FIU-RCMI PI, Dr. Eric Wagner and ACE Project PIs, Dr. Matthew Sutherland and Dr. Elisa Trucco, were recently awarded an NIMHD Administrative Supplement. On September 23rd, 2020, they presented information on their application for an administrative supplement to study the impact of COVID-19-related experiences on mental health, substance use, and the brain among underrepresented youth. This presentation was provided to over 40 researchers virtually as part of FIU’s RCMI Research in Progress Seminar. The supplement is given based on existing grants only, therefore, it provides additional funds for supplemental work. These contributions allow the researchers to continue working on previous, as well as future projects. This additional supplement will be used in efforts to determine interrelations between individual characteristics (e.g. trauma), social influences (e.g. media exposure), and brain factors (e.g., amygdala, striatum) with substance use and mental health measures. This work leverages the ACE Project’s research infrastructure currently in place to delineate antecedents and consequences of e-cigarette use among a predominately Latinx participant sample. The longitudinal study will consist of different time periods (4 assessments over 9 months) to assess an adolescent and their caregiver’s experiences and characteristics that play a role in their mental health or substance use during the COVID19 pandemic using online surveys. Existing pre-pandemic data will also be used to assess changes specific to the pandemic.
Congratulations to our PIs for being granted the additional funds to complete this important study in hopes of better understanding how COVID-19 has impacted our South Florida community. The presentation can be viewed here.