to address both biological and social drivers of health.
Keywords: Trauma and violence exposure, Reproductive health, Cortisol, Stress, Immigrant women’s health, Health equity and discrimination
*Note: Salimetrics provides this information for research use only (RUO). Information is not provided to promote off-label use of medical devices. Please consult the full-text article.