Investigating how neighborhood racism affects youth substance use and brain function
Official title: A mixed-method study to investigate the impact of neighborhood-level structural racism on neurocognition and substance use in adolescence
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10913562 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the neighborhoods where teens live can affect their choices about using drugs or alcohol and how their brains develop, aiming to help young people make healthier decisions by understanding the role of things like food, schools, and safe places to hang out.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $384,977 |
| NIH project number | 5R61DA058976-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913562 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 17 living in neighborhoods affected by structural racism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or those living in neighborhoods with equitable resources may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how structural racism in neighborhoods impacts the substance use behaviors and neurocognitive development of adolescents. By examining the environments where young people live, the study aims to understand how factors like access to healthy food, education, and safe spaces influence their decision-making and coping skills. The project will utilize both qualitative interviews and quantitative data collection to gather insights from middle and high school students aged 12 to 17. The findings could help identify critical areas for intervention to support healthier choices among youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for reducing substance use and enhancing cognitive development in adolescents from marginalized communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that social determinants of health significantly influence substance use outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez, Marybel Robledo — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez, Marybel Robledo
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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.