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OBJECTIVE:To evaluate research participation experiences and preferences among Florida women likely eligible to participate in clinical research studies related to pregnancy and postpartum. STUDY DESIGN: Participants were 18 years or older, pregnant or had an infant, and lived in Florida within 50 miles of sites participating in the OneFlorida Clinical Research Consortium. April to September 2020, respondents took a Qualtrics survey about socio-demographics, prior experiences with research, and barriers/facilitators to participation. RESULTS: Of 533 respondents, most were between 25-34 years of age (n¼259, 49%), had a college degree (n¼250, 47%), and identified as White (n¼303, 47%) and non-Hispanic (n¼344, 65%). Among those reporting prior research participation (n¼129, 24%), over half participated in pregnancy-related research (n¼74, 60%). The most frequently investigated pregnancy topic was allergy and immunology (n¼37, 29%). The most common barriers to research participation were: study goals not well explained, discomforts to the infant, family concern, and time commitment. Participants preferred text (n¼303, 57%) or email (n¼296, 56%) as communication methods and only 19% preferred evening study visits. Recruitment through existing healthcare relations (i.e. physician) was perceived as the best way to learn about clinical research studies. In determining whether to participate, strong personal social ties (e.g. spouse) had greater importance than weak ties (e.g. neighbor/co-worker), with the most important voice being "myself." Human milk, saliva and urine were highly favorable in terms of biospecimen collection and more than half of participants had a positive response to releasing personal health information and participating in a randomized study. CONCLUSION: Women during pregnancy and postpartum were interested in clinical studies that require non-invasive biospecimen collection. Effective recruitment of women in perinatal studies should consider protocols that account for physical discomfort, communication style and time commitments.

IntroductionHerpes simplex virus (HSV) is the leading cause of genital lesions worldwide. The transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and human behaviour are intrinsically linked. A clear understanding of the characteristics that increase the risk of acquiring these infections is vital for STI control. European evidence lists large intracountry and intercountry differences in the epidemiology of genital herpes across EuropeMethodsRetrospective chart review, examining demographic, behavioural and diagnostic data of patients who attended a Cork STI clinic from 2011 to 2015 inclusive. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to study the epidemiological features of patients with a genital HSV infection (n=296) in comparison to a control group of patients with negative screen (n=307).ResultsFemales (OR3.942, P<0.001) and those aged between 25 to 30 years (OR: 8.397, P<0.001) had increased odds of acquiring genital HSV. Subjects of non-Irish ethnicity (P=0.032) and females who engaged in sexual intercourse younger than 17 years of age were more likely to present with the infection (OR: 7.427, P<0.01). Alcohol and drug use were not significant predicting factors of HSV infection. High number of sexual partners was not associated with increased risk of the infection. Consistent condom use was very low in all subjects.DiscussionPublic health campaigns directed at young people, especially those engaging in sexual activity at a young age and non-Irish ethnic groups, may be beneficial. Increased distribution of condoms to at risk age groups should be considered. It is relevant to public policy design that classic risk taking behaviours were not associated with increased risk of genital HSV infection.

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