Melody Goodman
Melody Goodman
Scroll
Dean, School of Global Public Health
Professor of Biostatistics
-
Professional overview
-
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.
-
Education
-
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
-
Honors and awards
-
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)
-
Areas of research and study
-
BiostatisticsCommunity HealthCommunity-based Participatory ResearchDissemination and Implementation of Evidence-based ProgramsQuantitative Research
-
Publications
Publications
A quasi-experimental study of New York City's sodium warning regulation and hypertension prevalence, 2005-2020
AbstractMaxey, N. J., Pagán, J. A., Rhodes-Bratton, B., Phalke, A., Wizentier, M. M. M., Kaphingst, K. A., Goodman, M., & Bather, J. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Preventive medicine reportsVolume
56Page(s)
103152AbstractTo quantify temporal trends in age-adjusted hypertension prevalence in New York City before and after implementation of a menu labeling regulation requiring sodium warning icons at chain restaurants.Age-specific trends in pregnancy-associated suicide and homicide rates by race/ethnicity, 2005-2021
AbstractBather, J. R., Mautner Wizentier, M., Cowan, S. K., Peipert, J. F., Furr-Holden, D., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFMVolume
7Issue
2Page(s)
101607Abstract~Age-specific trends in pregnancy-associated suicide and homicide rates by race/ethnicity, 2005–2021
AbstractBather, J. R., Mautner Wizentier, M., Cowan, S. K., Peipert, J. F., Furr-Holden, D., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology MFMVolume
7Issue
2Abstract~Bridging Technology and Pretest Genetic Services: Quantitative Study of Chatbot Interaction Patterns, User Characteristics, and Genetic Testing Decisions
AbstractYi, Y., Kaiser-Jackson, L., Bather, J. R., Goodman, M., Chavez-Yenter, D., Bradshaw, R. L., Chambers, R. L. L., Espinel, W. F., Hess, R., Mann, D. M., Monahan, R., Wetter, D. W., Ginsburg, O., Sigireddi, M., Kawamoto, K., Del Fiol, G., Buys, S. S., & Kaphingst, K. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Journal of medical Internet researchVolume
27Page(s)
e73391AbstractAmong the alternative solutions being tested to improve access to genetic services, chatbots (or conversational agents) are being increasingly used for service delivery. Despite the growing number of studies on the accessibility and feasibility of chatbot genetic service delivery, limited attention has been paid to user interactions with chatbots in a real-world health care context.COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Mistrust Among Black and Latino Public Housing Residents in NYC
AbstractMautner Wizentier, M., Williams, D., Choi, J., Goodman, M., Guilamo-Ramos, V., & Hagan, H. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health EducationPage(s)
10901981251393179AbstractPreventive measures against COVID-19 played a crucial role in mitigating transmission. Social and structural factors influence individuals' trust in health care and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. This study investigates racial-ethnic differences in COVID-19 prevention behaviors and beliefs among public housing residents in the South Bronx, NYC. Data come from the Nurse-Community-Family Partnership study, a randomized controlled trial conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analytic sample ( = 200) was limited to adult participants who identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic Black, Hispanic White, or Hispanic Other. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for sex, age, and education. The odds of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were 3.8 times greater for Hispanic White participants and 2.5 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black participants. In addition, the odds of practicing social distancing were 2.2 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black counterparts. COVID-19-related government mistrust was associated with an 88% decrease in the odds of vaccinating, a 58% decrease in the odds of practicing social distancing, and a 77% decrease in the odds of mask-wearing. COVID-19 vaccine mistrust was associated with a 93% decrease in the odds of vaccination. When adjusted for mistrust, differences in vaccination rates by racial-ethnic groups were no longer significant. Addressing mistrust is pivotal for improving public health outcomes. Interventions that enhance trust in health institutions through cultural competence, community engagement, and greater representation in health care can help bridge the gap in prevention behaviors among racially minoritized groups.COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Mistrust Among Black and Latino Public Housing Residents in NYC
AbstractMautner Wizentier, M., Williams, D., Choi, J., Goodman, M., Guilamo-Ramos, V., & Hagan, H. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health EducationPage(s)
10901981251393179AbstractPreventive measures against COVID-19 played a crucial role in mitigating transmission. Social and structural factors influence individuals' trust in health care and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. This study investigates racial-ethnic differences in COVID-19 prevention behaviors and beliefs among public housing residents in the South Bronx, NYC. Data come from the Nurse-Community-Family Partnership study, a randomized controlled trial conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analytic sample ( = 200) was limited to adult participants who identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic Black, Hispanic White, or Hispanic Other. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for sex, age, and education. The odds of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were 3.8 times greater for Hispanic White participants and 2.5 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black participants. In addition, the odds of practicing social distancing were 2.2 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black counterparts. COVID-19-related government mistrust was associated with an 88% decrease in the odds of vaccinating, a 58% decrease in the odds of practicing social distancing, and a 77% decrease in the odds of mask-wearing. COVID-19 vaccine mistrust was associated with a 93% decrease in the odds of vaccination. When adjusted for mistrust, differences in vaccination rates by racial-ethnic groups were no longer significant. Addressing mistrust is pivotal for improving public health outcomes. Interventions that enhance trust in health institutions through cultural competence, community engagement, and greater representation in health care can help bridge the gap in prevention behaviors among racially minoritized groups.COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Mistrust Among Black and Latino Public Housing Residents in NYC
