Melody Goodman
Melody Goodman
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Dean, School of Global Public Health
Professor of Biostatistics
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Professional overview
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Dr. Melody S. Goodman is a biostatistician and research methodologist. Her work is anchored upon moving beyond defining problems and focuses on developing solutions using partner-engaged research approaches. Dr. Goodman’s research efforts seek to develop a more rigorous understanding of the social risk factors contributing to urban health outcomes. Her work aims to develop solutions for improving health in high-risk populations. She conducts translational research that bridges the gap between research and practice. Through rigorous attention to study design, measurement, and the use of cutting-edge statistical analysis methods, her contributions have spanned the areas of prevention, treatment, intervention, and policy.
Dr. Goodman led the team that developed and comprehensively evaluated the Research Engagement Survey Tool, a quantitative survey measure to assess the level of partner engagement in research studies from the non-academic partner perspective. With numerous funders supporting her work (e.g., National Institutes of Health, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Verizon Foundation, Long Island Community Foundation, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, and Susan G. Komen), she has published over 150 peer-reviewed journal articles and two books (2018 Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group): 1) Public Health Research Methods for Partnerships and Practice and 2) Biostatistics for Clinical and Public Health Research, which now has a second edition (2026 Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group). She is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association, New York Academy of Medicine, and the inaugural recipient of the Societal Impact Award from the Caucus for Women in Statistics.
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Education
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BS, Economics and Applied Mathematics & Statistics, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NYMS, Biostatistics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MAPhD, Biostatistics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
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Honors and awards
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Fellow, American Statistical Association (2021)Societal Impact Award, Caucus for Women in Statistics (2021)Network Builder Award, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Connections (2019)Siteman Cancer Center “Rock Doc” (2013)Satcher Health Leadership Institute - Morehouse School of Medicine, Community Health Leadership Institute Intensive Cohort II (2013)Women of the Year - Health, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. - Suffolk Chapter (2010)President’s Award for Teaching Excellence - Stony Brook University (2009)President’s Award for Excellence in Team Achievement - Stony Brook University (2008)
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Areas of research and study
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BiostatisticsCommunity HealthCommunity-based Participatory ResearchDissemination and Implementation of Evidence-based ProgramsQuantitative Research
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Publications
Publications
Enhanced family history-based algorithms increase the identification of individuals meeting criteria for genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes but would not reduce disparities on their own
AbstractBradshaw, R. L., Kawamoto, K., Bather, J. R., Goodman, M., Kohlmann, W. K., Chavez-Yenter, D., Volkmar, M., Monahan, R., Kaphingst, K. A., & Del Fiol, G. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Journal of Biomedical InformaticsVolume
149AbstractObjective: This study aimed to 1) investigate algorithm enhancements for identifying patients eligible for genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes using family history data from electronic health records (EHRs); and 2) assess their impact on relative differences across sex, race, ethnicity, and language preference. Materials and Methods: The study used EHR data from a tertiary academic medical center. A baseline rule-base algorithm, relying on structured family history data (structured data; SD), was enhanced using a natural language processing (NLP) component and a relaxed criteria algorithm (partial match [PM]). The identification rates and differences were analyzed considering sex, race, ethnicity, and language preference. Results: Among 120,007 patients aged 25–60, detection rate differences were found across all groups using the SD (all P < 0.001). Both enhancements increased identification rates; NLP led to a 1.9 % increase and the relaxed criteria algorithm (PM) led to an 18.5 % increase (both P < 0.001). Combining SD with NLP and PM yielded a 20.4 % increase (P < 0.001). Similar increases were observed within subgroups. Relative differences persisted across most categories for the enhanced algorithms, with disproportionately higher identification of patients who are White, Female, non-Hispanic, and whose preferred language is English. Conclusion: Algorithm enhancements increased identification rates for patients eligible for genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, and language preference. However, differences in identification rates persisted, emphasizing the need for additional strategies to reduce disparities such as addressing underlying biases in EHR family health information and selectively applying algorithm enhancements for disadvantaged populations. Systematic assessment of differences in algorithm performance across population subgroups should be incorporated into algorithm development processes.Evaluating ApoL1 Genetic Testing Policy Options for Transplant Centers : A Delphi Consensus Panel Project with Stakeholders
