Farzana Kapadia
Farzana Kapadia
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Professor of Epidemiology
Director of Undergraduate Programs
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Professional overview
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Dr. Farzana Kapadia is Professor of Epidemiology and Population Health at the NYU School of Global Public Health and at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Population Health. Dr. Kapadia is also affiliated with the Institute of Human Development and Social Change and Population Center at NYU.
Dr. Kapadia has long standing research interests in understanding the social and structural drivers of HIV/STIs as well as sexual and reproductive health outcomes in underserved and marginalized populations. Dr. Kapadia has over 20 years of experience in the design, development, and implementation of observational studies and HIV/STI intervention and prevention trials in underserved and marginalized populations in urban settings, both in the US and in Africa (Ghana and Kenya).
Dr. Kapadia has a passion for teaching and mentoring. She teaches the core Epidemiology for in-coming MPH students and has also taught key epidemiology courses, including Intermediate Epidemiology and Outbreak Epidemiology at GPH as well as an HIV-related course at NYU London. The overarching goal of Dr. Kapadia’s teaching is to train students to become epidemiologists and public health practitioners who are critical and creative thinkers as well as champions and advocates for inclusive solutions to our local and global public health challenges.
In addition to her research and teaching responsibilities, Dr. Kapadia serves as the Deputy Editor for the American Journal of Public Health.
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Education
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BS, Biology and History, SUNY Binghamton, Binghamton, NYMPH, Community Public Health, New York University, New York, NYPhD, Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Honors and awards
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Excellence in Public Health Faculty Award, New York University (2012)Steinhardt Goddard Award (2011)Community Collaborative Award, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development (2009)Elected Member, American College of Epidemiology (2007)
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Areas of research and study
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Behavioral Determinants of HealthBehavioral ScienceEpidemiologyHIV/AIDSReproductive HealthSocial BehaviorsSocial Determinants of HealthSocial epidemiologySubstance Abuse
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Publications
Publications
Planned parenthood is health care, and health care must defend it : A call to action
AbstractSilver, D. R., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
107Issue
7Page(s)
1040-1041Abstract~Polarization, Partisanship, and Political Alignment Threaten Public Health : A Public Health of Consequence, October 2024
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
10Page(s)
974-976Abstract~Positive Development and Changes in Self-Rated Health Among Young Sexual Minority Males : The P18 Cohort Study
AbstractKapadia, F., Kapadia, F., D’Avanzo, P. A., Cook, S. H., Barton, S., Halkitis, S. N., & Halkitis, P. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Behavioral MedicineVolume
45Issue
4Page(s)
304-313AbstractWe seek to move beyond a deficits-based approach, which has dominated our understanding of health and wellbeing in in young sexual minority males (YSMM), by examining how indicators of positive development are associated with development of positive self-rated health in YSMM. Using data from a prospective cohort study of YSMM (n = 514; 18–22 years old; 36.9% Hispanic/Latino, 15.6% non-Hispanic Black, 30.2% White, 16.9% other/multi-racial), we examined how three measures of positive development–the Life Orientation Test, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Social Responsibility Scale (SRS) were associated with self-rated health (SRH), a valid and reliable measure of self-assessed general health status. Findings suggest that YSMM who self-identified as homosexual reported higher SRH while those who reported higher levels of substance use and mental health burdens reported lower SRH. Second, in linear growth models controlling for mental health burdens and substance use, higher scores on all measures of positive development were associated with higher ratings of SRH over time. In conclusion, the presence of positive development characteristics, specifically generalized optimism, life satisfaction and social responsibility, may buffer against negative SRH assessments. Health promotion programs focusing on positive development may more effectively promote health and well-being among YSMM.Predicting trajectories of substance use during emerging adulthood : Exploring the benefits of group-based trajectory modeling for zero-inflated outcomes
AbstractCook, S. H., Wood, E. P., Scott, M. A., Pierce, K. A., Kapadia, F., & Halkitis, P. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2020Journal title
TPM - Testing, Psychometrics, Methodology in Applied PsychologyVolume
27Issue
3Page(s)
