Exploring how family and community factors affect addictive behaviors in African American youth.
Research Project 3: Intergenerational Transmission of Neuroimmune Vulnerabilities for Addictive Behaviors among African American Youth: A Three Generation Study
This study looks at how challenges in life can affect the way young people in African American families, especially in Georgia, might develop habits like drug use and unhealthy eating, and it involves talking to families across three generations to understand these connections better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10886087 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the intergenerational transmission of vulnerabilities to addictive behaviors among African American families, particularly focusing on youth in resource-poor communities in Georgia. It examines how social adversity influences not only drug use but also unhealthy eating habits, which can be considered addictive behaviors. By utilizing a neuroimmune network model, the study aims to understand the complex interplay of familial and contextual factors that contribute to these vulnerabilities. The research involves families across three generations to gather comprehensive data on these influences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include African American families with children aged 0-11 and adults over 21 living in rural Georgia.
Not a fit: Patients who do not belong to the African American community or those living outside the targeted geographic area may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for addictive behaviors and related health issues in African American youth.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding the impact of social and familial factors on addictive behaviors, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
Athens, United States
- University of Georgia — Athens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ehrlich, Katherine Babcock — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Ehrlich, Katherine Babcock
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 below.