AbstractMcIntosh, T., Walsh, H., Baldwin, K., Iltis, A., Mohan, S., Sawinski, D., Goodman, M., & Dubois, J. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Clinical Journal of the American Society of NephrologyVolume
19Issue
4Page(s)
494-502AbstractBackgroundApolipoprotein L1 (ApoL1) variants G1 and G2 are associated with a higher risk of kidney disease. ApoL1 risk variants are predominantly seen in individuals with sub-Saharan African ancestry. In most transplant centers, potential organ donors are being selectively genetically tested for ApoL1 risk variants. Transplant programs have highly variable ApoL1 testing practices and need guidance on essential ApoL1 clinical policy questions.MethodsWe conducted a Delphi consensus panel focused on ApoL1 clinical policy questions, including who gets tested, who decides whether testing occurs, how test results are shared, who receives test results, and how test results are used. A total of 27 panelists across seven stakeholder groups participated: living kidney donors (n=4), deceased donor family members (n=3), recipients of a deceased donor kidney (n=4), recipients of a living donor kidney (n=4), nephrologists (n=4), transplant surgeons (n=4), and genetic counselors (n=4). Nineteen panelists (70%) identified as Black. The Delphi panel process involved two rounds of educational webinars and three rounds of surveys administered to panelists, who were asked to indicate whether they support, could live with, or oppose each policy option.ResultsThe panel reached consensus on one or more acceptable policy options for each clinical policy question; panelists supported 18 policy options and opposed 15. Key elements of consensus include the following: ask potential donors about African ancestry rather than race; make testing decisions only after discussion with donors; encourage disclosure of test results to blood relatives and organ recipients but do not require it; use test results to inform decision making, but never for unilateral decisions by transplant programs.ConclusionsThe panel generally supported policy options involving discussion and shared decision making among patients, donors, and family stakeholders. There was general opposition to unilateral decision making and prohibiting donation altogether.Increasing Interest in Data Literacy : The Quantitative Public Health Data Literacy Training Program
AbstractShah, J., Bather, J. R., Chen, Y., Kaul, S., Dias, J. J., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Journal of Statistics and Data Science EducationAbstractDue to the COVID-19 pandemic, the presentation of public health data to lay audiences has increased without most people having the knowledge to understand what these statistics mean. Recognizing that minoritized populations are deeply impacted by the pandemic and wanting to improve the racial representation in biostatistics we developed a training program aimed at increasing the data literacy of high school and college students from minoritized groups. The program introduced the basics of public health, data literacy, statistical software, descriptive statistics, and data ethics. The instructors taught eight synchronous sessions consisting of lectures and experiential group exercises. Five of the sessions were also offered asynchronously. Of the 209 students, 76% were college students; 90% identified as Black, Asian, or Latino/a/x; and the average age was 21 years. In synchronous sessions, 56% of students attended all sessions. All course sessions were rated as good/excellent by most ((Formula presented.)) students. The program recruited, engaged, and retained a large cohort ((Formula presented.)) of underrepresented students in biostatistics/data science for a virtual data literacy training. The program demonstrates the feasibility of developing and implementing public health training programs designed to increase racial and gender diversity in the field.Love after lockup : examining the role of marriage, social status, and financial stress among formerly incarcerated individuals
AbstractBather, J. R., McSorley, A. M., Rhodes-Bratton, B., Cuevas, A., Rouhani, S., Nafiu, R. T., Harris, A., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Health and JusticeVolume
12Issue
1AbstractBackground: Upon reintegration into society, formerly incarcerated individuals (FIIs) experience chronic financial stress due to prolonged unemployment, strained social relationships, and financial obligations. This study examined whether marriage and perceived social status can mitigate financial stress, which is deleterious to the well-being of FIIs. We also assessed whether sociodemographic factors influenced financial stress across marital status. We used cross-sectional data from 588 FIIs, collected in the 2023 Survey of Racism and Public Health. The financial stress outcome (Cronbach’s α = 0.86) comprised of five constructs: psychological distress, financial anxiety, job insecurity, life satisfaction, and financial well-being. Independent variables included marital and social status, age, race/ethnicity, gender identity, educational attainment, employment status, and number of dependents. Multivariable