Exploring how adolescents develop empowerment to improve reproductive health
Official title: Understanding developmental trajectories among early adolescents to improve reproductive health
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10784727 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how young teens in Kinshasa, aged 10 to 14, gain confidence and make choices about their health, so we can create better support programs for them as they grow up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 13, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $81,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R03HD110752-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10784727 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 10-14, particularly those living in urban settings similar to Kinshasa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 10-14 or those not living in similar socio-ecological environments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand how empowerment develops among early adolescents and how it affects their sexual and reproductive health behaviors. By analyzing data collected over four years from nearly 3,000 adolescents aged 10-14 in Kinshasa, the study will track changes in agency, which includes aspects like freedom of movement and decision-making. The findings will help create better health programs tailored to the needs of boys and girls as they transition into adulthood.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health programs that empower adolescents, ultimately enhancing their reproductive health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding developmental trajectories can significantly impact health interventions, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zimmerman, Linnea Ariel — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Zimmerman, Linnea Ariel
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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.