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
Scarcity amidst abundance : challenges for public health.
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2010Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
100Issue
6Page(s)
973Abstract~School-Based Health Centers Are a Critical Component of Health Care for Children : A Public Health of Consequence, August 2024
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
8Page(s)
769-771Abstract~Screening for depressive symptoms among HCV-infected injection drug users : Examination of the utility of the CES-D and the Beck Depression Inventory
AbstractGolub, E. T., Latka, M., Hagan, H., Havens, J. R., Hudson, S. M., Kapadia, F., Campbell, J. V., Garfein, R. S., Thomas, D. L., & Strathdee, S. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2004Journal title
Journal of Urban HealthVolume
81Issue
2Page(s)
278-290AbstractThe prevalence of depression is high among injection drug users (IDUs) and among those infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Moreover, one of the drugs used in the standard treatment for HCV infection (interferon) has been known to exacerbate underlying psychiatric disorders such as depression and has been associated with the development of major depressive disorder among HCV-infected patients. For these reasons, the most recent National Institutes of Health consensus statement on the management of HCV infection recommends the identification and treatment of depression prior to the start of HCV treatment. This study aimed to examine the extent of current moderate/severe depressive symptoms in a cohort of HCV-infected IDUs as measured by two screening tools, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Subjects were participants in a multisite behavioral intervention trial among HCV-seropositive, human immunodeficiency virus-negative IDUs aged 18-35 years; the trial was designed to prevent secondary transmission of HCV and to enhance uptake of HCV treatment. Baseline data on demographics, risk behaviors, depression, alcohol use, and health care utilization were measured via audio computer-assisted self-interview. A factor analysis was conducted on each scale to examine the clustering of items used in each to measure depressive symptoms. Baseline depressive symptoms, as measured via the CES-D and the BDI, were also compared using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Of 193 HCV-infected individuals enrolled to date, 75.6% were male, and 65.3% were white. Median age was 25.8 years. Factor analyses revealed that these scales measured depression differently; a distinct somatic component was present in the BDI, but not the CES-D. Using cutoff scores of 23 for the CES-D and 19 for the BDI, 44.0% and 41.5% of the participants were identified as having moderate/severe depressive symptoms, respectively. Over half (56.0%) were identified as having depressive symptoms by either scale. However, there was only moderate agreement between the two scales (κ=0.46). Depressive symptoms were highly prevalent in this cohort of HCV-infected IDUs. Results indicated that both scales should be used in tandem to have the most sensitive detection of depressive symptoms, thereby maximizing the potential for HCV treatment success.Self-reported hepatitis C virus antibody status and risk behavior in young injectors
AbstractHagan, H., Campbell, J., Thiede, H., Strathdee, S., Ouellet, L., Kapadia, F., Hudson, S., & Garfein, R. S. (n.d.).Publication year
2006Journal title
Public Health ReportsVolume
121Issue
6Page(s)
710-719AbstractObjective. This study was conducted to assess the accuracy of self-reported hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody (anti-HCV) serostatus in injection drug users (IDUs), and examine whether self-reported anti-HCV serostatus was associated with recent injection risk behavior. Methods. In five U.S. cities (Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle), 3,004 IDUs from 15 to 30 years old were recruited for a baseline interview to determine eligibility for a randomized controlled trial of a behavioral intervention. HIV and HCV antibody testing were performed, and subject data (e.g., demographics, drug and sexual risk behavior, and history of HIV and HCV testing) were collected via audio computer-administered self-interview. Risk behavior during the previous three months was compared to self-reported anti-HCV serostatus. Results. Anti-HCV prevalence in this sample of young IDUs was 34.1%. Seventy-two percent of anti-HCV-positive and 46% of anti-HCV-negative IDUs in this sample were not aware of their HCV serostatus. Drug treatment or needle exchange use was associated with increased awareness of HCV serostatus. Anti-HCV-negative IDUs who knew their serostatus were less likely than those unaware of their status to inject with a syringe used by another IDU or to share cottons to filter drug solutions. Knowledge of one's positive anti-HCV status was not associated with safer injection practices. Conclusions. Few anti-HCV-positive IDUs in this study were aware of their serostatus. Expanded availability of HCV screening with high quality counseling is clearly needed for this population to promote the health of chronically HCV-infected IDUs and to decrease risk among injectors susceptible to acquiring or transmitting HCV.Sexual health screening among racially/ethnically diverse young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men
