Gretchen Bandoli
· PhD, Associate Professor, Secondary AppointedVerifiedUniversity of California, San Diego · Climate and Environmental Sciences
Active 2010–2026
About
Gretchen Bandoli is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UC San Diego. Her research interests include pregnancy and early childhood determinants of health, with a focus on expanding methodology to characterize complex exposures across gestation, including substances such as alcohol and marijuana, as well as medications. She has been involved in multiple research projects funded by NIH, investigating topics such as parental alcohol and cannabis use before and during pregnancy, maternal and infant outcomes among pregnant women with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the impact of prenatal substance exposure on child development. Dr. Bandoli's work emphasizes understanding the effects of prenatal exposures on health outcomes and advancing analytical approaches in this field.
Research topics
- Medicine
- Obstetrics
- Psychotherapist
- Psychology
- Anesthesia
- Psychiatry
- Pediatrics
- Internal medicine
- Clinical psychology
Selected publications
Open MIND · 2026-01-01
articleSenior authorSupplementary Material 1.
Measuring Childhood Trauma among Adults in the Health and Retirement Study
medRxiv · 2026-02-02
articleOpen accessAbstract Background Early life social determinants of health, such as childhood trauma, have implication on adverse health outcomes later in the life course. Our objective was to develop a childhood trauma measure within the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) – a large, diverse, U.S.-based aging cohort. Methods Data from the HRS Psychosocial and Lifestyle Questionnaire [2006-2016] and Life History Survey [2015-2017]) surveys collected thirteen binary items measuring self-reported exposure to early life adversity across the two study questionnaires. Participants who completed both questionnaires and had exposure items available were included in the analyses. Frequencies and percentages for self-reported trauma items are presented for the study sample and by gender and race/ethnicity. Using complete cases, exploratory factor analyses followed by Mokken scale analyses were performed to evaluate the scalability of the childhood trauma items. Predictive criterion validity of the final domains was evaluated with general health and socioeconomic indicators at participant baseline. Results Among the sample with complete childhood trauma data available (n=9,340), most were women (60.7%), White/Non-Hispanic (73.2%), and had a high school/general education degree (54.0%). The most reported childhood traumas were paternal separation ≥6-months (22.8%), parental death (21.4%), sibling death (18.1%), and problematic parental substance use (17.5%). Two scales were formed based on factor analysis and scalability coefficients. The domain measuring disruption of family structure had strong scalability ( H T = 0.55) and included living in an orphanage, foster care, parents divorced/separated, ≥6-month from mother and/or father, and grandparents as primary caretakers. A second domain measuring adverse experiences of parent and/or sibling death had moderate scalability ( H T = 0.41). Parental substance abuse and physical abuse clustered together in a third domain with weak scalability ( H T = 0.39). Conclusions The early adversity items available in the HRS offer meaningful domains for which researchers can evaluate childhood trauma exposure in the context of aging outcomes in older adults. In particular, the family structure domain and parental/sibling death demonstrated moderate-to-strong scalability and may have important implications for health trajectories later in life.
Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus · 2026-02-01
articleDrug and Alcohol Dependence · 2026-02-28
articleOpen accessFigshare · 2026-01-01
otherOpen accessSenior authorAbstract Background Research has established Black-White low-risk cesarean delivery (CD) disparities; however, it is unknown how select structural factors are involved in this disparity and whether Biracial (Black/White) individuals face similar disparities. Our objective was to estimate the association of low-risk CD among Black, White and Biracial individuals, and determine whether these associations vary by neighborhood level racial and economic segregation. Methods Three hundred eighty-five thousand, eight hundred twenty-five nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex births among Black, White, and Biracial individuals in California (2011–2019) were included from a statewide administrative birth cohort of birth certificates linked to hospital records. We used a generalized estimating equation, Poisson regression stratified by Index of the Concentration of the Extremes (ICE) tertile to estimate risk ratios (RR) for low-risk CD across tertiles of racial and ethnic disparities. The Index of the Concentration at the Extremes (ICE; American Community Survey) is a measure of racial and economic segregation where ICE tertiles 1–3 rank census tracts from most to least impacted by inequality. Models were adjusted for maternal age at delivery. We also assessed the potential mediating roles of socioeconomic factors, maternal characteristics, and quality of care variables through regression-based mediation analyses. Results The risk of CD was greatest in Black individuals (30.71%), followed by Biracial (25.47%) and White (24.98%). In age adjusted models, Black individuals had a higher CD risk than White individuals across all tertiles, with similar estimates within racial and economic segregation tertile (aRRtertile1: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.36, aRRtertile2: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.30, 1.39, aRRtertile3: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.33, 1.47). Biracial individuals had a higher risk for CD than White individuals in all tertiles after age adjustment (aRRtertile1: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.22, aRRtertile2: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.27, aRRtertile3: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.29). Select socioeconomic factors and maternal characteristics were identified as mediators. Conclusions The low-risk CD disparity by race persisted across all ICE tertiles. Biracial individuals experienced a higher risk of CD than White, but not Black individuals suggesting that they may experience simultaneous health advantages and disadvantages relative to their monoracial counterparts.
