# Evidence-based sexual and reproductive health intervention using a multiphase optimization strategy

> **NIH NIH R00** · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · 2024 · $239,071

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Latina adolescents in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS/sexually-transmitted infections
(STIs) and other adverse consequences of risky sexual behavior. The home environment is recognized to
shape adolescents' health outcomes, but only one Latina mother-daughter sexual health program was
identified in the literature. IMARA (Informed, Motivated, Aware, and Responsible Adolescents and Adults) is an
evidence-based intervention for African American adolescent girls and their mothers, which is well-suited to be
adapted for Latinas. In a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Chicago, the program reduced the risk of new
STIs by 45% compared to the control group among 14-18-year-olds. In this K99/R00 award, I propose to
adapt IMARA to a Latina audience and pilot an optimization trial within community-based organizations
(CBOs) in Chicago, using the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST). MOST is a methodological
framework for developing an optimal intervention package by assessing the effectiveness of an intervention's
components prior to subjecting the intervention to an RCT. This grant focuses on the preparation phase of
MOST, using an implementation science (IS) approach and drawing on community-based participatory
research (CBPR) principles to pursue three specific aims: 1) adapt the intervention for Latinas by establishing
a community advisory board and engaging 12 mother-daughter dyads in 4 focus group discussions (K99
phase); 2) establish the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of the intervention components through
piloting among 24 new dyads (K99 phase); and 3) pilot an optimization trial of the adapted intervention among
92 new dyads and examine intervention component effects on risky sexual behavior (primary outcome) and
STI incidence (secondary outcome) (R00 phase). These research aims will allow me to build on my strong
research and publishing experience in adolescent health and capitalize on the expertise of my mentorship
team in sexual risk interventions for youth to achieve four training aims, to: 1) gain knowledge in CBPR
principles and their application; 2) develop expertise in IS theory/design and its application; 3) learn to employ
innovative research designs, analysis strategies, and frameworks for behavioral interventions, including MOST;
and 4) further my professional development to obtain a tenure-track faculty position prior to the R00 phase. I
will accomplish my training aims through meetings, directed readings, and conference/workshop attendance,
with support from my mentors (Primary Mentor: Geri Donenberg). Findings will form the basis of an R01
application for a fully-powered optimization trial to test intervention component impacts on STI incidence
among Latina adolescents. The long-term goal is to generate an efficient, sustainable adapted intervention with
potential for scale-up with CBOs serving Latinas. This K99/R00 award will give me a platform on which to
launch my career as an in...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10922850
- **Project number:** 5R00HD105490-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Katherine Gannett Merrill
- **Activity code:** R00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $239,071
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-08-11 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10922850

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10922850, Evidence-based sexual and reproductive health intervention using a multiphase optimization strategy (5R00HD105490-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10922850. Licensed CC0.

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