IHA's Efforts Make an Impact in California and Beyond

The Institute for Health & Aging (IHA)'s work influences policies and programs at the local, state and national levels. Our research has influenced major health policy advancements, from tobacco control and Medicaid waivers to improved screening for cancer and regulations in nursing home care.

By informing and advocating for policies like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, IHA’s work continues to protect vital public health programs and improve the health and well-being of communities.

We address social and health disparities, impacting individuals and populations both within and beyond California through seven domains — Women’s Health, Aging and Lifespan Health, Health and the Arts, Equity Sciences, Health Economics and Health Policy, Mental Health and Substance Use and Health Workforce. 

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Featured Impacts

Enhancing Understanding of How Beliefs About Contraceptives and Infertility Impact Lives

A question about the belief that contraceptives cause infertility was added to the DHS questionnaire (wave 8), leading to additional data on barriers to contraception across countries. This focused research and action are crucial for increasing contraceptive use and reducing unmet needs in sub-Saharan Africa, paving the way for more effective interventions.

Contact: Erica Sedlander

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Research by: Erica Sedlander, DrPH, MPH

Sedlander's research identified the belief that contraceptives cause infertility as a major barrier to contraceptive use. Rather than broadly focusing on overall barriers and facilitators, she used mixed methods to understand and measure the impact of this belief on contraceptive use and found that it significantly reduced the odds of contraceptive use.

Research Highlights
  • Focused Research: Most research broadly examines “concerns about contraception.” Dr. Sedlander’s studies have specifically highlighted the belief that contraceptives cause infertility as a primary barrier.
  • Advocacy: Dr. Sedlander successfully advocated for adding a question to the Demographic Health Survey (DHS) questionnaire about the belief that contraceptives cause infertility. 
Impactful Publications:
  • Yarger, J., et al. (2023). Concern that contraception affects future fertility: How common is this concern among young people and does it stop them from using contraception? Contraception: X.
  • Sedlander, E., et al. (2022). If Fear of Infertility Restricts Contraception Use, What Drives this Fear? An Examination in Rural Ethiopia. Reproductive Health.
  • Sedlander, E., et al. (2021). Does believing that contraception use causes infertility affect contraception use? Findings from a sociocentric network study in rural Kenya. Studies in Family Planning.
  • Sedlander, E., et al. (2018). “They Destroy the Reproductive System:” Exploring the Belief that Modern Contraceptive Use Causes Infertility. Studies in Family Planning, 9(4), 345-365.

Over 780 interviews Coded for Cognitive Impairment Study

This milestone marks a significant step toward understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals of this population. The insights gained from this comprehensive analysis will inform public policy recommendations, research, community programs, and healthcare practices, ultimately aiming to enhance their well-being.

Contact: Elena Portacolone

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Project: Living Alone with Cognitive Impairment

The project team has successfully qualitatively coded over 780+ interviews and field notes, gathering vital data on the challenges faced by older adults living alone with cognitive impairment.

  • Number of Interviews Coded: 780+
  • Participant Demographics: Older adults living alone with cognitive impairment and their informants in California, Michigan, and Louisiana
  • Key Areas Analyzed: Barriers to services, priorities, influence of living arrangements, social isolation, loneliness, and medication management.
  • Coding Timeline: February 2024 - March 2025

Visit the project website for more information

Empowering Young Women in Kenya to Contribute to Sexual and Reproductive Health Research

The Future of Sexual and Reproductive Health Research (FOR) Kenya program, a partnership between Maseno University and the University of California San Francisco, hosted a workshop to equip young women from Maseno and the neighboring community with skills to address critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) research. The workshop enhanced trainees’ knowledge in SRH and qualitative research, and employability in local research organizations.

Contact: Lauren Suchman

a group of 17 young women and project staff stand in front of a Maseno University building on a suuny day. Next to them is a sign about the FOR program and partnership with UCSF.
Participants from the FOR Kenya program, including trainees, three MA students from Maseno School of Public Health, and project staff, gather at Maseno University, Kisumu Campus, in March 2024. They attended a workshop to learn how to analyze and share findings from pilot studies they completed as part of the FOR Kenya program. 

Project: Future of Sexual and Reproductive Health Research (FOR) Kenya Program Workshop

This workshop is an important step towards empowering young women in Kenya with the knowledge and skills to contribute to sexual and reproductive health research. The insights gained and connections made will shape future research, public policy, and community health initiatives, ultimately aiming to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes in Kenya.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Qualitative Analysis & Dissemination: Trainees learned how to analyze qualitative data and transform their findings into written reports for wider sharing.
  • Hands-On Experience: Participants worked in small groups to analyze their data and draft abstracts for conference submissions.
  • Mentorship Program: A mentorship and networking component helped participants build lasting, collaborative relationships.

Read the Maseno University article about the workshop.