Exploring how neighborhoods affect substance use and mental health in urban youth

Who could benefit from this research

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.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Yale University
  New Haven, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Opara, Ijeoma — Yale University
• Study coordinator: Opara, Ijeoma

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya

  A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.

  NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11625516

• Native-led health research center to improve pain, substance use, and mental health

  A tribally owned clinical research center is being built to understand and improve chronic pain and related substance use and behavioral health issues in the Absentee Shawnee community.

  NIH research Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma · Shawnee, United States · NIH-11539109

• Improving PrEP and mental health/substance-use reach for Hispanic men through community-driven implementation

  A team at the University of Miami is collaborating with HIV organizations to describe and share real-world methods that help more Hispanic men access PrEP and mental health or substance-use care, with plans to spread successful approaches to other regions.

  NIH research University of Miami Coral Gables · Coral Gables, United States · NIH-11403951

• Bringing PrEP and mental health/substance-use services to Hispanic men through community partnerships

  This project works with local HIV organizations to spread practical ways to improve access to PrEP and mental health/substance-use care for Hispanic men.

  NIH research University of Miami Coral Gables · Coral Gables, United States · NIH-11389178

• Disrupting social risk factors to help parents in rural areas stay healthy

  A community program is being tested to help parents in rural Oregon avoid substance use problems and improve mental health by addressing social risks like employment and local supports.

  NIH research Chestnut Health Systems, INC. · Bloomington, United States · NIH-11385561

• How racism shapes teens' substance use, mental health, and contact with the legal system into young adulthood

  Researchers will re-contact teens who had juvenile legal involvement and their caregivers to track how experiences of racism relate to substance use, mental health, and later legal contact.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11381703

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.