NIH-funded research R21 grant

Improving postpartum family planning services for better birth spacing

Official title: Promoting healthy interbirth intervals through post-partum reproductive health services

Funded at Emory University · NIH-10947840 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking to improve family planning services for new parents in Zambia, so they can space out their children safely and stay healthy, by talking to families and healthcare workers about what helps or gets in the way of using these services.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project startSeptember 20, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$390,963
NIH project number1R21HD116165-01
Project IDNIH-10947840 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include postpartum women and couples in Zambia who are seeking to space their births effectively.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not in the postpartum period or those who do not reside in Zambia may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance postpartum family planning (PPFP) services in Zambia to promote healthy birth intervals and reduce maternal and newborn health risks. The approach involves conducting interviews and focus groups with stakeholders, healthcare providers, and couples to identify barriers and facilitators to effective PPFP implementation. By understanding the needs and preferences of the community, the research will develop and pilot test targeted training and promotional strategies for healthcare providers. This initiative seeks to ensure that postpartum family planning is accessible and effective for families in Zambia.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved maternal and child health outcomes through better birth spacing and family planning services.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeted interventions in postpartum family planning can significantly improve service uptake and maternal health outcomes, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Emory University
    Atlanta, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wall, Kristin Marie — Emory University
  • Study coordinator: Wall, Kristin Marie

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.