Charlotte

This research aims to evaluate how the Safe Dates for Young Parents (SDYP) program affects sexual and reproductive health behaviors, quality of life, and attitudes about intimate partner relationships in adolescents and young adults assigned female sex at birth who are pregnant or parenting. It focuses on whether the SDYP intervention impacts sexual behaviors, helps prevent or reduce intimate partner violence, and changes beliefs about healthy relationships during the study period. Participants assigned to the SDYP intervention will attend ten group sessions, each lasting 50 minutes. These sessions include interactive discussions, role-plays, games, brainstorming, analysis of scenarios, a poster contest, and a theatrical play. Researchers will compare outcomes between participants who receive the SDYP intervention and those in the control group who do not. During the study, participants will complete three interviews over one year to assess their sexual behaviors, attitudes, and experiences with intimate partner violence. The main outcome measured is condomless vaginal or anal sex at three and twelve months. The study will monitor changes in behaviors and beliefs related to sexual and reproductive health and relationship quality throughout the year.

Researchers are evaluating surgical and minimally invasive treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) by comparing Medicare patients who received the MILD procedure against those who had interspinous process decompression (IPD). The study focuses on outcomes such as the rate of harms related to the initial procedure and the frequency of additional surgical or minimally invasive interventions within 24 months after treatment. Enrollment includes patients treated from January 1, 2017, onward, with continuation until the sponsor decides to stop. The MILD procedure involves percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression, performed under fluoroscopy through a dorsal approach to partially remove tissue and bone at the affected spinal level. The control group receives the IPD procedure for LSS. Both groups are monitored for a 24-month period post-index procedure using Medicare claims data to track reoperations and any harms. Participants contribute data through Medicare claims without needing prior enrollment or consent, as the study is exempt from IRB oversight. Researchers collect and analyze information on procedure-related harms and subsequent interventions over two years. This approach allows evaluation of long-term safety and effectiveness outcomes for patients treated with either MILD or IPD.