Research Areas
- Developing and improving interventions for diabetes and pre-diabetes, and prostate cancer for Hispanic adults
- Utilizing biomarkers to identify inflammation risk that can lead to chronic diseases among Hispanics
Scientific Achievements
- Delivered a diabetes intervention to over 2,500 participants and the data is being used to develop a digital diabetes intervention for wider use.
- Expanding the UTEP biorepository and using the samples and social behavioral data to develop research questions and increase research opportunities.
Funding
- RCMI Funding: 2U54MD007592-30, G2U54MD007592-31A1 Behavioral Project
- Other funding obtained with RCMI support:
- National Alliance for Hispanic Health, (All of Us Juntos), Mi Hermana Latina Health
- Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas TREC (CPRIT), Prostate cancer screening behaviors among Hispanics
- Paso Del Norte Health Foundation, (Diabetes Prevention Program Intervention)
- Direct Relief, (EMPOWER – Intervention for anxiety and depression)
Scientific Advance
Exploring Socio-Behavioral Correlates of Metabolic and Inflammatory Risk in a University Sample Residing Along the U.S./Mexico Border: A Pilot Study Concomitantly Collecting Survey Data, Blood and Hair Samples, and Physical Measures. Published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(4), 647, 2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040647 PMCID: PMC12026700
This study explored the complicated relationships between socio-behavioral factors ( e.g., overall health, quality of life, physical health) that lead to increased rates of metabolic syndrome (e.g., diabetes, HbA1C) and chronic inflammation in Hispanics. Two hundred and twelve Hispanics, 153 female and 59 males, were included in the study. Analyses revealed that HbA1c was positively associated with age and negatively associated with overall health, quality of life, physical health, physical performance, social support, mother’s education, and father’s education. These findings are significant because they show the importance of social support and parental involvement in diabetes management. This study provides a powerful foundation for future research and the development of targeted interventions.
NIH/NIMHD U54CA280922, 2U54MD007592-30, G2U54MD007592-31A1
