Office of Health Disparities Research

Addressing Health Disparities is Our Priority.

Minnesota

Health Disparities Research Projects

Impact of Patient Obesity on Patient-Centered Quality of Care

Researcher

Sean Phelan, Ph.D.

Summary

Determine whether obesity bias negatively affects the quality and content of communication between health care providers and obese patients, in collaboration with the University of Minnesota


Contributions to Racial Bias in Medical Student Judgment and Decision-Making

Researcher

Michele van Ryn, Ph.D.

Summary

Conduct an innovative, multi-measure longitudinal study of a national sample of medical students to examine the impact of individual and medical school factors on implicit and explicit racial bias in medical students’ judgments and decisions, in collaboration with the University of Minnesota


The Firstt Trial: Assessing Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Leiomyoma Therapies

Researcher

Elizabeth (Ebbie) A. Stewart, M.D.

Summary

Conduct a randomized clinical trial treating 220 women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas with AUE or MRgFUS and follow them for three years to: report comprehensive outcomes and predictors of outcome; quantitate and compare the ovarian impairment; and produce an economic analysis of UAE and MRgFUS treatment from a U.S. societal perspective


Community Intervention to Reduce Tobacco Use Among Pregnant Alaska Native Women

Researcher

Christi A. Patten, Ph.D.

Summary

Evaluate the efficacy of a novel, multicomponent, theory-based intervention for reducing tobacco use during pregnancy, incorporating both individually targeted and community-level components delivered by female elders “Native Sisters.”


Family Cancer Literacy to Promote Mammography Screening Among Navajo Women

Researcher

Christi A. Patten, Ph.D.

Summary

Assess the feasibility and potential efficacy of a cancer-literacy focused, family-based intervention on completion of mammography screening for Navajo women


Tobacco Cessation Treatment for Alaska Native Youth

Researcher

Christi A. Patten, Ph.D.

Summary

Develop a behavioral intervention for tobacco cessation that is culturally appropriate for youth residing in the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) Delta region of western Alaska


Biomarker Feedback to Motivate Tobacco Cessation in Pregnant Alaska Native Women

Researcher

Christi A. Patten, Ph.D.

Summary

Study the use of biomarker feedback on maternal and infant exposure to carcinogens to motivate cessation during pregnancy


Toward Interventions: Identifying Mediators Of Mammographic Screening Adherence In Higher Risk Native Women In A Minnesota Tribe

Researcher

Wesley O. Petersen, Ph.D.

Summary

Increase breast cancer screening participation in Bemidji area women


Healthy Immigrant Families: Working Together to Move More and to Eat Well

Researchers

Irene G. Sia, M.D.

Mark L. Wieland, M.D.

Summary

1) Develop a sustainable, socioculturally appropriate physical activity and nutrition intervention with and for immigrant and refugee families, and 2) evaluate the efficacy of the physical activity and nutrition intervention


Spirit of the Eagles Communities Network Program

Researcher

Judith Salmon Kaur, M.D.

Summary

1) Develop, implement and assess cancer education materials for patients and health care providers; recruit Alaska Indian/Alaska Native patients in clinical research studies to improve prevention methods, screening, treatment and supportive care; and 3) collaborate with NCI to promote culturally specific research and education


Angiogenesis in Myeloma and hematologic malignancies, Novel Therapy for Multiple Myeloma, Epidemiology and Prognosis of myeloma and related monoclonal gammopathies

Researcher

S. Vincent Rajkumar, M.D.

Summary

Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory research in myeloma and related disorders. Several clinical trials have been conducted on the treatment of myeloma, including two pivotal trials that led to regulatory approval of thalidomide for treatment of the disease in the United States and Europe. Dr. Rajkumar's laboratory interests are in the areas of angiogenesis and development of new agents for the treatment of myeloma.


Assessing Patient Experience in Cancer Care: an Observational Communication Study

Researcher

Jon C. Tilburt, M.D.

Summary

Assess the patient experience in cancer care by observing patients and their physicians in their clinical interactions and following them for several months to see how their care went. By describing in-depth the conversations and experiences of patients in these clinical interactions, this study will lay the foundation for practice-based interventions to optimize patients' interactions with their cancer care teams.


Decision Aids to Address Prostate Cancer Disparities in Minority Men

Researcher

Jon C. Tilburt, M.D.

Summary

Study decision aids as tools to reduce disparities in patient knowledge among white, African American and American Indian/Alaska Native patients, so that patients are ultimately in a better position to make the treatment choices that are right for them.


African American Women's Perceptions and Attitudes Regarding Participation in Medical Research: The Mayo Clinic/The Links, Incorporated Partnership

Researcher

Carmen Radecki Breitkopf, Ph.D.

Summary

Research focused on understanding and reducing disparities in health that may result from patient-related factors, including sociodemographics, English language proficiency, and cultural beliefs about health and disease. In particular, Dr. Radecki Breitkopf has studied psychological and behavioral aspects of cancer prevention among minority and vulnerable populations. In addition, she has an interest in studying issues related to decision-making surrounding participation in clinical research among groups that are frequently underrepresented in research, such as adolescents, women and minorities.

Dr. Radecki Breitkopf has expertise in the use of a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including semi-structured and structured interviews, focus groups and survey methodology. As a psychologist, Dr. Radecki Breitkopf is interested in the development and application of health behavior theories to understand, predict and modify behaviors associated with health promotion and disease prevention. The use of theory-based approaches to examine behavioral alternatives is a common thread in her work spanning cancer prevention, health disparities and research participation.


The FIRSST Trial: Assessing Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Leiomyoma Therapies

Researcher

Elizabeth (Ebbie) M. Stewart, M.D.

Summary

The FIRSTT trial (Fibroid Interventions: Reducing Symptoms Today and Tomorrow) is a randomized clinical trial treating 220 women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas with UAE or MRgFUS and following them for three years. This trial compares short- and long-term outcomes, adverse events, predictors of outcome, and costs of each treatment. The specific aims of this project are: 1) To report comprehensive outcomes and predictors of outcome following UAE and MRgFUS; 2) to quantitate and compare the ovarian impairment following UAE and MRgFUS; and 3) to produce an economic analysis of UAE and MRgFUS treatment from a U.S. societal perspective.

 

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