Structural racism and reward-based brain responses linked to substance use risk in Puerto Rican adolescents

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational pilot (R61) will enroll Puerto Rican adolescents aged about 11 to <15 who are children of the original Boricua Youth Study sample to test associations between indicators of structural racism and brain measures. Researchers will collect MRI/fMRI during reward-related decision-making tasks, plus questionnaires on belief in a just world and substance use risk indicators from adolescents and caregivers. Participants come from the mainland US (mostly New York) and Puerto Rico (mostly San Juan), and if pilot results show relationships, the project will expand into a larger R33 phase. Data collection focuses on brain structure, brain function during reward tasks, and survey-based measures of social context and substance use risk.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. The adolescent participant is a biological or non-biological child of a member of the original Boricua Youth Study (BYS) sample.
2. The adolescent is between the ages of 11 to 14.5 at the time of recruitment, and 11 to \<15 at the time of study participation.
3. If the parent/caregiver is not an original BYS member, they have provided a consent to contact form.
4. Parent/caregiver is between the ages of 18-64.5 at the time of recruitment and 18 to \<65 at the time of study participation

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Major neurological disorder (e.g. seizure disorder) or cognitive impairment (e.g., moderate to severe Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability)
2. Exclusion criteria for the MRI scan only: MRI contraindications (e.g., irremovable metal on the body, pacemaker, braces, etc.; pregnancy (while required by NYSPI).

Where it's running

• Columbia University Irving Medical Center
  New York, New York, United States Recruiting
• University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus
  San Juan, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Tamara J. Sussman, PhD — Columbia University
• Study coordinator: Tamara J. Sussman, PhD
• Email: Tamara.Sussman@nyspi.columbia.edu
• Phone: 646-774-6048

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.