RTI International to Conduct Health Communication Research for CDC on Birth Defects
Posted: 12-10-2008 : RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — As part of an effort to promote healthy births, researchers at RTI International will work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention to develop health communication research and social marketing campaigns.

RTI researchers were awarded a five-year contract to conduct several projects that will increase understanding of how to best deliver information about the prevention of birth defects and early detection of developmental disabilities.

The information will target various audiences including women and men of reproductive age, parents, early educators and health care providers.

"This research will contribute to our understanding of what information is most valuable to different people and how best to reach those audiences," said Lauren McCormack, Ph.D., director of RTI's Health Communication Program.

As part of the project, RTI researchers will work with the CDC to understand what various audiences know about behaviors that could help or harm the healthy development of babies and children.

The main research focus areas of the study include preconception health among women and couples and the prevention of birth defects such as fetal alcohol syndrome and cleft lip and palate. Other research areas being conducted include understanding perceptions about Down syndrome and learning what pregnant women could and would be willing to do to protect themselves and their families during pandemic flu.

RTI News Media Contacts
Email: news@rti.org
Lisa Bistreich: 919-316-3596
Patrick Gibbons: 919-541-6136

About RTI International
RTI International is one of the worlds leading research institutes, dedicated to improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. Our more than 3,800 professionals provide research and technical services to governments and businesses in more than 40 countries in the areas of health and pharmaceuticals, education and training, surveys and statistics, advanced technology, international development, economic and social policy, energy, and the environment. For more information, visit www.rti.org.