Understanding how community challenges affect alcohol use in Appalachian teens
Official title: Risk and resilience pathways linking community adversity, decision making, and alcohol misuse: A prospective study of Appalachian adolescents
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-10662291 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tough situations in rural West Virginia affect teens' drinking habits and how things like community support and caffeine might help them make better choices about alcohol.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $335,599 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA027241-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10662291 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 living in rural areas of West Virginia, particularly those facing community adversity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those not residing in the Appalachian region may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between community adversity and alcohol misuse among adolescents in rural West Virginia. It focuses on how decision-making processes and protective factors can influence alcohol consumption behaviors in this population. By examining the impact of caffeine use and community support systems, the study aims to identify ways to mitigate the risks associated with early alcohol use. Participants will be monitored over time to assess changes in their alcohol use patterns and decision-making skills.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that reduce alcohol misuse among adolescents in disadvantaged communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the social and environmental factors influencing adolescent behavior can lead to effective prevention strategies, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kristjansson, Alfgeir — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Kristjansson, Alfgeir
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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.