AbstractSiconolfi, D. E., Kapadia, F., Halkitis, P. N., Moeller, R. W., Storholm, E. D., Barton, S. C., Solomon, T. M., & Jones, D. (n.d.).Publication year
2013Journal title
Journal of Adolescent HealthVolume
52Issue
5Page(s)
620-626AbstractPurpose: Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a crucial element of improving health and reducing disparities, and young men who have sex with men (YMSM) face high rates of both STIs and human immunodeficiency virus. We examined sexual health screening among a diverse sample of adolescent YMSM living in New York City. Methods: Between 2009 and 2011, cross-sectional data were collected from 590 YMSM in New York City. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between sociodemographic, psychosocial, and health and healthcare related factors and two main outcomes: having sought a recent sexual health screening (past 6 months) and having a rectal sexual health screening (lifetime). Results: Overall, 46% reported a sexual health screening in the prior 6 months, but only 16% reported ever having a rectal screening for STIs. Rates were higher among ethnic minority YMSM and men who accessed care at clinics. Multivariable results indicated that gay community affiliation, recent unprotected anal sex, and number of lifetime male partners were also associated with seeking a recent screening. Conclusions: Though half of the sample reported recent general screening, rates of lifetime rectal screening are low. Efforts to increase screening may focus on improving provider knowledge and guideline adherence, and educating and encouraging YMSM to access sexual health check-ups.Sexual orientation and gender identity victimization among young adults in the New York City metropolitan area : The P18 cohort study
AbstractLoSchiavo, C., Halkitis, P. N., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender DiversityVolume
6Issue
4Page(s)
399-407AbstractSexual and gender minority populations are significantly more likely to experience verbal and physical victimization in young adulthood. These analyses examine the types, contexts, and sources of lifetime sexual orientation and gender identity victimization (SGV) in a diverse sample of sexual minority men (SMM) and transgender women as well as the extent to which experiences of SGV vary between subgroups of the population. Cross-sectional data were collected as part of a study of sexual health, mental health, and HIV examined through the lens of syndemic production in young SMM. Measures assessed sociodemographic characteristics as well as the types, sources, and contexts of physical assault and verbal harassment due to actual or perceived gender or sexuality. Verbal harassment was more prevalent in the sample than physical assault (44.5% vs. 11.6%). Schools or sports teams and neighborhoods were the most common contexts for verbal and physical SGV. Strangers were the most frequent perpetrators of SGV, followed by family and peers. Bivariate analyses showed significant differences in SGV based on race, education, perceived familial SES, sexual identity, and borough of residence. In multivariate analyses, race, SES, sexual identity, and borough of residence were significant predictors of verbal SGV. Findings suggest that SGV experiences are not uniform in sexual minority young adults, and thus prevention and care must be targeted. Understanding the multiple identities of sexual minority young adults who experience greater levels of victimization can allow for policy and interventions to best support those at risk.Sexualised drug use among sexual minority young adults in the United States : The P18 cohort study
AbstractRistuccia, A., LoSchiavo, C., Halkitis, P. N., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Journal title
International Journal of Drug PolicyVolume
55Page(s)
