Harlem longitudinal study of urban black youth

This 22-year longitudinal study, begun in 1968, involved the collection of a broad array of data concerning physical, psychological, and social aspects of health among a representative community sample of urban African-American adolescents. More specifically, the study aimed to determine the extent and direction of change in health status among African-American adolescents and youth; to identify the health problems most subject to change; to examine the initiation porcess and prevalence of drug use among African-American adolescents; to assess the impact of possible mediating variables such as family background characteristics, role attainment, social influences and psychosocial attitudes on drug use; and to examine the ways in which drug use affects the expected sequence of health, growth, and development.

The community representative sample consisted o f668 African-American male (351) and female (317) participants ranging from 12 to 18 years of age, and residing in Central Harlem, New York City. The sample was gathered based on an area probability sampling of housing units in the designated area.

Data were collected in 1968-1970, 1975-1976, 1983-1984, and 1989-1990. During the 1983-1984 follow-up data collection empahasized patterns of nonmedical drug use and the effects of those patterns on subsequent health. Data collection during the 1989-1990 follow-up shifted focus to HIV-related issues, including knowledge of, attitudes toward HIV, and risk behaviors. A blood specimen was included in this wave of data collection.

Variables assessed included health (physical, psychophysical, & emotional, self-attitudes, aspirations, and expectations, & actual educational achievement); patterns of non-medical drug use; & HIV related issues.

The Murray Center has computer data available for three waves of data collection. The contributor will not allow the sample to be followed up by researchers affiliated with the Murray Center.