Exploring how childhood experiences affect alcohol use in Latino teens
Official title: Administrative Supplement: Adverse childhood experiences and alcohol misuse in Latino adolescents
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11163129 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tough experiences in childhood might lead to drinking problems in Latino teens, and it wants to find out what helps or hurts this connection, so we can create better support for those who need it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $75,600 |
| NIH project number | 3K08AA029150-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163129 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Latino adolescents who have experienced adverse childhood experiences and are at risk for alcohol misuse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Latino or who have not experienced adverse childhood events may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and alcohol misuse among Latino adolescents. It aims to identify risk and protective factors that influence this relationship, focusing on the role of the HPA axis and hair cortisol levels. Additionally, the study will explore epigenetic mechanisms, specifically how DNA methylation in saliva may link ACEs to alcohol consumption behaviors. By understanding these factors, the research seeks to inform interventions that can help mitigate alcohol misuse in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted prevention strategies that reduce alcohol misuse among Latino adolescents who have experienced adverse childhood events.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of childhood experiences on substance use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhen-Duan, Jenny — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zhen-Duan, Jenny
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.