291-311AbstractThe application of group-based trajectory analysis with a zero-inflation specification to understand adaptations in alcohol and marijuana use among sexual minorities during the emerging adulthood period is underutilized. We propose a series of four steps in the application of group-based trajectory analysis for outcomes that follow a zero-inflated distribution. In addition, using a longitudinal cohort study of emerging adult sexual minority men (n = 597) we provide an example of how to obtain group-based trajectory profiles of alcohol and marijuana use among emerging adult sexual minority men with a zeroinflated specification. In addition, we examined racial/ethnic differences in trajectory profiles. Findings suggest that there were five distinct alcohol and marijuana use trajectories that were reliably predicted by racial/ethnic identity for alcohol but not marijuana utilizing the zero-inflated specification. A summary of findings and concluding remarks related to the utility of this modeling technique are presented.Predictors and effects of alcohol use on liver function among young HCV-infected injection drug users in a behavioral intervention
AbstractDrumright, L. N., Hagan, H., Thomas, D. L., Latka, M. H., Golub, E. T., Garfein, R. S., Clapp, J. D., Campbell, J. V., Bonner, S., Kapadia, F., Thiel, T. K., & Strathdee, S. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2011Journal title
Journal of HepatologyVolume
55Issue
1Page(s)
45-52AbstractBackground & Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening can provide opportunities to reduce disease progression through counseling against alcohol use, but empirical data on this issue are sparse. We determined the efficacy of a behavioral intervention in reducing alcohol use among young, HCV-infected injection drug users (IDUs) (n = 355) and assessed whether changes in liver enzymes were associated with changes in alcohol consumption. Methods: Both the intervention and attention-control groups were counseled to avoid alcohol use, but the intervention group received enhanced counseling. Logistic regression, ANOVA, and continuous time Markov models were used to identify factors associated with alcohol use, changes in mean ALT and AST levels, and change in alcohol use post-intervention. Results: Six months post-intervention, alcohol abstinence increased 22.7% in both groups, with no difference by intervention arm. Transition from alcohol use to abstinence was associated with a decrease in liver enzymes, with a marginally greater decrease in the intervention group (p = 0.05 for ALT; p = 0.06 for AST). In multivariate Markov models, those who used marijuana transitioned from alcohol abstinence to consumption more rapidly than non-users (RR = 3.11); those who were homeless transitioned more slowly to alcohol abstinence (RR = 0.47); and those who had ever received a clinical diagnosis of liver disease transitioned more rapidly to abstinence (RR = 1.88). Conclusions: Although, behavioral counseling to reduce alcohol consumption among HCV-infected IDUs had a modest effect, reductions in alcohol consumption were associated with marked improvements in liver function. Interventions to reduce alcohol use among HCV-infected IDUs may benefit from being integrated into clinical care and monitoring of HCV infection.Predictors of Anal High-Risk HPV Infection Across Time in a Cohort of Young Adult Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women in New York City, 2015–2020
AbstractLoSchiavo, C., D’Avanzo, P. A., Emmert, C., Krause, K. D., Ompad, D. C., Kapadia, F., & Halkitis, P. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
American Journal of Men's HealthVolume
16Issue
4AbstractCisgender sexual minority men (SMM) and transgender women are disproportionately vulnerable to HPV-related anal cancer, but little is known about longitudinal predictors of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection in this population. As such, this analysis aims to identify factors associated with incident anal hrHPV infection in a diverse cohort of young SMM and transgender women. This study of HPV infection, nested within a larger cohort study, took place between October 2015 and January 2020. Participants completed a brief computer survey assessing HPV symptomatology, risk, and prevention alongside multi-site testing, in addition to biannual cohort study assessments. In the analytic sample of 137 participants, 31.6% tested positive for an anal hrHPV infection, with 27.0% and 29.9% testing positive for incident anal hrHPV infections at Visits 2 and 3, respectively. When adjusting for time between study visits, participants had significantly greater odds of incident anal hrHPV at Visit 2 if they had a concurrent HSV infection (AOR = 5.08 [1.43, 18.00]). At Visit 3, participants had significantly greater odds of incident anal hrHPV infection if they reported a greater number of sex partners in the previous month (AOR = 1.25 [1.03, 1.51]). Prevalence of cancer-causing HPV at baseline was high and many participants tested positive for additional types of anal hrHPV at subsequent visits. Risk for newly detected anal hrHPV infection was significantly associated with biological and behavioral factors. Our findings strongly indicate a need for programs to increase uptake of HPV vaccination and provide HPV-related health education for sexual and gender minorities.Preexposure prophylaxis : Adapting HIV prevention models to achieve worldwide access
AbstractLanders, S., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
107Issue
10Page(s)
1534-1535Abstract~PREVALENCE AND CORRELATES OF HIV-ASSOCIATED HEALTH BEHAVIORS IN A POPULATION-BASED SAMPLE OF PUERTO RICAN ADULTS, 2019
AbstractRivera-Castellar, G., Moore, B. E., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Ethnicity and DiseaseVolume
33Issue
1Page(s)