AbstractMautner Wizentier, M., Williams, D., Choi, J., Goodman, M., Guilamo-Ramos, V., & Hagan, H. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health EducationPage(s)
10901981251393179AbstractPreventive measures against COVID-19 played a crucial role in mitigating transmission. Social and structural factors influence individuals' trust in health care and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. This study investigates racial-ethnic differences in COVID-19 prevention behaviors and beliefs among public housing residents in the South Bronx, NYC. Data come from the Nurse-Community-Family Partnership study, a randomized controlled trial conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analytic sample ( = 200) was limited to adult participants who identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic Black, Hispanic White, or Hispanic Other. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for sex, age, and education. The odds of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were 3.8 times greater for Hispanic White participants and 2.5 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black participants. In addition, the odds of practicing social distancing were 2.2 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black counterparts. COVID-19-related government mistrust was associated with an 88% decrease in the odds of vaccinating, a 58% decrease in the odds of practicing social distancing, and a 77% decrease in the odds of mask-wearing. COVID-19 vaccine mistrust was associated with a 93% decrease in the odds of vaccination. When adjusted for mistrust, differences in vaccination rates by racial-ethnic groups were no longer significant. Addressing mistrust is pivotal for improving public health outcomes. Interventions that enhance trust in health institutions through cultural competence, community engagement, and greater representation in health care can help bridge the gap in prevention behaviors among racially minoritized groups.COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Mistrust Among Black and Latino Public Housing Residents in NYC
AbstractMautner Wizentier, M., Williams, D., Choi, J., Goodman, M., Guilamo-Ramos, V., & Hagan, H. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health EducationPage(s)
10901981251393179AbstractPreventive measures against COVID-19 played a crucial role in mitigating transmission. Social and structural factors influence individuals' trust in health care and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. This study investigates racial-ethnic differences in COVID-19 prevention behaviors and beliefs among public housing residents in the South Bronx, NYC. Data come from the Nurse-Community-Family Partnership study, a randomized controlled trial conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analytic sample ( = 200) was limited to adult participants who identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic Black, Hispanic White, or Hispanic Other. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for sex, age, and education. The odds of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were 3.8 times greater for Hispanic White participants and 2.5 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black participants. In addition, the odds of practicing social distancing were 2.2 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black counterparts. COVID-19-related government mistrust was associated with an 88% decrease in the odds of vaccinating, a 58% decrease in the odds of practicing social distancing, and a 77% decrease in the odds of mask-wearing. COVID-19 vaccine mistrust was associated with a 93% decrease in the odds of vaccination. When adjusted for mistrust, differences in vaccination rates by racial-ethnic groups were no longer significant. Addressing mistrust is pivotal for improving public health outcomes. Interventions that enhance trust in health institutions through cultural competence, community engagement, and greater representation in health care can help bridge the gap in prevention behaviors among racially minoritized groups.COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Mistrust Among Black and Latino Public Housing Residents in NYC
AbstractMautner Wizentier, M., Williams, D., Choi, J., Goodman, M., Guilamo-Ramos, V., & Hagan, H. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health EducationPage(s)
10901981251393179AbstractPreventive measures against COVID-19 played a crucial role in mitigating transmission. Social and structural factors influence individuals' trust in health care and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. This study investigates racial-ethnic differences in COVID-19 prevention behaviors and beliefs among public housing residents in the South Bronx, NYC. Data come from the Nurse-Community-Family Partnership study, a randomized controlled trial conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analytic sample ( = 200) was limited to adult participants who identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic Black, Hispanic White, or Hispanic Other. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for sex, age, and education. The odds of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were 3.8 times greater for Hispanic White participants and 2.5 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black participants. In addition, the odds of practicing social distancing were 2.2 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black counterparts. COVID-19-related government mistrust was associated with an 88% decrease in the odds of vaccinating, a 58% decrease in the odds of practicing social distancing, and a 77% decrease in the odds of mask-wearing. COVID-19 vaccine mistrust was associated with a 93% decrease in the odds of vaccination. When adjusted for mistrust, differences in vaccination rates by racial-ethnic groups were no longer significant. Addressing mistrust is pivotal for improving public health outcomes. Interventions that enhance trust in health institutions through cultural competence, community engagement, and greater representation in health care can help bridge the gap in prevention behaviors among racially minoritized groups.COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Mistrust Among Black and Latino Public Housing Residents in NYC
