Improving contraception decisions for women with substance use disorders after childbirth
Official title: Improving Postpartum Contraceptive Decision-Making Among Women With Substance Use Disorders
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11601588 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-centered decision tool called MyPath aims to help postpartum women with substance use disorders choose and keep effective contraception after giving birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $284,337 |
| NIH project number | 6R01DA051674-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11601588 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Postpartum women with a current substance use disorder who are postpartum and exploring contraception options.
✕Less likely to help
Women without postpartum contraception needs or who are not seeking contraception during the postpartum period may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you are a new mother dealing with a substance use disorder, this study tests a decision-support tool designed to help you choose a postpartum contraception method that fits your needs. It will be tested through a large randomized trial with 350 participants, looking at method choice, continuation, and whether it prevents unintended pregnancies and short intervals between pregnancies over the first 18 months after birth. The researchers will measure how well the tool works in real-world clinics and how easily it can be implemented in standard care. The goal is to provide a practical, patient-centered option that supports safer reproductive planning during a vulnerable time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tool could improve postpartum contraception choices and reduce unintended pregnancies among women with substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that decision-support tools can influence contraceptive choices, but this study tests a new, patient-centered approach in a high-need population.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krans, Elizabeth E — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Krans, Elizabeth E
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Helping women with substance use disorders make better contraceptive choices after childbirth
This study is looking to help new moms with substance use disorders make better choices about birth control after having a baby by testing a helpful tool called MyPath, which aims to reduce unexpected pregnancies and support women in using effective contraceptive methods.
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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.