Understanding what raises or lowers suicide risk for Black young people
Risk and protective factors for Black youth suicide and suicidal ideation and behaviors
This project uses medical records and neighborhood information to find patterns linked to suicidal thoughts and behavior in Black young people aged 10–24.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194623 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your point of view, the team will examine past medical records from several New York City health systems and combine that information with neighborhood data about social connections and location. They will focus on Black young people aged 10–24 and look at medical history, neighborhood social integration, and geographic clustering of suicide and suicidal behavior. The researchers will use a large electronic health records database to include enough cases to study these relatively rare but serious outcomes. The aim is to produce findings that can help shape culturally sensitive prevention programs and policy for Black youth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Black young people aged 10–24 whose medical records are in participating New York City health systems, especially those with prior mental health visits or suicidal thoughts/behavior, are the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People who live outside New York City, are not Black, or do not have records in the included health systems may not be directly represented or benefit immediately from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better-targeted prevention programs and policies that reduce suicidal thoughts and behavior among Black youth.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown geographic clustering and links between social integration and suicide, but focused, large-scale work specifically on Black youth remains limited, making this approach relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xi, Wenna — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Xi, Wenna
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.