Efficacy testing of a family planning intervention to reduce unintended pregnancy
Official title: Efficacy Testing of a Multi-Level Intervention to Reduce Unintended Pregnancy
Funded at Boston College · NIH-11474349 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests a six-session couple-based program plus health system support to help parents space pregnancies safely, in Uganda and the U.S.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $224,560 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HD113806-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11474349 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants include women of reproductive age in communities with high unmet need for modern contraceptives and their partners who are willing to participate in joint dialogue sessions.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not seeking to delay or space pregnancies or who are unable to participate in couple-based sessions may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a concrete program called FH=FW that combines health system improvements with six couple-focused group sessions aimed at improving knowledge, partner communication, and contraceptive choice. It will be conducted as a cluster randomized trial in Uganda to see if the approach reduces unintended pregnancies and improves reproductive outcomes within two years, with lessons translated for use in the United States. The research team from Boston College will implement the intervention, measure outcomes, and analyze how cultural and relationship factors influence effectiveness. The study emphasizes real-world applicability in resource-limited settings and seeks to inform scalable family planning strategies for improving maternal-child health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce unintended pregnancies and maternal mortality by strengthening women’s ability to plan and space pregnancies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior similar approaches with couple-based counseling and health system support have shown promising results in improving contraceptive use, though this exact combination in these settings is being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sileo, Katelyn Mary — Boston College
- Study coordinator: Sileo, Katelyn Mary
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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.