Using friendship and celebrity messages to reduce substance use in Latinx young adults
Official title: ÚNETE: Combining Friendship Support Networks and Targeted Messaging from Celebrity Influencers to Reduce Latinx Substance Use Disparities
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10891732 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help young Latinx adults in South Florida make healthier choices about substance use by using support from friends and messages from celebrities to start important conversations about the risks of drug use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,074,500 |
| NIH project number | 5DP1DA058988-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891732 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are low-income, young adult Latinx individuals aged 19 to 30 who are at risk for substance use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Latinx or are outside the age range of 19 to 30 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to reduce substance use among young adult Latinx individuals by leveraging friendship support networks and messages from celebrity influencers. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial where participants will receive culturally tailored messages designed to spark conversations about the risks of drug use. The focus is on low-income Latinx individuals aged 19 to 30, particularly in South Florida, where they face significant health disparities. By combining social support with influential messaging, the research aims to create a supportive environment that encourages healthier choices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a significant reduction in substance use among young adult Latinx populations, improving their overall health and well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that combining social support with targeted messaging can effectively influence health behaviors, suggesting potential success for this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kanamori Nishimura, Mariano Juan — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Kanamori Nishimura, Mariano Juan
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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.