Understanding risky sexual behaviors and their impacts
Official title: Innovative approaches to measuring and identifying risky sexual behaviors
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11125613 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into the different ways people might trade sex for things like money or drugs, both in real life and online, and it aims to create a helpful tool to better understand these situations and the risks involved, so we can learn more about how common this really is.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $662,582 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD115593-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125613 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from diverse backgrounds who may engage in or be affected by risky sexual behaviors, particularly those involved in sex trading.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not engage in or are not affected by risky sexual behaviors may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex issue of trading sex for compensation, such as money or drugs, particularly in the context of both in-person and virtual interactions. It aims to develop a comprehensive measurement tool that captures various aspects of sex trading behaviors, including the circumstances, risks, and protective factors involved. By validating this tool with diverse populations, the research seeks to provide a clearer understanding of the prevalence and characteristics of these behaviors, which may be more common than previously thought. The study will utilize a mixed-methods approach to gather detailed data and insights.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies and interventions aimed at reducing the risks associated with risky sexual behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that innovative measurement approaches can yield significant insights into sexual behaviors, suggesting that this study's methodology may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerassi, Lara — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Gerassi, Lara
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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.