The Influence of Religiosity and Spirituality on Health Risk Behaviors in Children and Adolescents (R01)

Purpose. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) calls for research studies that examine the mechanisms, mediators, and moderators by which religious and spiritual beliefs develop and are transmitted across generations, and whether and how these beliefs influence early sexual behaviors and alcohol or other drug use that may facilitate the transmission of HIV in children and adolescents. The focus of this FOA is on the positive and negative effects of religiosity and spirituality (henceforth referred to solely as religiosity ) on health risk behaviors in children and adolescents. There is an increasingly pluralistic religious landscape in the United States, which makes it important to consider the influences and impacts of beliefs and behaviors promulgated by numerous religions in the United States. Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the NIH Research Project Grant (R01) award mechanism and runs in parallel with FOAs of identical scientific scope, PA-06-402 and PA-06-403, that solicit applications under the Small Research Grant (R03) and the Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R21) award mechanisms, respectively. Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award will also vary. The total amount awarded and the number of awards will depend upon the mechanism numbers, quality, duration, and costs of the applications received. Eligible Institutions/Organizations. Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education; Private Institution of Higher Education; Nonprofit with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institution of Higher Education); Nonprofit without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institution of Higher Education); Small Business; For-Profit Organization (Other than Small Business); State Government; U.S. Territory or Possession; Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized); Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized); Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization; Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entity (Foreign Organization); Hispanic-serving Institution; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Regional Organization; Other(s): Eligible agencies of the Federal government; Faith-based or community based organizations.