207-214AbstractBackground: Substance use and condomless sexual behaviours are both well studied in sexual minority men, but few researchers have used event-level data collection to examine sexualised drug use in sexual and gender minority young adults. The aim of this study is to describe the co-occurrence of sex under the influence of substances and condomless sexual behaviours, using nuanced event-level data, in a racially/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample in New York City. Methods: Data from one wave of a cohort of sexual and gender minority young adults who were assigned male at birth (n = 500) were used to characterise co-occurrence of sex under the influence of drugs and condomless sexual behaviours (oral receptive, anal insertive, and anal receptive sex), in the last 30 days. Logistic regression models were constructed to assess associations between sex while high and condomless sexual behaviours, controlling for sociodemographic factors. Results: Preliminary analyses indicated significant associations between engaging in sex while high and condomless sexual behaviours. In unadjusted regression models, sexualised and non-sexualised drug use were both significantly associated with increased odds of condomless sexual behaviours. In adjusted models, sexualised drug use remained significantly associated with condomless anal insertive sex (AOR = 3.57) and condomless anal receptive sex (AOR = 4.98). Having multiple sexual partners was also significantly associated with greater odds of condomless sexual activity in all three adjusted models. Conclusion: Multivariable analyses indicated that engaging in sex while high on any drug was associated with increased condomless sexual behaviour, but that sexualised drug use was associated with particularly elevated condomless anal sex. These findings provide insight for understanding the co-occurrence of substance use and condomless sex, and suggest a need for HIV/STI risk reduction strategies that address the role of sexualised drug use.SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH SYMPTOMS ACROSS ASIAN AMERICAN ETHNIC GROUPS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
AbstractIslam, J. Y., Awan, I., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
Ethnicity and DiseaseVolume
32Issue
2Page(s)
131-144AbstractBackground: To examine social engagement and mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic across Asian American (AA) ethnic groups. Methods: Data from three waves of the nationally representative COVID-19 Household Impact Survey (4/20/2020-6/8/2020) were used to describe social engagement and mental health symptoms during the pandemic. Associations between mental health and social engagement were assessed via multinomial logistic regression. Results: In this sample of 312 AAs (36.9% Chinese American, 30.9% South Asian American, 20.1% Filipino/Vietnamese American, and 12.0% Japanese/Korean American), daily communication with neighbors declined for Chinese, South Asian and Filipino/Vietnamese Americans but increased for Japanese/Korean Americans (P= .012) whereas communication with friends/family increased only for Filipino/Vietnamese, Japanese/Korean and South Asian Americans (PSocial Justice and Public Health : A Public Health of Consequence, April 2024
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
4Page(s)
364-365Abstract~Social Justice for Marginalized Communities
AbstractBorrell, L. N., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2021Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
111Issue
8Page(s)
1366Abstract~Social support as an effect modifier of the relationship between sexual violence and transactional sex among female, foreign migrants in Cape Town, South Africa
AbstractGiorgio, M., Townsend, L., Zembe, Y., Cheyip, M., Guttmacher, S., Kapadia, F., & Matthews, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
American Journal of Public HealthVolume
106Issue
6Abstract~Social support network characteristics and sexual risk taking among a racially/ethnically diverse sample of young, urban men who have sex with men
AbstractKapadia, F., Kapadia, F., Siconolfi, D. E., Barton, S., Olivieri, B., Lombardo, L., & Halkitis, P. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2013Journal title
AIDS and BehaviorVolume
17Issue
5Page(s)
1819-1828AbstractAssociations between social support network characteristics and sexual risk among racially/ethnically diverse young men who have sex with men (YMSM) were examined using egocentric network data from a prospective cohort study of YMSM (n = 501) recruited in New York City. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses examined associations between social support network characteristics and sexual risk taking behaviors in Black, Hispanic/Latino, and White YMSM. Bivariate analyses indicated key differences in network size, composition, communication frequency and average relationship duration by race/ethnicity. In multivariable analyses, controlling for individual level sociodemographic, psychosocial and relationship factors, having a sexual partner in one's social support network was associated with unprotected sexual behavior for both Hispanic/Latino (AOR = 3.90) and White YMSM (AOR = 4.93). Further examination of key network characteristics across racial/ethnic groups are warranted in order to better understand the extant mechanisms for provision of HIV prevention programming to racially/ethnically diverse YMSM at risk for HIV.Social support, sexual violence, and transactional sex among female transnational migrants to South Africa