17-25AbstractIntroduction: High incidence and prevalence of HIV persist in Puerto Rico. To inform HIV prevention efforts, this study examines factors linked to HIV-associated behaviors in the territory. Methods: Using data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to explore factors related to HIV-associated behaviors. Results: Among Puerto Rican residents (n¼4446), 5.6% reported engaging in ≥1 HIV-associated behavior (past 12 months), and 39.2% had never been tested for HIV. Reporting HIV-associated behaviors was associated with male sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-2.33), higher household income (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.14-2.58), heavy alcohol use (aOR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.68-4.25), and ever receiving an HIV test (aOR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.40-2.86) in a multivariable model. Conversely, being married (aOR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.35-0.72), having a recent routine checkup (aOR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.32-0.72), and reporting 0 days of poor mental health (aOR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.45-0.81) were associated with decreased odds of engaging in HIV-associated behaviors. Conclusions: Future surveys should incorporate measures of social and structural determinants that would provide greater context for understanding behavioral factors associated with HIV vulnerability as well as for developing appropriate HIV interventions in Puerto Rico.Prevalence and correlates of indirect sharing practices among young adult injection drug users in five U.S. cities
AbstractThiede, H., Hagan, H., Campbell, J. V., Strathdee, S. A., Bailey, S. L., Hudson, S. M., Kapadia, F., & Garfein, R. S. (n.d.).Publication year
2007Journal title
Drug and alcohol dependenceVolume
91Issue
SUPPL. 1Page(s)
S39-S47AbstractBackground: Sharing of drug paraphernalia to prepare, measure and divide drugs for injection remains an important residual risk factor for hepatitis C and other blood-borne infections among injection drug users (IDUs) especially as sharing of syringes for injection decreases. Methods: We analyzed data from five U.S. cities to determine the prevalence and independent correlates of non-syringe paraphernalia-sharing (NSPS) and syringe-mediated drug-splitting (SMDS) among 15-30-year-old IDUs who reported not injecting with others' used syringes (receptive syringe-sharing, RSS). Results: NSPS was reported by 54% of IDUs who did not practice RSS and was independently associated (p < 0.05) with having ≥5 injection partners, injecting with sex partners or regular injection partners, injecting in shooting galleries, peers' sharing behaviors, lower self-efficacy for avoiding NSPS, and less knowledge of HIV and HCV transmission. SMDS was reported by 26% of IDUs who did not practice RSS, and was independently associated with having ≥5 injection partners, injecting in shooting galleries, and inversely associated with unknown HIV status. Conclusions: NSPS and SMDS were common among young adult IDUs. Increased efforts to prevent these risky practices should address social and environmental contexts of injection and incorporate knowledge and skills building, self-efficacy, and peer norms.Prosocial factors and self-rated health among young sexual minority males: the P18 Cohort Study
AbstractKapadia, F., D'Avanzo, P. A., Barton, S., Halkitis, S. N., & Halkitis, P. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
Journal of Adult DevelopmentAbstract~Protecting and Promoting Adolescent Health : A Public Health of Consequence, March 2023
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
113Issue
3Page(s)
249-250Abstract~Protecting Immigrant Children : A Public Health of Consequence, March 2024
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
3Page(s)
267-269Abstract~Psychometric analysis of the life worries scale for a new generation of sexual minority men : The P18 cohort study
AbstractHalkitis, P. N., Cook, S. H., Ristuccia, A., Despotoulis, J., Levy, M. D., Bates, F. C., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Journal title
Health PsychologyVolume
37Issue
1Page(s)
89-101AbstractObjective: Sexual minority men (SMM) in the United States continue to experience adverse health problems and psychosocial burdens. However, there is limited psychometric research seeking to quantify the life worries of this population. Informed by syndemic theory, the Life Worries Scale (LWS) was developed to measure the concerns of young SMM. Method: Analyses of the scale were undertaken using baseline data (n = 665) from an ongoing cohort study of emerging adult, SMM. Results: Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) of an initial set of 24 Likert-type items, followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and an exploratory structural equation model (ESEM), indicated a structure consisting of 6 domains of worries: financial stability, social stability, self esteem, loneliness, physical appearance, and physical health. These 6 subscales were highly correlated and also demonstrated high levels of internal consistency. Differences in life worries were noted across demographic states, specifically HIV serostatus, sexual attraction, housing status, and self-rated health. High levels of association were also detected between all 6 subscales with both depression and PTSD, while significant correlations were detected between suicidality and both self esteem and loneliness related worries. Conclusions: The results of our analyses provide evidence for the strong psychometric characteristics of the LWS. This newly developed instrument should be utilized in research to examine the extent to which life worries explain health outcomes and risk behaviors in sexual minority males, and may be potentially extended for use in other populations.Public Health Data of the People, by the People, for the People : A Public Health of Consequence, June 2023
