APHA's Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) section invites abstract submissions for socio-behavioral, epidemiological, health systems, health policy, and social justice research related to sexual and reproductive health. The section encourages abstracts that feature domestic and international perspectives. Case studies and demonstration projects that represent best practices and have been rigorously evaluated are also highly encouraged.

Abstracts dedicated to any and all aspects of sexual and reproductive health will be considered. When submitting an abstract, please identify it as falling into one of the following categories:

• Abortion
  
• Adolescent sexual and reproductive health
  
• Contraception
  
• Emerging reproductive health technologies
  
• Sexuality
  
• Other sexual and reproductive health topics
  

Preference will be given to abstracts that feature originality. Use of innovative approaches, potential impact on the field, clarity of presentation, reliance on high-quality scientific data, and potential level of interest to APHA 2017 meeting attendees will also be considered in the selection process.

Panel sessions:The SRH section welcomes the submission of proposals for pre-arranged panels. Pre-arranged panels should be composed of no less than three individual presentations. If you are interested in organizing a panel, please email Dr. Angel M. Foster at angel.foster@uottawa.ca with the proposed panel title, a brief (no more than one paragraph) description of the panel, the title of all presentations, and the name of the organizer and discussant (if applicable).  Please specify “APHA Panel” in the subject line of all emails related to pre-arranged panel submissions.

Individual presentations that are a part of a proposed pre-arranged panel must be submitted through the standard abstract submission process by the specified deadline. These abstracts will undergo peer review. Submission of a pre-arranged panel does not guarantee that all individual abstracts will be accepted.

Special sessions: If you are interested in proposing a special session (for example, a training, a key note speaker, or a reception/event) please email Dr. Angel M. Foster at angel.foster@uottawa.ca. Please specify “APHA Special Session” in the subject line of the email.

Attention public health students: The SRH section advocates for rising professionals in our field and seeks submissions from students and junior scholars for both oral and poster presentations. Student presenters will be invited to submit an application for a student travel grant to off-set the costs of attending the 2018 meeting. Best poster awards will be announced and presented at the annual meeting during the Monday SRH Section Award Reception. All poster authors are encouraged to attend.

Continuing education credit guidelines: APHA values the ability to provide continuing education credit to physicians, nurses, health educators, and those certified in public health at its annual meeting. Please complete all required information when submitting an abstract so members can claim credit for attending your session. These credits are necessary for members to keep their licenses and credentials. For a session to be eligible for continuing education credit, EVERY presenter, panelist, discussant, and/or faculty member must follow these guidelines:

1) Do not use trade names or commercial product names.

2) Include at least one measurable objective: Use ONLY the following measurable action verbs: Explain, Demonstrate, Analyze, Formulate, Discuss, Compare, Differentiate, Describe, Name, Assess, Evaluate, Identify, Design, Define or List.  Do not use (a) unmeasurable objectives such as “to understand” or “to learn” or (b) compound objectives.

3) Submit a signed conflict of interest disclose form with a relevant qualification statement (short biography).

Example of Acceptable Biographical Qualification Statement:
"I have been the principal or co-principal of multiple federally funded grants focusing on the epidemiology of drug abuse, HIV prevention and co-occurring mental and drug use disorders. Among my scientific interests has been the development of strategies for preventing HIV and STDs in out-of-treatment drug users."

4) Base your abstract on the best available science: All continuing education learning content must be of sound science or professional practice and serve to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills and professional competence of the health professional. Learning content should be evidence-based if available. A list of over 30 areas will be provided online for you to choose from. You will be asked to choose at least one or up to six areas that your presentation will address.

Thank you for your assistance in making your session credit worthy. Contact Annette Ferebee at annette.ferebee@apha.org if you have any questions concerning continuing education. For program questions, contact Dr. Angel M. Foster at angel.foster@uottawa.ca.

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Ready?

Program Planner Contact Information:

Angel M. Foster, DPhil, MD, AM
Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Ottawa
Somerville, MA 02144
Phone: 617-417-9974
angel.foster@uottawa.ca

and
Aline Gubrium, PhD
Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences
University of Massachusetts Amherst
715 N. Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01003
Phone: 413-552-9450
Fax: 413-545-1645
agubrium@schoolph.umass.edu

and
Wayne Shields
Association of Reproductive Health Professionals
1300 19th Street, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-466-3825
Fax: 202-466-3826
wshields@arhp.org