AbstractGiorgio, M. M., Townsend, L., Zembe, Y., Guttmacher, S., Kapadia, F., Cheyip, M., & Mathews, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
106Issue
6Page(s)
1123-1129AbstractObjectives. To examine the relationship between sexual violence and transactional sex and assess the impact of social support on this relationship among female transnational migrants in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods. In 2012 we administered a behavioral risk factor survey using respondentdriven sampling to transnational migrant women aged between 16 and 39 years, born outside South Africa, living in Cape Town, and speaking English, Shona, Swahili, Lingala, Kirundi, Kinyarwanda, French, or Somali. Results. Controlling for study covariates, travel-phase sexual violence was positively associated with engagement in transactional sex (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] = 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07, 1.77), and social support was shown to be a protective factor (APR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.75, 0.95). The interaction of experienced sexual violence during migration and social support score was APR = 0.85 (95% CI = 0.66, 1.10). In the stratified analysis, we found an increased risk of transactional sex among the low social support group (APR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.22, 2.00). This relationship was not statistically significant among the moderateor high social support group (APR = 1.04; 95% CI = 0.58, 1.87). Conclusions. Programs designed to strengthen social support may reduce transactional sex among migrant women after they have settled in their receiving communities.Structural barriers to pre-exposure prophylaxis use among young sexual minority men : The P18 cohort study
AbstractJaiswal, J., Griffin, M., Singer, S. N., Greene, R. E., Acosta, I. L., Kaudeyr, S. K., Kapadia, F., & Halkitis, P. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Journal title
Current HIV ResearchVolume
16Issue
3Page(s)
237-249AbstractBackground: Despite decreasing rates of HIV among many populations, HIV-related health disparities among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men persist, with disproportional percentages of new HIV diagnoses among racial and ethnic minority men. Despite increasing awareness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), PrEP use remains low. In addition to exploring individual-level factors for this slow uptake, structural drivers of PrEP use must also be identified in order to maximize the effectiveness of biomedical HIV prevention strategies. Method: Using cross-sectional data from an ongoing cohort study of young sexual minority men (N=492), we examine the extent to which structural-level barriers, including access to health care, medication logistics, counseling support, and stigma are related to PrEP use. Results: While almost all participants indicated awareness of PrEP, only 14% had ever used PrEP. PrEP use was associated with lower concerns about health care access, particularly paying for PrEP. Those with greater concerns talking with their provider about their sexual behaviors were less likely to use PrEP. Conclusion: Paying for PrEP and talking to one’s provider about sexual behaviors are concerns for young sexual minority men. In particular, stigma from healthcare providers poses a significant barrier to PrEP use in this population. Providers need not only to increase their own awareness of and advocacy for PrEP as an effective risk-management strategy for HIV prevention, but also must work to create open and non-judgmental spaces in which patients can discuss sexual behaviors without the fear of stigma.Structural divers of PrEP use in urban sexual minority men: the P18 cohort study
AbstractJaiswal, J., Griffin-Tomas, M., Singer, S. N., Greene, R., Zambrano, I., Kaudeyr, S., Kapadia, F., & Halkitis, P. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Journal title
Current HIV ResearchAbstract~Structural Interventions That Reduce HIV Vulnerability : A Public Health of Consequence, June 2022
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
112Issue
6Page(s)
826-827Abstract~Structural Racism and Health Inequities : Moving From Evidence to Action
AbstractKapadia, F., & Borrell, L. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
113Issue
S1Page(s)
S6-S9Abstract~Structural Racism and Public Health
AbstractKapadia, F., & Borrell, L. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
113Issue
S1Page(s)
S4Abstract~Supporting Local Public Health Departments : A Public Health of Consequence, January 2022