Genetics in Medicine Open · 2026-01-01
articleOpen accessMethods: We piloted a centralized, collaborative approach within the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) beginning in April 2025 by transferring an initial cohort of 382 participants from their original clinical sites to UDN Central, a multidisciplinary resource aimed to improve efficiencies, sustain diagnostic efforts, and streamline participant communication.UDN Central assumed management of genomic reinterpretation, clinical reanalysis, participant communication, and identification of appropriate additional research strategies for each case.UDN Central is composed of physicians, genetic counselors, and staff within the UDN partnering with patient navigators-whose team includes nurses, nurse practitioners, and social workers-within the patient-led 501(c)(3) the Undiagnosed Diseases Network Foundation (UDNF).Cases enter a consult workflow staffed by a genetic counselor (0.6 FTE) and additional clinicians, which then triages cases to the UDN Central Consultation Committee.There, clinicians from across the network and outside experts provide input on diagnostic possibilities.Case review order is determined based on original site prioritization, participant-reported clinical changes, systematic reinterpretation initiatives, and automated data alerts (eg, ClinVar classification updates).UDNF patient navigators serve as points of contact for all participant communications.To support communication, a standardized wrap-up documentation process was developed for communication with participants after completion of the consult workflow, summarizing the multidisciplinary review process and clinical recommendations.To pilot alternative workflows, selected cases were sent directly to domain-specific clinicians rather than through the established consult workflow, allowing for targeted evaluation of further diagnostic needs.In parallel to the consult workflow, systematic reinterpretation initiatives identified cases for the application of novel technologies (eg, long-read genome sequencing (GS)).Results: Of 382 cases transferred to UDN Central, 340 remained actively assigned after reassignment and withdrawal.Since transfer, 107 participants engaged with patient navigation services.From April to October 2025, 46 consultation requests were submitted, with 36 completed and results reported.Among these 36 cases, outcomes included 4 confirmed diagnoses (11.1%), 8 likely diagnostic variants under further evaluation (22.2%), 5 research variants requiring additional investigation (13.9%), and 4 clinical candidates without identified genetic etiology (11.1%).Fifteen cases (41.7%) remain undiagnosed, including 9 (25.0%)referred for specialist evaluation.Overall, 25 of 36 cases (69.4%) were reassigned to clinical sites for additional workup, while 11 (30.6%)remain under review at UDN Central.To facilitate access to emerging technologies for cases not already in the consult workflow, 63 cases were identified for long-read GS and patient navigators informed participants of next steps.Alternative strategies outside the consult workflow trialed for reviewing cases increased case throughput but introduced duplicated coordination, limiting potential efficiency gains.Conclusion: Systematic, longitudinal re-review through a centralized, multidisciplinary, patient-partnered framework can significantly advance diagnoses for individuals with rare and undiagnosed conditions and meets participants' needs for comprehensive evaluation and ongoing communication.Importantly, diagnostic insights arise not only from new data generation but also from renewed interpretation of existing findings.For example, multidisciplinary expert collaboration enabled rapid reassessment of a PBX1 variant previously considered non-diagnostic, underscoring the importance of expertise and cross-site resources in advancing rare disease diagnoses.Structured, multidisciplinary collaboration and ongoing reinterpretation improve diagnostic outcomes for individuals with rare and undiagnosed diseases.Ongoing multidisciplinary collaboration and continued investment in the UDN approach remain critical to advancing rare disease diagnosis.
