Understanding why some women experience undesired pregnancies while others do not
Official title: Undesired Pregnancies during the Transition to Adulthood
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-10845506 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at why some young women aged 18 to 19 end up with unexpected pregnancies, using interviews to understand the differences between what they want, what they plan, and what actually happens, with the goal of finding ways to help prevent these situations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $79,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R03HD110806-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10845506 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young women aged 18 to 19 who have experienced or are at risk of undesired pregnancies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are outside the age range of 18 to 19 or those who have no interest in pregnancy-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors contributing to undesired pregnancies among young women, specifically those aged 18 to 19. It employs a unique theoretical framework called the Traits-Desires-Intentions-Behavior (TDIB) framework to explore the gaps between women's pregnancy desires, intentions, and actual behaviors. The study utilizes a longitudinal approach, analyzing data from the Relationship Dynamics and Social Life (RDSL) study, which includes interviews with young women who have experienced both pregnancy and non-pregnancy. By examining these experiences, the research aims to uncover insights that could inform interventions to reduce undesired pregnancies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and strategies to help young women achieve their reproductive goals, thereby reducing the rates of undesired pregnancies.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been extensive research on pregnancy desires and behaviors, this specific approach using the TDIB framework and longitudinal interviews is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barber, Jennifer S. — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Barber, Jennifer S.
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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.