Promoting health and well-being in African American adolescents
Can Family-Centered Prevention Programming Reduce Neuroimmune Vulnerabilities for Drug Use and Cardiometabolic Risk Among African American Adolescents? A Randomized Prevention Trial
This study is testing a program designed to help African American kids aged 10-13 and their families build resilience and improve health by strengthening family relationships and coping with stress.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 650 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Georgia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Athens, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05253235 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The Health and Resilience Project (HARP): Foundations aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Strong African American Families (SAAF) intervention in enhancing the health and resilience of African American adolescents aged 10-13 and their primary caregivers. Participants are randomly assigned to either the SAAF intervention or a control group, with assessments conducted at baseline and follow-up to measure vulnerability to substance use through a neuroimmune model of stress coping. The study seeks to understand how family relationships can mitigate the effects of stress on developing brains and overall health. By focusing on neuroimmune risk markers, the research aims to provide a rigorous evaluation of the SAAF program's impact over two years.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include African American youth aged 10-13 and their primary caregivers who live in the same household.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for MRI scanning or chronic illnesses that could affect inflammatory measures may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the risk of substance use and improve overall health outcomes for African American adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar interventions aimed at enhancing family dynamics and reducing substance use risk, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Youth: * Self reported African American or Black; * Age 10-13 Parents: * Primary caregiver for youth, * Resides in same household as youth. Exclusion Criteria: Youth : * Contraindications for MRI scanning (e.g., metal in body, traumatic brain injury, claustrophobia, pregnancy), * Youth with chronic illnesses or medication regimens that would affect inflammatory panels (e.g., diabetes, congenital heart disease, asthma, cancers). Parent: * Conditions (e.g., severe disability, psychoses) that would prevent participation in the SAAF intervention or completing self-report measures.
Where this trial is running
Athens, Georgia
- Center for Family Research — Athens, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gene H Brody, Ph.D. — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Heather Zuercher, MPH
- Email: zuercher@uga.edu
- Phone: 706-425-2992
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.