Helping survivors of sexual trauma reduce alcohol use and improve sexual health
Official title: Reducing Alcohol Use and Sexual Dysfunction in Survivors of Sexual Trauma
Funded at Rhode Island Hospital · NIH-10833710 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a supportive program for college women who have faced sexual trauma and are dealing with issues related to drinking and sexual health, aiming to help them feel better and make safer choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $244,476 |
| NIH project number | 5R34AA028402-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10833710 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are college women with a history of sexual victimization who report heavy drinking and sexual distress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of sexual trauma or do not struggle with alcohol use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an intervention for college women who have experienced sexual trauma and struggle with alcohol misuse and sexual dysfunction. The approach combines evidence-based strategies to reduce alcohol consumption, address sex-related distress, and educate on sexual assault risk reduction. Through interviews and focus groups, the research aims to create a tailored program that meets the specific needs of this vulnerable population. The effectiveness of the intervention will be tested in a small trial to assess its impact on reducing alcohol use and improving sexual health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental and sexual health of survivors of sexual trauma by reducing alcohol use and associated distress.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research in related areas, this integrated approach targeting both alcohol use and sexual distress in trauma survivors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orchowski, Lindsay Marie — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Orchowski, Lindsay Marie
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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.