How COVID-19 affects adolescent sexual health behaviors

Adolescent health behaviors in the time of COVID-19

NIH-funded research Center for Innovative Public Health Research · NIH-10884521

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCenter for Innovative Public Health Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Clemente, United States)
Project IDNIH-10884521 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 13-17 who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 13-17 or those not impacted by COVID-19 may not receive benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

San Clemente, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.