American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM · 2026-04-17
articleOpen accessSenior authorBACKGROUND: Women with intellectual disabilities have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions and behavioral risk factors, yet the extent to which these factors contribute to adverse maternal outcomes is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To identify and prioritize intervention targets to reduce severe maternal morbidity and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among women with intellectual disabilities. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a population-based cohort study linking 2007-2020 California birth and fetal death records with hospital discharge, emergency department, and ambulatory surgery data. Among 6,099,797 singleton births, including 1114 women with intellectual disabilities, we created a 1:30 matched cohort of women with and without intellectual disabilities, matched on age, birth year, race/ethnicity, payer type, participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, and maternal nativity. Intellectual disability and outcomes were identified from International Classification of Diseases codes at delivery. We used generalized linear modeling to estimate risk differences, risk ratios, and respective 95% confidence intervals for the association between intellectual disabilities and adverse maternal outcomes including severe maternal morbidity, preeclampsia, and gestational hypertension. We performed regression-based joint and single mediation analyses to assess the contribution of selected mediators to the association between intellectual disabilities and these adverse maternal outcomes. RESULTS: Women with intellectual disabilities were younger [26.8 (SD=5.9) vs 29.0 (SD=6.2) years] and more likely to be non-Hispanic Black (19% vs 5%), have public payer for delivery (82% vs 48%), participate in nutrition assistance (79% vs 50%), and be born in the US (92% vs 80%). In the adjusted matched analytic sample, women with intellectual disabilities (n=1107) were more likely to have inadequate prenatal care (40% vs 29%), substance use disorders during pregnancy (11%-16% vs 3%-6%) and mental health conditions (12%-16% vs 2%) compared to women without intellectual disabilities (n=33,174). Additionally, they were more likely to have chronic comorbidities including respiratory conditions (19% vs 6%), epilepsy (12% vs 1%), preexisting hypertension (7% vs 3%), preexisting diabetes (7% vs 1%), or hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism (4% vs 1%). Compared to those without intellectual disabilities, women with intellectual disabilities had an adjusted excess risk per 100 deliveries was 3.0 for severe maternal morbidity (95% CI: 1.8, 4.4), 7.8 for preeclampsia (95% CI: 5.8, 9.7), and 6.9 for gestational hypertension (95% CI: 4.8, 9.0). Corresponding adjusted risk ratio was 2.7 (95% CI: 2.1, 3.5) for severe maternal morbidity, 2.8 (95% CI: 2.3, 3.3) for preeclampsia, 2.0 (95% CI: 1.7, 2.3) for gestational hypertension. Jointly, all mediators with sufficient frequencies explained 29.1% (95% CI: 15.9, 50.3) of the association between intellectual disability and severe maternal morbidity, 37.6% (95% CI: 27.6, 52.0) for preeclampsia, and 25.4% (95% CI: 5.8, 47.8) for gestational hypertension. In single-mediator analyses, epilepsy accounted for the greatest proportion of the total effect for severe maternal morbidity (11%), preexisting hypertension was the strongest mediator for preeclampsia (16%), and anxiety showed the highest proportion mediated for gestational hypertension (21%). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic comorbidities and behavioral risk factors accounted for roughly one-quarter to one-third of the increased risks of severe maternal morbidity and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among women with intellectual disabilities. These findings highlight opportunities for targeted preconception and prenatal interventions to improve maternal health equity.
Figshare · 2026-01-01
articleOpen accessSenior authorSupplementary Material 1.
