How religious beliefs affect pregnancy-related behaviors in young adults
Official title: Multi-Dimensional Religiosity and Pregnancy-Related Behaviors during the Transition to Adulthood
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-10845709 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how young people’s religious beliefs and practices affect their choices about sex and birth control, helping us understand how these factors might lead to unintended pregnancies, which could improve sexual health education and support for teens.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $78,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R03HD111815-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10845709 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults who are navigating their sexual health and may be influenced by their religious beliefs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or young adults, or those who do not engage with religious beliefs or practices, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between religiosity and pregnancy-related behaviors among adolescents and young adults. It utilizes a unique dataset that includes repeated weekly measures of sexual activity and contraceptive use, alongside detailed questions about religious beliefs and practices. By analyzing these factors, the study aims to understand how different dimensions of religiosity influence behaviors that can lead to unintended pregnancies. The findings could provide insights into the effectiveness of abstinence-based education and inform future sexual health interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help improve sexual health education and reduce unintended pregnancies among young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that religiosity can significantly impact sexual behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barber, Jennifer S. — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Barber, Jennifer S.
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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.