Family-centered programs to prevent drug use and health risks in African American adolescents

Research Project 2: Can Family-Centered Prevention Programming Reduce Neuroimmune Vulnerabilities for Drug Use and Health Risk among African American Adolescents?: A Randomized Prevention Trial

NIH-funded research University of Georgia · NIH-10886085

This study is looking at how family-focused programs can help African American teens stay healthy and avoid drug use by addressing challenges they face as they grow up, and it will see if joining programs like Strong African American Families makes a positive difference in their lives.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Georgia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Athens, United States)
Project IDNIH-10886085 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how family-centered prevention programs can help reduce vulnerabilities to drug use and health risks among African American adolescents. It focuses on the impact of social adversities on biological and behavioral systems during the transition to adulthood. By examining the effects of participation in programs like the Strong African American Families (SAAF), the research aims to understand how these interventions can modify neuroimmune responses and promote healthier behaviors. The study employs a randomized trial approach to assess the effectiveness of these programs in a real-world setting.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are African American adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are exposed to social adversities.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as African American or are outside the age range of 12 to 20 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective prevention strategies that reduce drug use and improve overall health outcomes for African American adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar family-centered approaches in improving health outcomes among youth, indicating potential for success in this research.

Where this research is happening

Athens, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.