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CDC conducts integrative research into preventing of HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and unintended pregnancy and promotion of health among women of reproductive age, their partners, and their children. In achieving this, our goals are to conduct research that is

• integrative of both discipline and subject matter;
• programmatically relevant;
• interventional;
• domestically and internationally relevant; and,
• inclusive of efforts in contraceptive technology that integrate disease prevention and behavioral change.

CDC conducts epidemiologic, clinical and behavioral studies that address four priority areas: women’s reproductive health, unintended pregnancy prevention, global reproductive health and maternal health:

Diaphragm and Microbicide Studies (United States and Africa)
This is a cluster of studies with three main objectives: (1) assessing the acceptability of diaphragms to high-risk women in sites in sub-Saharan Africa (Kenya and Madagascar); (2) assessing the safety of the diaphragm when used with a microbicide (3 sites in the United States); and (3) assessing the effect of diaphragm and microbicide use for 6 months on the acquisition of N. gonorrhoeae and/or C. trachomatis (Madagascar).

Maternal health and infant PMTCT of HIV Studies (Africa)
This is a cluster of studies that addresses the complex issues of HIV related maternal morbidity, mortality, and postnatal HIV transmission during breastfeeding and weaning in resource-poor countries (Malawi and Zambia). The overall objectives include assessment of mortality and morbidity among HIV-infected women; evaluation of interventions to reduce HIV transmission to infants exposed by breast milk; and assessment of early weaning as a risk-reduction strategy for infants of HIV-infected mothers.

Youth at Risk Studies (United States and International)
This is a cluster of studies and intervention programs that considers the individual, social, environmental and behavioral issues related to HIV/STD and unintended pregnancy risk among youth and young adult populations. The objectives of the studies include: (1) understanding communication and negotiation of barrier contraceptive use (2 sites in the United States); (2) understanding the interplay of individual, family and community factors on risk behavior; and (3) adapting or developing, implementing, and evaluating multi-component strategies for changing behavior. Upcoming interventions are planned that combine behavioral and clinical intervention strategies to address the dual protection (from pregnancy and disease) needs of youth.

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Page last reviewed: 2/2/09
Page last modified: 2/2/09
Content source: Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion