USA College of Nursing Faculty Member Receives NIH K23 Award to Advance Research in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Care
Posted on January 29, 2026 by College of Nursing
The University of South Alabama College of Nursing has received a three-year National
Institutes of Health (NIH) award through the National Institute of Nursing Research
(NINR) to support research led by Sara Davis, PhD, RN, PCNS-BC, associate professor.
Davis was awarded a K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Career Development Award for her project, “Identifying Stressors and Barriers to Accessing Care for Children with Type 1 Diabetes.” The study will explore social and structural stressors that can make it harder for children with Type 1 diabetes to maintain blood sugar levels within recommended guidelines, even when medications and supplies are available.
This project will engage children with Type 1 diabetes and their parents or caregivers as key stakeholders through an advisory board to inform a mixed-methods study focused on identifying barriers to accessing and using community and healthcare resources. Findings will inform future intervention components aimed at reducing stress, improving access to resources, and supporting daily diabetes management and health outcomes.
“My goal is to improve the lives of children and their families living in our community. This project aims to reduce barriers to managing diabetes by developing community-based interventions that are informed by patients’ lived experiences,” said Davis.
“I am so proud of Dr. Sara Davis and the positive impact of her research on children with Type 1 diabetes and their families. This K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Career Development Award underscores the important research already conducted by Dr. Davis,” said Heather R. Hall, PhD, RN, NNP-BC, dean and professor for the USA College of Nursing.
Project Details
Funding period: September 11, 2025 – August 31, 2028
Total funded amount: $373,560
Funding agency: National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), NIH