models tested whether financial stress levels differed by marital and perceived social status (individual and interaction effects). Stratified multivariable models assessed whether social status and sociodemographic associations varied by marital status. Results: We found that being married/living with a partner (M/LWP, b = -5.2) or having higher social status (b = -2.4) were protective against financial stress. Additionally, the social status effect was more protective among divorced, separated, or widowed participants (b = -2.5) compared to never married (NM, b = -2.2) and M/LWP (b = -1.7) participants. Lower financial stress correlated with Black race and older age, with the age effect being more pronounced among M/LWP participants (b = -9.7) compared to NM participants (b = -7.3). Higher financial stress was associated with woman gender identity (overall sample b = 2.9, NM sample b = 5.1), higher education (M/LWP sample b = 4.4), and having two or more dependents (overall sample b = 2.3, M/LWP sample b = 3.4). Conclusions: We provide novel insights into the interrelationship between marriage, perceived social status, and financial stress among FIIs. Our findings indicate the need for policies and programs which may target the family unit, and not only the individual, to help alleviate the financial burden of FIIs. Finally, programs that offer legal aid to assist in expungement or sealing of criminal records or those offering opportunities for community volunteer work in exchange for vouchers specific to legal debt among FIIs could serve to reduce financial stress and improve social standing.Lower social vulnerability is associated with a higher prevalence of social media-involved violent crimes in Prince George’s County, Maryland, 2018–2023
AbstractBather, J. R., Silver, D. R., Gill, B. P., Harris, A., Bae, J. Y., Parikh, N. S., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Injury EpidemiologyVolume
11Issue
1AbstractBackground: Social vulnerability may play a role in social media-involved crime, but few studies have investigated this issue. We investigated associations between social vulnerability and social media-involved violent crimes. Methods: We analyzed 22,801 violent crimes occurring between 2018 and 2023 in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Social media involvement was obtained from crime reports at the Prince George’s County Police Department. Social media application types included social networking, advertising/selling, ridesharing, dating, image/video hosting, mobile payment, instant messaging/Voice over Internet Protocol, and other. We used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Social Vulnerability Index to assess socioeconomic status (SES), household characteristics, racial and ethnic minority status, housing type and transportation, and overall vulnerability. Modified Poisson models estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) among the overall sample and stratified by crime type (assault and homicide, robbery, and sexual offense). Covariates included year and crime type. Results: Relative to high tertile areas, we observed a higher prevalence of social media-involved violent crimes in areas with low SES vulnerability (aPR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.37-2.43), low housing type and transportation vulnerability (aPR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.17-2.02), and low overall vulnerability (aPR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.23-2.17). Low SES vulnerability areas were significantly associated with higher prevalences of social media-involved assaults and homicides (aPR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.02-2.62), robberies (aPR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.28-3.12), and sexual offenses (aPR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.02-4.19) compared to high SES vulnerability areas. Low housing type and transportation vulnerability (vs. high) was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of social media-involved robberies (aPR: 1.54, 95% CI:1.01-2.37). Modified Poisson models also indicated that low overall vulnerability areas had higher prevalences of social media-involved robberies (aPR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.10-2.67) and sexual offenses (aPR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.05-4.39) than high overall vulnerability areas. Conclusions: We quantified the prevalence of social media-involved violent crimes across social vulnerability levels. These insights underscore the need for collecting incident-based social media involvement in crime reports among law enforcement agencies across the United States and internationally. Comprehensive data collection at the national and international levels provides the capacity to elucidate the relationships between neighborhoods, social media, and population health.National and Regional Trends in Police Pursuit Fatalities in the US
AbstractBather, J. R., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
JAMA network openVolume
7Issue
11Page(s)
e2446415Abstract~Racial and Ethnic Composition of Departments of Health Policy, Management, Education, and Behavioral Sciences