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
112Issue
1Page(s)
12-13Abstract~Sustaining PrEP Prescriptions at a Safety-Net Hospital in New York City During COVID-19 : Lessons Learned
AbstractPitts, R. A., Ban, K., Greene, R. E., Kapadia, F., & Braithwaite, R. S. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
AIDS and BehaviorAbstractTo understand the impact of COVID-19-related disruptions on PrEP services, we reviewed PrEP prescriptions at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue from July 2019 through July 2021. PrEP prescriptions were examined as PrEP person-equivalents (PrEP PE) in order to account for the variable time of refill duration (i.e., 1–3 months). To assess “PrEP coverage”, we calculated PrEP medication possession ratios (MPR) while patients were under study observation. Pre-clinic closure, mean PrEP PE = 244.2 (IQR 189.2, 287.5; median = 252.5) were observed. Across levels of clinic closures, mean PrEP PE = 247.3, (IQR 215.5, 265.4; median = 219.9) during 100% clinic closure, 255.4 (IQR 224, 284.3; median = 249.0) during 80% closure, and 274.6 (IQR 273.0, 281.0; median = 277.2) during 50% closure were observed. Among patients continuously prescribed PrEP pre-COVID-19, the mean MPR mean declined from 83% (IQR 72–100%; median = 100%) to 63% (IQR 35–97%; median = 66%) after the onset of COVID-19. For patients newly initiated on PrEP after the onset of COVID-19, the mean MPR was 73% (IQR 41–100%; median = 100%). Our ability to sustain PrEP provisions, as measured by both PrEP PE and MPR, can likely be attributed to our pre-COVID-19 system for PrEP delivery, which emphasizes navigation, same-day initiation, and primary care integration. In the era of COVID-19 as well as future unforeseen healthcare disruptions, PrEP programs must be robust and flexible in order to sustain PrEP delivery.Teaching Epidemiology at the Undergraduate Level : Considerations and Approaches
AbstractGoldmann, E., Stark, J. H., Kapadia, F., & McQueen, M. B. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Journal title
American Journal of EpidemiologyVolume
187Issue
6Page(s)
1143-1148AbstractThe rapid growth in undergraduate public health education has offered training in epidemiology to an increasing number of undergraduate students. Epidemiology courses introduce undergraduate students to a population health perspective and provide opportunities for these students to build essential skills and competencies such as ethical reasoning, teamwork, comprehension of scientific methods, critical thinking, quantitative and information literacy, ability to analyze public health information, and effective writing and oral communication. Taking a varied approach and incorporating active learning and assessment strategies can help engage students in the material, improve comprehension of key concepts, and further develop key competencies. In this commentary, we present examples of how epidemiology may be taught in the undergraduate setting. Evaluation of these approaches and others would be a valuable next step.The 10 000 paper benchmark
AbstractMorabia, A., Costanza, M. C., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
108Issue
9Page(s)
1109Abstract~The female condom : Effectiveness and convenience, not "female control," valued by U.S. urban adolescents
AbstractLatka, M. H., Kapadia, F., & Fortin, P. (n.d.).Publication year
2008Journal title
AIDS Education and PreventionVolume
20Issue
2Page(s)
160-170AbstractData on adolescents' views regarding the female condom are limited. We conducted seven single-gender focus groups with 47 New York City boys and girls aged 15-20 years (72% African American; 43% ever on public assistance; 72% sexually active; 25% had either been pregnant or fathered a pregnancy). Conceptual mapping was performed by participants to reveal the characteristics of protective methods deemed important to them. During analysis we specifically evaluated how the female condom was mapped. Girls consistently organized methods by, and thus were concerned about, contraceptive effectiveness, side effects, and availability (over the counter vs. provider controlled). Participants tended to classify the female condom with the male condom rather than as "female controlled." Maps varied among boys but contraceptive effectiveness was an important theme. Boys, but not girls, consistently and variously articulated an awareness of sexual pleasurewhen discussing this topic. Emphasizing the female condom's contraceptive effectiveness, lack of side effects, and availabilitymay be important when counseling adolescents.The Future of the Public Health Data Dashboard
AbstractDasgupta, N., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
112Issue
6Page(s)
886-888Abstract~The Global Opioid Overdose Crisis
Abstractde Camargo, K. R., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
112Issue
S2Page(s)
S93Abstract~