Exploring how neighborhoods affect substance use and mental health in urban youth
Understanding the Role of Neighborhoods on Urban Youth's Substance Use and Mental Health: A Community-Based Substance Abuse Prevention Project
This study looks at how the neighborhoods where young people live in Paterson, New Jersey, affect their mental health and substance use, with the goal of finding new ways to help them based on their community's needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10914665 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of neighborhood characteristics on substance use and mental health among urban youth, particularly in Paterson, New Jersey, which has high rates of substance abuse. By examining the relationship between community environments and youth behaviors, the project aims to identify innovative prevention strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by these communities. The study will involve collecting data on substance use patterns, mental health symptoms, and neighborhood factors to develop effective interventions. The goal is to shift the focus from individual blame to understanding the broader systemic issues affecting youth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are urban youth aged 21 and under who are living in under-resourced neighborhoods and may be experiencing substance use or mental health challenges.
Not a fit: Patients who do not live in urban areas or who are over the age of 21 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective substance abuse prevention programs that address the specific needs of urban youth.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that community-based approaches can effectively reduce substance use and improve mental health outcomes in youth, indicating a promising direction for this project.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Opara, Ijeoma — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Opara, Ijeoma
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.