Official Title Mentoring to be Active: Peer Mentoring for Rural Appalachian Children to Reduce Overweight and Obesity

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to lower the rate of type 2 diabetes in rural Appalachia youth due to obesity and/or being overweight. Our long-term goal is to improve the health of underserved, high-risk youth.

This study will test the effectiveness of the Mentored Planning to be Active + Family on physical activity outcomes and health outcomes among rural Appalachian middle school aged youth suffering from either overweight or obesity.

We have local high school-aged teen mentors work closely with middle school youth to increase social support, self-efficacy, and self-regulation skills to sustain physical activity and improve health before the children enter high school.

The peer mentoring is followed by a 6-month family reinforcement program.

Some parents will provide child assessment data of perceived child physical activity behaviors and child health.

 

Could this study be right for you?

• Child has access to a computer or tablet device at home for virtual mentoring sessions/meetings
• Child suffers from overweight or obesity - does not need to be under the care of a health care professional for this condition
• Child and Parent able to participate read English at a 4th grade level. 
• Family not expected to move from rural Appalachia within the 18 months. 

Age Range

12 - 13

Official Title Couple Dynamics Surrounding Contraceptive Sterilization

Purpose

This study aims to understand people’s experiences with contraceptive sterilization (such as tubal ligations or vasectomies).
The purpose of this study is to better understand how adults decide to use sterilization as
their main form of birth control. By examining sterilization decisions, this study will
provide a better understanding of how individuals describe and explain their decision
making process.

In this study we are interested in learning how people discuss these decisions with their partner, as
well as everyday interactions with their partner, other forms of birth control, and attitudes
about gender more generally.

Could this study be right for you?

• Ages 21-55
• Have used tubal ligation or vasectomy as primary contraception, WITHIN the last five (5) years

Participants will be asked to answer a series of questions regarding their experience with sterilization. Interviews will be digitally recorded by audiotape and will remain confidential. The duration of the interview will last approximately one hour to one hour and thirty minutes.

Age Range

21 and up

Official Title A Randomized Trial of Pessary and Progesterone for Preterm Prevention in Twin Gestation with a Short Cervix (PROSPECT)

Purpose

The purpose of this research study is to determine if the use of a pessary or vaginal progesterone will reduce the likelihood of preterm delivery in mothers who are pregnant with twins who have a shortened cervix.

Studies have shown that women pregnant with twins are more likely to deliver their babies preterm (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) compared with women pregnant with only one baby. Babies born preterm have a greater chance of having serious, long-term health problems or dying. A short cervix is more common in women carrying twins. Women who have a short cervix are more likely to deliver their babies preterm. The best treatment for pregnant women with twins who have a short cervix is not known. Some studies have shown that placing a pessary around the cervix or using vaginal progesterone may help to prolong the pregnancy.

Could this study be right for you?

• Women who are pregnant with twins
• Are between 16-23 weeks 6 days gestation, based on clinical information and evaluation of the earliest ultrasound
• Vaginal progesterone NOT used during pregnancy OR discontinued prior to 14 weeks gestation

Age Range

18 and up