Prenatal birth-control education for couples
Official title: Couple-based prenatal contraceptive education program for families
Funded at University of Tennessee Knoxville · NIH-11194976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program gives pregnant people and their partners clear prenatal teaching to help them use contraception consistently after the baby is born.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Knoxville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $188,974 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD112736-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant people in the prenatal period and their partners who want help planning postpartum contraception and who can participate with a partner are the best fit.
✕Less likely to help
People who are not pregnant, are not able or willing to involve a partner, or who already have a decided and provided immediate postpartum contraception may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
You and your partner would be invited to prenatal sessions that explain birth-control options and how to use them after delivery. The program brings partners into the conversation and helps connect your family with practical supports like help paying bills, job training, and health care resources that can make it easier to stick with your contraceptive plan. Education is delivered before birth with follow-up support to help you put the plan into practice. The team works with couples to create a postpartum contraceptive plan that fits your needs and circumstances.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower unintended short-interval pregnancies and related risks like preterm birth and postpartum depression by increasing consistent postpartum contraceptive use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show prenatal contraceptive education can boost postpartum uptake, but couple-based programs that also address social and economic barriers are newer and less tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberson, Patricia N. E. — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Roberson, Patricia N. E.
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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.