AbstractBather, J. R., Furr-Holden, D., Burke, E. M., Plepys, C. M., Gilbert, K. L., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Health Education and BehaviorAbstractThe diversity of racial/ethnic representation in the health services and policy research (HSPR) workforce plays a crucial role in addressing the health needs of underserved populations. We assessed changes (between 2012 and 2022) in the racial/ethnic composition of students and faculty from departments of Health Policy & Management (HPM) and Health Education & Behavioral Sciences (HEBS) among the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health member institutions. We analyzed annual data from over 40 institutions that reported student and faculty data in 2012 and 2022 within each department. Racial/ethnic populations included American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), Asian, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NH/PI), Black, White, Unknown, and Multiracial. We conducted analyses by department and examined racial/ethnic composition by student status, degree level, faculty rank, and tenure status. We found statistically significant increases in Black assistant professors (HPM and HEBS) and tenured faculty (HPM), Hispanic graduates and tenure-track faculty (HPM), Asian professors (HPM: full and tenured, HEBS: associate and tenured), and Multiracial students and graduates (HPM and HEBS). Statistically significant decreases were observed in White professors (HPM: assistant and full, HEBS: all ranks) and tenure-track faculty (HPM and HEBS), AI/AN associate professors and tenured faculty (HEBS), Hispanic associate professors (HPM), Asian assistant professors (HEBS), and NH/PI students (HPM and HEBS). Our findings highlight the importance of increasing racial/ethnic representation. Strategies to achieve this include facilitating workshops to raise awareness about the structural barriers encountered by Hispanic faculty, providing research support, evaluating promotion processes, establishing more pathway programs, and fostering interdisciplinary academic environments studying AI/AN or NH/PI populations.Racial Composition of Past and Current Social Environments and Health Literacy
AbstractBather, J. R., Liu, F., Goodman, M., & Kaphingst, K. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Health literacy research and practiceVolume
8Issue
3Page(s)
e130-e139AbstractBACKGROUND: Research is needed to understand the impact of social determinants of health on health literacy throughout the life course. This study examined how racial composition of multiple past and current social environments was related to adults' health literacy. METHODS: In this study, 546 adult patients at a primary care clinic in St. Louis, Missouri, completed a self-administered written questionnaire that assessed demographic characteristics and a verbally administered component that assessed health literacy with the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine - Revised (REALM-R) and Newest Vital Sign (NVS), and self-reported racial composition of six past and four current social environments. Multilevel logistic regression models were built to examine the relationships between racial composition of past and current social environments and health literacy. RESULTS: Most participants identified as Black or multiracial (61%), had a high school diploma or less (54%), and household incomeRacial Composition of Social Environments Over the Life Course Using the Pictorial Racial Composition Measure : Development and Validation Study
AbstractBather, J. R., Kaphingst, K. A., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
JMIR Public Health and SurveillanceVolume
10AbstractBackground: Studies investigating the impact of racial segregation on health have reported mixed findings and tended to focus on the racial composition of neighborhoods. These studies use varying racial composition measures, such as census data or investigator-adapted questions, which are currently limited to assessing one dimension of neighborhood racial composition. Objective: This study aims to develop and validate a novel racial segregation measure, the Pictorial Racial Composition Measure (PRCM). Methods: The PRCM is a 10-item questionnaire of pictures representing social environments across adolescence and adulthood: neighborhoods and blocks (adolescent and current), schools and classrooms (junior high and high school), workplace, and place of worship. Cognitive interviews (n=13) and surveys (N=549) were administered to medically underserved patients at a primary care clinic at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Development of the PRCM occurred across pilot and main phases. For each social environment and survey phase (pilot and main), we computed positive versus negative pairwise comparisons: mostly Black versus all other categories, half Black versus all other categories, and mostly White versus all other categories. We calculated the following validity metrics for each pairwise comparison: sensitivity, specificity, correct classification rate, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, false positive rate, and false negative rate. Results: For each social environment, the mostly Black and mostly White dichotomizations generated better validity metrics relative to the half Black dichotomization. Across all 10 social environments in the pilot and main phases, mostly Black and mostly White dichotomizations exhibited a moderate-to-high sensitivity, specificity, correct classification rate, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. The positive likelihood ratio values were >1, and the negative likelihood ratio values were close to 0. The false positive and negative rates were low to moderate. Conclusions: These findings support that using either the mostly Black versus other categories or the mostly White versus other categories dichotomizations may provide accurate and reliable measures of racial composition across the 10 social environments. The PRCM can serve as a uniform measure across disciplines, capture multiple social environments over the life course, and be administered during one study visit. The PRCM also provides an added window into understanding how structural racism has impacted minoritized communities and may inform equitable intervention and prevention efforts to improve lives.Racial segregation and genomics-related knowledge, self-efficacy, perceived importance, and communication among medically underserved patients
AbstractBather, J. R., Goodman, M., & Kaphingst, K. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Genetics in Medicine OpenVolume
2AbstractPurpose: There is limited research on the relationship between structural environmental factors and genomics-related knowledge, self-efficacy, perceived importance, and communication. We examined the potential impact of racial segregation on these genomics-related outcomes among medically underserved patients. Methods: We analyzed data from a sample of 546 patients recruited from a primary care clinic in St. Louis, Missouri. Multivariable models were used to examine associations between racial composition of social environments across the life course and genomics-related knowledge, self-efficacy, perceived importance, and communication. Results: Non-Hispanic White patients reporting multiple past White social environments had higher genetic knowledge than non-Hispanic White patients reporting one or no past White social environments (P = .021), Black patients reporting 1 or no past White social environments (P = .002), and Black patients reporting multiple past White social environments (P < .001). We also found that among those reporting multiple current White social environments, Black patients were more likely than non-Hispanic White patients to frequently communicate about family history with family (P = .003). Conclusion: These findings indicate that structural factors may affect understanding of genetic information and communication about family history among medically underserved patients. Targeted interventions may increase the use of genetic services among this population and reduce health inequities.Uptake of Cancer Genetic Services for Chatbot vs Standard-of-Care Delivery Models : The BRIDGE Randomized Clinical Trial
AbstractKaphingst, K. A., Kohlmann, W. K., Lorenz Chambers, R., Bather, J. R., Goodman, M., Bradshaw, R. L., Chavez-Yenter, D., Colonna, S. V., Espinel, W. F., Everett, J. N., Flynn, M., Gammon, A., Harris, A., Hess, R., Kaiser-Jackson, L., Lee, S., Monahan, R., Schiffman, J. D., Volkmar, M., … Buys, S. S. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
JAMA network openVolume
7Issue
9Page(s)
e2432143AbstractImportance: Increasing numbers of unaffected individuals could benefit from genetic evaluation for inherited cancer susceptibility. Automated conversational agents (ie, chatbots) are being developed for cancer genetics contexts; however, randomized comparisons with standard of care (SOC) are needed. Objective: To examine whether chatbot and SOC approaches are equivalent in completion of pretest cancer genetic services and genetic testing. Design, Setting, and Participants: This equivalence trial (Broadening the Reach, Impact, and Delivery of Genetic Services [BRIDGE] randomized clinical trial) was conducted between August 15, 2020, and August 31, 2023, at 2 US health care systems (University of Utah Health and NYU Langone Health). Participants were aged 25 to 60 years, had had a primary care visit in the previous 3 years, were eligible for cancer genetic evaluation, were English or Spanish speaking, had no prior cancer diagnosis other than nonmelanoma skin cancer, had no prior cancer genetic counseling or testing, and had an electronic patient portal account. Intervention: Participants were randomized 1:1 at the patient level to the study groups at each site. In the chatbot intervention group, patients were invited in a patient portal outreach message to complete a pretest genetics education chat. In the enhanced SOC control group, patients were invited to complete an SOC pretest appointment with a certified genetic counselor. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were completion of pretest cancer genetic services (ie, pretest genetics education chat or pretest genetic counseling appointment) and completion of genetic testing. Equivalence hypothesis testing was used to compare the study groups. Results: This study included 3073 patients (1554 in the chatbot group and 1519 in the enhanced SOC control group). Their mean (SD) age at outreach was 43.8 (9.9) years, and most (2233 of 3063 [72.9%]) were women. A total of 204 patients (7.3%) were Black, 317 (11.4%) were Latinx, and 2094 (75.0%) were White. The estimated percentage point difference for completion of pretest cancer genetic services between groups was 2.0 (95% CI, -1.1 to 5.0). The estimated percentage point difference for completion of genetic testing was -1.3 (95% CI, -3.7 to 1.1). Analyses suggested equivalence in the primary outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of the BRIDGE equivalence trial support the use of chatbot approaches to offer cancer genetic services. Chatbot tools can be a key component of sustainable and scalable population health management strategies to enhance access to cancer genetic services.Achieving the Health Equity Agenda Through Transformative Community-Engaged Strategies
AbstractGilbert, K. L., Shaw, M., Siddiqi, A., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Preventing Chronic DiseaseVolume
20Abstract~Attitudes and beliefs regarding race-targeted genetic testing of Black people : A systematic review
