Iowa State University

The Family and Community Health Study (FACHS) is an investigation of almost 900 African-American families, the largest in-depth study ever conducted of this community of families in the United States. Earlier research with African Americans has tended to focus on poor families and children living in disadvantaged areas of large cities. Such research often ignores the diversity of the African-American community and gives a limited and sometimes stereotypical view of this population group. The FACHS study attempts to remedy these limitations in earlier investigations by focusing on families from small towns and cities and on families that include the full spectrum of African-American economic experience, from the very poor to the upper middle class. In addition, the study seeks to evaluate the strengths and competencies of these families, in addition to the problem behaviors that too often have been the exclusive focus of earlier research. One-half of the families in the project live in Iowa while the other half resides in Georgia. The National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse support the project.

The study is concerned with the manner in which both family process and community characteristics influence child development and adult well-being. The neighborhoods being studied are located in small town and rural population centers. Some neighborhoods are relatively poor while others are quite affluent. The study focuses upon issues such as whether a strong family can protect a child from the risks associated with life in a disadvantaged community, or conversely, whether living in a strong community can protect children from the negative influence of family experiencing significant problems. In addition, the researchers are videotaping interactions between the primary caregivers and the children, and between the primary and secondary caregivers. The information is gathered in two sessions, usually in the participants' homes.  The study has already generated important information regarding the strengths of African-American families that help young people avoid problems and that promote competencies such as school achievement and positive social relationships. These findings provide a basis for the development of programs and policies that can enhance the well-being of African-American children and families.

A recent development is the addition of a genetic component to the investigation.  Genetic samples are currently being collected from both adults and children.  Gene X environment interactions and Gene-environment correlations will be investigated in the prediction of substance use, substance abuse, and major depressive disorder.