How COVID-19 affects adolescent sexual health behaviors
Official title: Adolescent health behaviors in the time of COVID-19
Funded at Center for Innovative Public Health Research · NIH-10884521 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the COVID-19 pandemic and safety measures have changed the way teens in the U.S. think about and take care of their sexual health, focusing on kids aged 13-17 to see what’s different about things like getting tested for STIs and using contraception during this time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Center for Innovative Public Health Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Clemente, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $713,989 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD106635-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884521 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 13-17 who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 13-17 or those not impacted by COVID-19 may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures on the sexual health behaviors of adolescents in the United States. It aims to understand how factors such as physical distancing, school closures, and access to sexual health services have influenced behaviors like STI testing and contraception use. By focusing on youth aged 13-17, the study seeks to identify both negative and positive changes in sexual health practices during this unprecedented time. The research will utilize surveys and interviews to gather data from adolescents about their experiences and behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved sexual health services and interventions tailored for adolescents during and after the pandemic.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on adult sexual health behaviors during COVID-19, this specific focus on adolescents is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Center for Innovative Public Health Research
San Clemente, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ybarra, Michele L. — Center for Innovative Public Health Research
- Study coordinator: Ybarra, Michele L.
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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.