AbstractIltis, A. S., Rolf, L., Yaeger, L., Goodman, M., & DuBois, J. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Journal of Genetic CounselingVolume
32Issue
2Page(s)
435-461AbstractGeographical ancestry has been associated with an increased risk of various genetic conditions. Race and ethnicity often have been used as proxies for geographical ancestry. Despite numerous problems associated with the crude reliance on race and ethnicity as proxies for geographical ancestry, some genetic testing in the clinical, research, and employment settings has been and continues to be race- or ethnicity-based. Race-based or race-targeted genetic testing refers to genetic testing offered only or primarily to people of particular racial or ethnic groups because of presumed differences among groups. One current example is APOL1 testing of Black kidney donors. Race-based genetic testing raises numerous ethical and policy questions. Given the ongoing reliance on the Black race in genetic testing, it is important to understand the views of people who identify as Black or are identified as Black (including African American, Afro-Caribbean, and Hispanic Black) regarding race-based genetic testing that targets Black people because of their race. We conducted a systematic review of studies and reports of stakeholder-engaged projects that examined how people who identify as or are identified as Black perceive genetic testing that specifically presumes genetic differences exist among racial groups or uses race as a surrogate for ancestral genetic variation and targets Black people. Our review identified 14 studies that explicitly studied this question and another 13 that implicitly or tacitly studied this matter. We found four main factors that contribute to a positive attitude toward race-targeted genetic testing (facilitators) and eight main factors that are associated with concerns regarding race-targeted genetic testing (barriers). This review fills an important gap. These findings should inform future genetic research and the policies and practices developed in clinical, research, public health, or other settings regarding genetic testing.Barriers to Using Legally Authorized Representatives in Clinical Research with Older Adults
AbstractMozersky, J., Solomon, E. D., Baldwin, K., Wroblewski, M., Parsons, M., Goodman, M., & Dubois, J. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease ReportsVolume
7Issue
1Page(s)
135-149AbstractBackground: Older adults are at increased risk of cognitive impairments including Alzheimer's disease dementia. Legally authorized representatives (LARs) can provide informed consent when a participant is no longer able to, but little is known about barriers to incorporating them in research. Objective: Explore reasons for not asking and documenting participant decisions to appoint LARs among researchers conducting clinical intervention trials studying older adults or individuals with cognitive impairments. Methods: Mixed method design consisting of a survey (N = 1,284) and qualitative interviews (N = 40) regarding barriers to incorporating LARs. Participants were principal investigators and clinical research coordinators. Results: 37% (N = 469) had not asked and documented participant decisions about appointing LARs in the prior year. They had significantly lower confidence in resources available to incorporate LARs and lower positive attitudes compared to their counterparts who had done so. The majority (83%) had no trials studying individuals with cognitive impairments and reported LARs were not applicable. A minority (17%) had at least one trial studying individuals with cognitive impairments and reported being unaware of LARs. Qualitative findings indicate discomfort broaching a sensitive topic especially with individuals who are not yet impaired. Conclusion: Resources and education to increase awareness and knowledge of LARs are needed. Researchers studying older adults should, at minimum, have the knowledge and resources to incorporate LARs when necessary. Stigma and discomfort discussing LARs will need to be overcome, as early proactive discussions before a participant loses decisional capacity could enhance participant autonomy and facilitate recruitment and retention of older adults to research.Community Walks : a cluster randomized controlled trial of a multilevel physical activity intervention for low income public housing residents
AbstractQuintiliani, L. M., Dedier, J., Amezquita, M., Sierra-Ruiz, M., Romero, D., Murillo, J., Mahar, S., Goodman, M., Kane, J. B., Cummings, D., Woolley, T. G., Spinola, I., & Crouter, S. E. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
BMC public healthVolume
23Issue
1AbstractBackground: Physical activity behavioral interventions to change individual-level drivers of activity, like motivation, attitudes, and self-efficacy, are often not sustained beyond the intervention period. Interventions at both environmental and individual levels might facilitate durable change. This community-based study seeks to test a multilevel, multicomponent intervention to increase moderate intensity physical activity among people with low incomes living in U.S. public housing developments, over a 2 year period. Methods: The study design is a prospective, cluster randomized controlled trial, with housing developments (n=12) as the units of randomization. In a four-group, factorial trial, we will compare an environmental intervention (E) alone (3 developments), an individual intervention (I) alone (3 developments), an environmental plus individual (E+I) intervention (3 developments), against an