How teenagers' sexual relationships change over time
Adolescent sexual relationships over time
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · NIH-11351753
This project looks at how public-health restrictions affect sexual behaviors and access to sexual health services for U.S. teens about 13–17 years old.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11351753 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I join, researchers will follow teens over time and ask about relationships, condom use, STI/HIV testing, contraception, and access to services like PrEP. They will also ask about mental health and substance use to see how these link with sexual behavior during and after public-health restrictions. The team will collect repeated surveys and related information to compare behavior and service access before, during, and after restriction periods. Results will be used to understand which groups of teens are most affected and why.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are U.S. adolescents (roughly ages 13–17) who can answer questions about their relationships and sexual health and are willing to complete surveys over time.
Not a fit: Children under 13, adults outside the study age range, or people living outside the study's recruitment area are unlikely to directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide ways to keep teens connected to sexual health services and reduce STIs and unintended pregnancy during future public-health crises.
How similar studies have performed: Studies in adults have shown major changes in sexual behavior during COVID-19, but research focused specifically on adolescents is newer and less conclusive.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NELSON, KIMBERLY M — BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
- Study coordinator: NELSON, KIMBERLY M
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus