A family-based sexual and reproductive health program for Latina teens
Evidence-based sexual and reproductive health intervention using a multiphase optimization strategy
This project adapts a proven mother‑daughter sexual health program to help Latina teens and their mothers lower their risk of HIV and other STIs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181557 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will adapt IMARA, a program that reduced STIs in African American girls, so it fits Latina families in Chicago. They will form a community advisory board and run focus groups with about 12 mother‑daughter pairs to tailor the content. Next they will pilot different program components inside community-based organizations and use a multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) to find the most useful pieces. The approach emphasizes community input and practical delivery so families can use the final program.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Latina adolescent girls (roughly mid‑teens) together with their mothers or primary female caregivers in the Chicago area are the ideal participants.
Not a fit: Individual teens without a participating caregiver, males, people who are not Latina, or those living far from Chicago are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help Latina teens and their mothers communicate more about sexual health and reduce STI and HIV risk.
How similar studies have performed: A prior randomized trial of IMARA in African American girls cut new STIs by 45%, so this builds on proven work though adapting to Latinas is new.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merrill, Katherine Gannett — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Merrill, Katherine Gannett
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.