AbstractMautner Wizentier, M., Williams, D., Choi, J., Goodman, M., Guilamo-Ramos, V., & Hagan, H. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health EducationPage(s)
10901981251393179AbstractPreventive measures against COVID-19 played a crucial role in mitigating transmission. Social and structural factors influence individuals' trust in health care and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. This study investigates racial-ethnic differences in COVID-19 prevention behaviors and beliefs among public housing residents in the South Bronx, NYC. Data come from the Nurse-Community-Family Partnership study, a randomized controlled trial conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analytic sample ( = 200) was limited to adult participants who identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic Black, Hispanic White, or Hispanic Other. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for sex, age, and education. The odds of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were 3.8 times greater for Hispanic White participants and 2.5 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black participants. In addition, the odds of practicing social distancing were 2.2 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black counterparts. COVID-19-related government mistrust was associated with an 88% decrease in the odds of vaccinating, a 58% decrease in the odds of practicing social distancing, and a 77% decrease in the odds of mask-wearing. COVID-19 vaccine mistrust was associated with a 93% decrease in the odds of vaccination. When adjusted for mistrust, differences in vaccination rates by racial-ethnic groups were no longer significant. Addressing mistrust is pivotal for improving public health outcomes. Interventions that enhance trust in health institutions through cultural competence, community engagement, and greater representation in health care can help bridge the gap in prevention behaviors among racially minoritized groups.COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Mistrust Among Black and Latino Public Housing Residents in NYC
AbstractMautner Wizentier, M., Williams, D., Choi, J., Goodman, M., Guilamo-Ramos, V., & Hagan, H. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health EducationPage(s)
10901981251393179AbstractPreventive measures against COVID-19 played a crucial role in mitigating transmission. Social and structural factors influence individuals' trust in health care and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. This study investigates racial-ethnic differences in COVID-19 prevention behaviors and beliefs among public housing residents in the South Bronx, NYC. Data come from the Nurse-Community-Family Partnership study, a randomized controlled trial conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analytic sample ( = 200) was limited to adult participants who identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic Black, Hispanic White, or Hispanic Other. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for sex, age, and education. The odds of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were 3.8 times greater for Hispanic White participants and 2.5 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black participants. In addition, the odds of practicing social distancing were 2.2 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black counterparts. COVID-19-related government mistrust was associated with an 88% decrease in the odds of vaccinating, a 58% decrease in the odds of practicing social distancing, and a 77% decrease in the odds of mask-wearing. COVID-19 vaccine mistrust was associated with a 93% decrease in the odds of vaccination. When adjusted for mistrust, differences in vaccination rates by racial-ethnic groups were no longer significant. Addressing mistrust is pivotal for improving public health outcomes. Interventions that enhance trust in health institutions through cultural competence, community engagement, and greater representation in health care can help bridge the gap in prevention behaviors among racially minoritized groups.COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Mistrust Among Black and Latino Public Housing Residents in NYC
AbstractMautner Wizentier, M., Williams, D., Choi, J., Goodman, M., Guilamo-Ramos, V., & Hagan, H. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health EducationPage(s)
10901981251393179AbstractPreventive measures against COVID-19 played a crucial role in mitigating transmission. Social and structural factors influence individuals' trust in health care and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. This study investigates racial-ethnic differences in COVID-19 prevention behaviors and beliefs among public housing residents in the South Bronx, NYC. Data come from the Nurse-Community-Family Partnership study, a randomized controlled trial conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analytic sample ( = 200) was limited to adult participants who identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic Black, Hispanic White, or Hispanic Other. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for sex, age, and education. The odds of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were 3.8 times greater for Hispanic White participants and 2.5 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black participants. In addition, the odds of practicing social distancing were 2.2 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black counterparts. COVID-19-related government mistrust was associated with an 88% decrease in the odds of vaccinating, a 58% decrease in the odds of practicing social distancing, and a 77% decrease in the odds of mask-wearing. COVID-19 vaccine mistrust was associated with a 93% decrease in the odds of vaccination. When adjusted for mistrust, differences in vaccination rates by racial-ethnic groups were no longer significant. Addressing mistrust is pivotal for improving public health outcomes. Interventions that enhance trust in health institutions through cultural competence, community engagement, and greater representation in health care can help bridge the gap in prevention behaviors among racially minoritized groups.COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Mistrust Among Black and Latino Public Housing Residents in NYC
