Using community insights and machine learning to predict substance use disorders in urban youth.
Official title: Integrating Community Based Participatory Research and Machine Learning Methods to Predict Youth Substance Use Disorders for Urban Cities in New Jersey
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10894235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to better understand and predict substance use issues among Black and Hispanic young people in urban New Jersey, especially in Paterson and East Orange, by working closely with the community to find out what challenges they face and using advanced technology to create helpful solutions just for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,172,500 |
| NIH project number | 5DP1DA058982-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894235 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black and Hispanic youth living in urban areas of New Jersey, particularly those in Paterson and East Orange.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of the targeted urban communities or those not belonging to the Black or Hispanic racial-ethnic groups may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and predicting substance use disorders among Black and Hispanic youth in urban areas of New Jersey, particularly in Paterson and East Orange. By employing a community-based participatory research approach, the project aims to engage local communities in identifying the unique challenges they face regarding substance use. The researchers will utilize machine learning methods to analyze data and uncover patterns that contribute to substance use, with the goal of developing targeted interventions. This approach recognizes that traditional methods may not be effective in marginalized communities and seeks to tailor solutions based on local needs and resources.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective prevention and intervention strategies for youth substance use disorders, ultimately improving health outcomes in urban communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using community-based approaches to address health disparities, indicating that this methodology is promising for tackling substance use disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Opara, Ijeoma — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Opara, Ijeoma
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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.