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
113Issue
6Page(s)
618-619Abstract~Public Health Practice and Health Equity for Vulnerable Workers : A Public Health of Consequence, May 2023
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
113Issue
5Page(s)
480-481Abstract~Racial and ethnic disparities in "stop-and-frisk" experience among young sexual minority men in New York City
AbstractKhan, M. R., Kapadia, F., Geller, A. B., Mazumdar, M., Scheidell, J. D., Krause, K. D., Martino, R. J., Cleland, C. M., Dyer, T. V., Ompad, D. C., & Halkitis, P. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2021Journal title
PloS oneVolume
16Issue
8AbstractAlthough racial/ethnic disparities in police contact are well documented, less is known about other dimensions of inequity in policing. Sexual minority groups may face disproportionate police contact. We used data from the P18 Cohort Study (Version 2), a study conducted to measure determinants of inequity in STI/HIV risk among young sexual minority men (YSMM) in New York City, to measure across-time trends, racial/ethnic disparities, and correlates of self-reported stop-and-frisk experience over the cohort follow-up (2014-2019). Over the study period, 43% reported stop-and-frisk with higher levels reported among Black (47%) and Hispanic/Latinx (45%) than White (38%) participants. Stop-and-frisk levels declined over follow-up for each racial/ethnic group. The per capita rates among P18 participants calculated based on self-reported stop-and-frisk were much higher than rates calculated based on New York City Police Department official counts. We stratified respondents' ZIP codes of residence into tertiles of per capita stop rates and observed pronounced disparities in Black versus White stop-and-frisk rates, particularly in neighborhoods with low or moderate levels of stop-and-frisk activity. YSMM facing the greatest economic vulnerability and mental disorder symptoms were most likely to report stop-and-frisk. Among White respondents levels of past year stop-and-frisk were markedly higher among those who reported past 30 day marijuana use (41%) versus those reporting no use (17%) while among Black and Hispanic/Latinx respondents stop-and-frisk levels were comparable among those reporting marijuana use (38%) versus those reporting no use (31%). These findings suggest inequity in policing is observed not only among racial/ethnic but also sexual minority groups and that racial/ethnic YSMM, who are at the intersection of multiple minority statuses, face disproportionate risk. Because the most socially vulnerable experience disproportionate stop-and-frisk risk, we need to reach YSMM with community resources to promote health and wellbeing as an alternative to targeting this group with stressful and stigmatizing police exposure.Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Association between Arrest and Unprotected Anal Sex among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men : The P18 Cohort Study
AbstractOmpad, D. C., Kapadia, F., Bates, F. C., Blachman-Forshay, J., & Halkitis, P. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2015Journal title
Journal of Urban HealthVolume
92Issue
4Page(s)
717-732AbstractThis analysis aimed to determine whether the relationship between a history of arrest and unprotected anal sex (UAS) is the same for Black/Latino gay, bisexual, and other young men who have sex with men (YMSM) as compared to White/Asian/Pacific Islander (API) YMSM in New York City (NYC). Baseline audio-computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) and interviewer-administered survey data from a sample of 576 YMSM aged 18–19 years old who self-reported being HIV-negative were analyzed. Data included history of arrest and incarceration as well as UAS in the past 30 days. Race/ethnicity was an effect modifier of the association between arrest and UAS among YMSM: White/API YMSM with a lifetime arrest history were more than three times as likely to report UAS, and Black/Latino YMSM with a lifetime history of arrest were approximately 70 % less likely to report UAS as compared with White/API YMSM with no reported arrest history. Race/ethnicity may modify the relationship between arrest and sexual risk behavior because the etiology of arrest differs by race, as partially evidenced by racial/ethnic disparities in police stop, arrest, and incarceration rates in NYC. Arrest could not only be an indicator of risky behavior for White/API YMSM but also an indicator of discrimination for Black/Latino YMSM. Further research is needed to assess whether the differential associations observed here vis-à-vis race/ethnicity are robust across different populations and different health outcomes.Relationship cognitions and longitudinal trajectories of sexual risk behavior among young gay and bisexual men : The P18 cohort study
AbstractCook, S. H., Halkitis, P. N., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Journal title
Journal of health psychologyVolume
23Issue
14Page(s)
