Health Research

The Social Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis (SPI) conducts human-centered research to support healthy individuals and thriving communities. Our research focuses on improving the effectiveness of healthcare delivery, influencing positive health outcomes, and decreasing healthcare costs, especially for the nation’s Medicaid population. Researchers also evaluate the healthcare impacts of COVID-19, particularly provider vaccine hesitancy and unmet needs of the Medicaid population during the height of the pandemic.

In addition, SPI believes thriving individuals need equal and plentiful access to food in order to lead healthy lives. In partnership with regional community organizations, food insecurity researchers evaluate best practices to increase food access to mothers and children.

Through research on healthcare delivery and food insecurity, the institute works to create health equity and help individuals lead flourishing and healthier lives. 

Our Health Initiatives

Response to COVID-19

Response to COVID-19

Research Agenda

These studies explore how COVID-19, the impacts on social needs and care, and how responses to the virus impacted these.

Latest Publications

COVID-19-Related Fear among Youth in Israel

July 31, 2023
Response to COVID-19
Abstract The present study sought to expand the now expansive research on COVID-19 by examining COVID-19-related fear among adolescents in Israel, focusing on demographic variables, COVID-19-related variables (e.g., exposure and vaccination), psychosocial variables (e.g., adolescent wellbeing and perceived social support), and technology usage (e.g., amount of time spent on social media). Data from parents were […]