assessment only control group (3 developments). The environmental only intervention consists of community health workers leading walking groups and indoor activities, a walking advocacy program for residents, and provision of walking maps/signage. The individual only intervention consists of a 12-week automated telephone program to increase physical activity motivation and self-efficacy. All residents are invited to participate in the intervention activities being delivered at their development. The primary outcome is change in moderate intensity physical activity measured via an accelerometer-based device among an evaluation cohort (n=50 individuals at each of the 12 developments) from baseline to 24-month follow up. Mediation (e.g., neighborhood walkability, motivation) and moderation (e.g., neighborhood stress) of our interventions will be assessed. Lastly, we will interview key informants to assess factors from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research domains to inform future implementation. Discussion: We hypothesize participants living in developments in any of the three intervention groups (E only, I only, and E+I combined) will increase minutes of moderate intensity physical activity more than participants in control group developments. We expect delivery of an intervention package targeting environmental and social factors to become active, combined with the individual level intervention, will improve overall physical activity levels to recommended guidelines at the development level. If effective, this trial has the potential for implementation through other federal and state housing authorities. Trial registration: Clinical Trails.gov PRS Protocol Registration and Results System, NCT05147298 . Registered 28 November 2021.COPSS-NISS Leadership Webinar Series: Social Justice and Community Leadership
AbstractGoodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2023AbstractJoin us for our another insightful webinar on the topic of leadership in the field of statistics and data science. The focus of this webinar is on leadership to advance social justice and human rights in communities near and far. Hear from three leading statisticians doing high-impact work to advocate for populations experiencing discrimination and to improve the health of underserved communities.Developing pathways to increase racial/ethnic diversity in biostatistics and data science
AbstractGoodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2023AbstractTo address racial/ethnic inequities in health outcomes, it is important to have a racially and ethnically diverse workforce capable of addressing complex public health issues with many biological, environmental, and social risk factors. Given its social justice focus, public health can be an attractive discipline for underrepresented racial/ethnic minority students. Thus, the potential exists for increased racial/ethnic diversity in the academic public health pipeline—from undergraduate study to faculty status—especially if students are exposed to the field early. Data is one of the world's most valuable resources, and the ability to work with data opens up many potential career paths. Given the recent Supreme Court decision on race-conscious admissions, we must develop innovative ways to increase racial diversity within the bounds of the law. I will discuss pathway programs as one way to increase the diversity of students using the Quantitative Public Health Data Literacy Training, The Emerging Leaders in Quantitative Reasoning program, and the Research and Racial Equity Summer Internship program as specific examples. These programs are designed to create windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors that welcome underrepresented students into quantitative public health.Distal Factors Associated With Proximal Overdose Risk Behaviors and Recent Non-Fatal Overdose Among a Sample of People Who Use Illicit Opioids in New York City
AbstractElliott, L. C., Chen, Y., Goodman, M., & Bennett, A. S. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Journal of Drug IssuesAbstractThis analysis identifies factors associated with overdose risk behaviors and non-fatal overdose among a sample of 577 adult-age people who use illicit opioids and live in NYC. Survey data--which included outcome measures assessing (1) past 30-day non-fatal overdose and past 30-day overdose-related risk behaviors and (2) predictors representing potential risk and protective factors—were analyzed using bivariate and Poisson regression techniques. Results indicate being 41–56 years in age, being widowed, using cannabis, injecting, and having greater pain severity and mental health challenges were associated with greater risks. Current employment, homelessness, and prescription of medications for opioid use disorder were associated with fewer risks. Being 57+ was negatively associated with past-month overdose; higher pain severity and opioid related withdrawal were positively related, as were employment, cannabis use, and injection. Findings suggest the importance of expanding access to MOUD and tailoring OD prevention interventions for mental health and pain management services.Editorial : Women in science: Public Health Education and Promotion 2022
AbstractCaron, R. M., Jamshed, S. Q., Goodman, M., & Kang, S. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Frontiers in Public HealthVolume
11Abstract~Evaluating Community Engagement: Defining and Demonstrating Impacthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg9SxsJmdhY&list=PLUFDxuIIVRSG-lUsQNBNlmA4isJMO2HYB&index=8
AbstractGoodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Abstract~Examination of 'Stand Your Ground' and defendant convictions in Florida
AbstractGoodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2023AbstractPresented During: Critical Race Theory for Statisticians: incorporating CRT into statistical analysesInvestigation of interest in and timing preference for cancer predisposition testing and expanded carrier screening among women of reproductive age
AbstractZhong, L., Bather, J. R., Daly, B. M., Kohlmann, W. K., Goodman, M., Rothwell, E., & Kaphingst, K. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
PEC InnovationVolume
2AbstractObjective: To examine cognitive, relational, and social predictors of interest in and timing preference for cancer predisposition testing (CPT) and expanded carrier screening (ECS) offered in routine gynecologic care for women of reproductive age. Methods: Women between 20 and 35 years old who were currently pregnant or had a prior pregnancy (N = 351) completed an online survey. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to identify significant predictors of women's interest in and timing preference for CPT and ECS. Results: Most respondents reported high interest in CPT and ECS and preferred to have them when planning for a pregnancy. Perceived importance of genetic information and negative attitude towards uncertainty predicted interest in CPT and ECS in multivariable models. Genetic knowledge predicted preference for CPT or ECS when planning for a pregnancy. Conclusion: Educational and decision support tools should be developed to enhance women's knowledge and awareness of CPT and ECS and to provide them with strategies to manage uncertainty. Innovation: We examined women's timing preference for CPT and ECS and the impact of partner support and trust with gynecologist. A context-specific attitudes toward uncertainty scale was used to investigate women's particular perceptions of uncertainty in genetic testing.Panel: Leveraging Lessons from Innovations within Public Health, Communities and Health SystemsPanelists: Adriana Joseph, Melody Goodman, and Eugenia South
AbstractGoodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Abstract~Predictors of Women's Intentions to Communicate Updated Genetic Test Results to Immediate and Extended Family Members
AbstractWinskill, C., Goodman, M., Daly, B. M., Elrick, A., Mooney, R., Espinel, W., Kohlmann, W., & Kaphingst, K. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Public Health GenomicsPage(s)
24-34AbstractIntroduction: Many individuals who previously received negative genetic test results are eligible for updated testing. This study examined intention to communicate updated genetic test results to relatives in participants who previously received negative genetic test results. Methods: Women with a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer who tested negative for BRCA1/2 before 2013 were enrolled between April 2018 and October 2019. Proportions were calculated to assess intention to communicate updated genetic test results to living immediate family, extended family, and all family. Potential predictors of intentions from the theory of planned behavior (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control) were assessed. The three outcomes were analyzed using generalized linear models with a quasi-binomial probability distribution. Results: 110 women completed the baseline assessment prior to updated testing. Participants intended to communicate genetic test results to 90% of immediate family, 51% of extended family, and 66% of all living relatives. Participants with higher subjective norms (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.08-3.57) had higher intentions to communicate genetic test results to extended family, while participants with more positive attitudes (aOR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.01-1.60) had higher intentions to communicate to all family. Placing higher importance on genetic information was associated with higher intentions to communicate to immediate family (aOR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.06-1.83). Lower subjective numeracy was associated with higher intentions to communicate to extended family (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.32-0.76). Conclusion: Attitudes and subjective norms were predictors of intention to communicate updated genetic information to at-risk biological relatives, and predictors may vary by degree of relationship.Promoting Authentic Academic—Community Engagement to Advance Health Equity
AbstractHudson, D., Gilbert, K., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
International journal of environmental research and public healthVolume
20Issue
4AbstractMeaningful community engagement is critical to achieving the lofty goal of health equity. Nonetheless, implementing the principles of community engagement is not easy. Attempting to implement best practices for collaborating on transdisciplinary teams and working with community partners can be challenging, particularly in locales that have a long history of strained university–community relationships. The purpose of this paper is to provide additional context and consideration for researchers, community partners, and institutions interested in conducting community-engaged research. Here, we provide guidance and highlight exemplary programs that offer effective approaches to enhance the strength of community partnerships. These partnerships not only hold promise but are also essential in the development of the local, multi-factor solutions required to address racial/ethnic inequities in health.