What is Talking Matters? 

Talking Matters is a health and wellness education research study for Black and African American youth in Philadelphia. We are enrolling about 400 Black and African American teens ages 14-19 years old to help us test a culturally tailored program that focuses on improving knowledge, skills, and communication around sexual health and relationships, mental health, and substance use. The program also focuses on building teens’ strength to improve their overall well-being. Half of the study participants will take part in the program, and half of the study participants will not. Who takes part in the program and who does not is decided by random selection. Random selection is like flipping a coin. 

How long will this study last?

This study is about three years long.  If you join the study, you will be asked to take 3 to 4 surveys over a period of about 6 months. After that, you may be asked to take part in a focus group in the third year. The study ends in June 2023. 

Where will this take place? 

Talking Matters is a hybrid study. All activities will take place either in person, over the phone, or on Zoom. 

Who can participate? 

We are recruiting Black and African American teens in Philadelphia who are 14 to 19 years old.

Will I get paid?

Yes, to thank you for your time, you will be paid after each study activity you take part in.  

Do my parents need to give permission? 

If you are under 18, we will need your parent or guardian’s written permission for you to take part in the study. We will give you the forms needed to do that before you can join the study.

Who is conducting the study?

This study is being conducted by the Research & Evaluation Group at Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC). This study is funded by the US Health & Human Services' Office of Population Health. Archana Bodas LaPollo, MPH  is in charge of this study. Archana is a Senior Project Director in the Research & Evaluation Group at PHMC and the Principal Investigator of the Talking Matters Study. Research & Evaluation Group is working with PHMC’s Philadelphia Area Sexual Health Initiative (PASHI). PASHI staff will be conducting the program that is being evaluated as part of this study. 

Check out R&E's website to meet our team and learn more about what we do!

These groups will also be involved in the study to help increase the reach of this study in Philadelphia: 
•    Mastery Charter Schools
•    Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Project (YO-ACAP)
•    Guiding Stars
•    One Bright Ray