Figshare · 2026-01-01
otherOpen accessSenior authorAbstract Background Research has established Black-White low-risk cesarean delivery (CD) disparities; however, it is unknown how select structural factors are involved in this disparity and whether Biracial (Black/White) individuals face similar disparities. Our objective was to estimate the association of low-risk CD among Black, White and Biracial individuals, and determine whether these associations vary by neighborhood level racial and economic segregation. Methods Three hundred eighty-five thousand, eight hundred twenty-five nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex births among Black, White, and Biracial individuals in California (2011–2019) were included from a statewide administrative birth cohort of birth certificates linked to hospital records. We used a generalized estimating equation, Poisson regression stratified by Index of the Concentration of the Extremes (ICE) tertile to estimate risk ratios (RR) for low-risk CD across tertiles of racial and ethnic disparities. The Index of the Concentration at the Extremes (ICE; American Community Survey) is a measure of racial and economic segregation where ICE tertiles 1–3 rank census tracts from most to least impacted by inequality. Models were adjusted for maternal age at delivery. We also assessed the potential mediating roles of socioeconomic factors, maternal characteristics, and quality of care variables through regression-based mediation analyses. Results The risk of CD was greatest in Black individuals (30.71%), followed by Biracial (25.47%) and White (24.98%). In age adjusted models, Black individuals had a higher CD risk than White individuals across all tertiles, with similar estimates within racial and economic segregation tertile (aRRtertile1: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.36, aRRtertile2: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.30, 1.39, aRRtertile3: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.33, 1.47). Biracial individuals had a higher risk for CD than White individuals in all tertiles after age adjustment (aRRtertile1: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.22, aRRtertile2: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.27, aRRtertile3: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.29). Select socioeconomic factors and maternal characteristics were identified as mediators. Conclusions The low-risk CD disparity by race persisted across all ICE tertiles. Biracial individuals experienced a higher risk of CD than White, but not Black individuals suggesting that they may experience simultaneous health advantages and disadvantages relative to their monoracial counterparts.
medRxiv · 2025-11-28
preprintOpen accessSudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), the third leading cause of infant death, has increasing incidence and multifactorial etiology. Identification of preventative interventions has hitherto been hindered by etiologic studies limited to genetic or environmental effects in isolation. Here we report a multifactorial genome x environment analysis of SUID risk. Births in San Diego County California from 2005-2018 were linked to hospital discharge summaries and death files, yielding 212 SUID cases and 620,392 infants alive at age 1 year. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) identified probable and possible genetic etiologies in 16% and 48% of SUID cases, respectively. Genetic risks were extremely heterogeneous with 144 loci contributing 173 risks in 57% of SUID cases. Genetic risk was very strong (Prevalence Risk Ratio, PRR >99) or strong (PRR 3.7 - 99) in 12% and 34% of SUID cases, respectively. Six of sixteen significant environmental risks lost significance when SUID cases without strong or very strong genetic risk were compared with infants alive at age 1 year, while SUID risk associated with prenatal cannabis increased from adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 3.7 to 6.0, other substance abuse from aHR 2.6 to 3.5, and black race from aHR 1.9 to 2.5. Thus, genome x environment analysis of a large cohort unveiled etiologic heterogeneity and hidden SUID risks, highlighting cannabis and genetic diseases as strong risk factors. Since preventative or therapeutic interventions were available for 83% of genetic risks, newborn screening by WGS has potential for substantial SUID reduction. Educational campaigns for SUID should emphasize perinatal cannabis avoidance.
Recent grants
14/24 The Healthy Brain & Child Development National Consortium
NIH · $8.0M · 2021–2026
NIH · $527k · 2019–2025
Frequent coauthors
- 148 shared
Christina Chambers
University of California, San Diego
- 117 shared
Rebecca J. Baer
University of California, San Diego
- 35 shared
Mallory Owen
Universidad Católica Santo Domingo
- 35 shared
Stephen F. Kingsmore
Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego
- 32 shared
Yan Ding
Children’s Institute
- 32 shared
Elizabeth Kiernan
Children’s Institute
- 31 shared
Kevin Chau
Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego
- 31 shared
Serge Batalov
Children’s Institute
Education
- 2015
PhD, Epidemiology
UCLA Health
- 2011
MPH, Epidemiology
San Diego State University
- 2006
MBA, Finance
Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
- 2000
BA, Natural Sciences
Xavier University
Awards & honors
- UCSF 2016 - 2018 PTBi postdoctoral scholarship
- UCLA 2014 - 2015 Judith Blake memorial fellowship
- UCLA 2014 - 2015 Bixy doctoral fellowship award
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