How religious beliefs affect pregnancy-related behaviors in young adults
Multi-Dimensional Religiosity and Pregnancy-Related Behaviors during the Transition to Adulthood
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 ID | NIH-10845709 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults who are navigating their sexual health and may be influenced by their religious beliefs.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: Previous research has shown that religiosity can significantly impact sexual behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Bloomington, United States
- Trustees of Indiana University — Bloomington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barber, Jennifer S. — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Barber, Jennifer S.
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 below.