1884-1894AbstractThis study examines how romantic relationship cognitions are associated with changes of condomless anal sex among emerging adult gay and bisexual men. The sample was drawn from four waves of a prospective cohort study (N = 598; M age = 18.2). Results suggest that condomless anal sex increased over the emerging adulthood period. Romantic relationship fear was associated with increased receptive condomless anal sex. Perceptions of greater romantic relationship control increased the likelihood of having insertive and receptive condomless anal sex. Findings suggest that romantic relationship cognitions are important to consider when understanding longitudinal changes in condomless anal sex in this population.Relationship cognitions and longitudinal trajectories of sexual risk behavior among young gay and bisexual men: The P18 cohort study
AbstractKapadia, F., Cook, S. H., Halkitis, P. N., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
Journal of Health PsychologyAbstract~Reliability and Validity of a Material Resources Scale and Its Association With Depression Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men : The P18 Cohort Study
AbstractOmpad, D. C., Palamar, J. J., Krause, K. D., Kapadia, F., & Halkitis, P. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Journal title
American Journal of Men's HealthVolume
12Issue
5Page(s)
1384-1397AbstractSocioeconomic status (SES) is a fundamental cause of ill health, but an understudied determinant of health for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Surprisingly, few studies have examined the relations between poverty and depression among young MSM. The aims of this study were to determine the reliability and validity of an 18-item Family Resource Scale (FRS) as a measure of SES among YMSM and examine the relations between SES and depression, while taking into account factors associated with resilience or risk for poor mental health. Reliability of the SES scale was determined with Cronbach’s alpha. Validity was assessed with factor analysis and bivariable comparisons with other SES measures. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the relations between depressive symptomology (via the Beck Depression Inventory–II), SES, and gay-related psychosocial variables. In this racially/ethnically diverse sample (mean age = 21.8 years, 37.3% Hispanic/Latino, 30.5% White, 14.9% Black, and 17.0% other race/ethnicity), 70.8% reported incomes ≤ $10,000 and the mean FRS score was 4.1 (SD = 0.9, range 0-5). The FRS demonstrated reliability (α =.91) and criterion and construct validity. The Beck Depression Inventory–II rated 17.6% with depressive symptomology. Higher FRS scores were associated with a lower odds of depression (adjusted odds ratio = 0.58; 95% confidence interval = 0.46-0.74) in logistic regression models controlling for gay community affinity and internalized homophobia. This diverse sample of YMSM in New York City reported substantial financial hardship and those who were more gay-identified had fewer material resources. Fewer material resources and internalized homophobia were both associated with higher odds of depression.Reproductive Justice Matters : A Public Health of Consequence, August 2022
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
112Issue
8Page(s)
1107-1109Abstract~Resolving conflict
AbstractBalcazar, H., Northridge, M. E., Benjamin, G. C., Kapadia, F., & Hann, N. E. (n.d.).Publication year
2009Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
99Issue
3Page(s)
394-396Abstract~Response to : Fernández-Huerta et al. Re: Abbott et al., A Case of Rectal Ureaplasma Infection and Implications for Testing in Young Men Who Have Sex with Men: The P18 Cohort Study (From: Fernández-Huerta M, Serra-Pladevall J, Esperalba J, et al. LGBT Health 2020;7:119-120; DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2019.0211)
AbstractGreene, R. E., Abbott, C. E., Kapadia, F., & Halkitis, P. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2020Journal title
LGBT healthVolume
7Issue
2Page(s)
121Abstract~Risk factors for adult-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
AbstractRuiz, R., Achlatis, S., Verma, A., Born, H., Kapadia, F., Fang, Y., Pitman, M., Sulica, L., Branski, R. C., & Amin, M. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Journal title
LaryngoscopeVolume
124Issue
10Page(s)
2338-2344AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: To evaluate risk factors strongly associated with adult-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (AO-RRP). Study Design: Prospective, age- and sex-matched, case control. Methods: Patients with AO-RRP and controls completed a computer-based, 89-item questionnaire across three academic institutions. Results: Forty-eight AO-RRP patients were compared to 73 controls; 43 of the 48 AO-RRP patients were male (89.5%). The difference in the median number of lifetime sexual partners between AO-RRP (15) and controls (10) was significant (P = 0.0387). Additionally, an increased number of lifetime sexual partners (≥ 26) was associated with AO-RRP. No significant difference for the number of lifetime oral sex partners was observed between groups. Increased comorbidity, as quantified by the Charlson Comorbidity Index, was observed in patients with AO-RRP. AO-RRP and control groups were similar across many other variables, including birth history, smoking history, alcohol use, drug use, education, income, and the Short Form Health Survey scores. Conclusions: AO-RRP was not associated with previously proposed risk factors for juvenile-onset RRP and may be associated with an increased number of lifetime sexual partners.Safeguarding the Health of Mothers : A Public Health of Consequence, July 2024
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
7Page(s)
672-673Abstract~