ResearchProjects

Integrating Community Based Participatory Research and Machine Learning Methods to Predict Youth Substance Use Disorders for Urban Cities in New Jersey
Funded by: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Project dates: August 2023 - June 2025
Principal Investigator: Opara, Ijeoma
PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project built on a novel hypothesis that neighborhood characteristics can contribute to substance use disorders among urban youth of color. Using geospatial analysis and machine learning methods, this study attempted to aid prevention scientists to better predict and prevent substance use disorders among urban youth by identifying place-based factors.

This study attempted to serve as a guide for addiction researchers on how to work collaboratively with community members to avoid racial bias in predictive algorithms and to develop sustainable solutions that serve communities in an equitable way.

Abstract on NIH RePORTER