AbstractMautner Wizentier, M., Williams, D., Choi, J., Goodman, M., Guilamo-Ramos, V., & Hagan, H. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health EducationPage(s)
10901981251393179AbstractPreventive measures against COVID-19 played a crucial role in mitigating transmission. Social and structural factors influence individuals' trust in health care and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. This study investigates racial-ethnic differences in COVID-19 prevention behaviors and beliefs among public housing residents in the South Bronx, NYC. Data come from the Nurse-Community-Family Partnership study, a randomized controlled trial conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analytic sample ( = 200) was limited to adult participants who identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic Black, Hispanic White, or Hispanic Other. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for sex, age, and education. The odds of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were 3.8 times greater for Hispanic White participants and 2.5 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black participants. In addition, the odds of practicing social distancing were 2.2 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black counterparts. COVID-19-related government mistrust was associated with an 88% decrease in the odds of vaccinating, a 58% decrease in the odds of practicing social distancing, and a 77% decrease in the odds of mask-wearing. COVID-19 vaccine mistrust was associated with a 93% decrease in the odds of vaccination. When adjusted for mistrust, differences in vaccination rates by racial-ethnic groups were no longer significant. Addressing mistrust is pivotal for improving public health outcomes. Interventions that enhance trust in health institutions through cultural competence, community engagement, and greater representation in health care can help bridge the gap in prevention behaviors among racially minoritized groups.COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Mistrust Among Black and Latino Public Housing Residents in NYC
AbstractMautner Wizentier, M., Williams, D., Choi, J., Goodman, M., Guilamo-Ramos, V., & Hagan, H. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health EducationPage(s)
10901981251393179AbstractPreventive measures against COVID-19 played a crucial role in mitigating transmission. Social and structural factors influence individuals' trust in health care and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. This study investigates racial-ethnic differences in COVID-19 prevention behaviors and beliefs among public housing residents in the South Bronx, NYC. Data come from the Nurse-Community-Family Partnership study, a randomized controlled trial conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analytic sample ( = 200) was limited to adult participants who identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic Black, Hispanic White, or Hispanic Other. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for sex, age, and education. The odds of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were 3.8 times greater for Hispanic White participants and 2.5 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black participants. In addition, the odds of practicing social distancing were 2.2 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black counterparts. COVID-19-related government mistrust was associated with an 88% decrease in the odds of vaccinating, a 58% decrease in the odds of practicing social distancing, and a 77% decrease in the odds of mask-wearing. COVID-19 vaccine mistrust was associated with a 93% decrease in the odds of vaccination. When adjusted for mistrust, differences in vaccination rates by racial-ethnic groups were no longer significant. Addressing mistrust is pivotal for improving public health outcomes. Interventions that enhance trust in health institutions through cultural competence, community engagement, and greater representation in health care can help bridge the gap in prevention behaviors among racially minoritized groups.COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Mistrust Among Black and Latino Public Housing Residents in NYC
AbstractMautner Wizentier, M., Williams, D., Choi, J., Goodman, M., Guilamo-Ramos, V., & Hagan, H. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health EducationPage(s)
10901981251393179AbstractPreventive measures against COVID-19 played a crucial role in mitigating transmission. Social and structural factors influence individuals' trust in health care and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. This study investigates racial-ethnic differences in COVID-19 prevention behaviors and beliefs among public housing residents in the South Bronx, NYC. Data come from the Nurse-Community-Family Partnership study, a randomized controlled trial conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analytic sample ( = 200) was limited to adult participants who identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic Black, Hispanic White, or Hispanic Other. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for sex, age, and education. The odds of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were 3.8 times greater for Hispanic White participants and 2.5 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black participants. In addition, the odds of practicing social distancing were 2.2 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black counterparts. COVID-19-related government mistrust was associated with an 88% decrease in the odds of vaccinating, a 58% decrease in the odds of practicing social distancing, and a 77% decrease in the odds of mask-wearing. COVID-19 vaccine mistrust was associated with a 93% decrease in the odds of vaccination. When adjusted for mistrust, differences in vaccination rates by racial-ethnic groups were no longer significant. Addressing mistrust is pivotal for improving public health outcomes. Interventions that enhance trust in health institutions through cultural competence, community engagement, and greater representation in health care can help bridge the gap in prevention behaviors among racially minoritized groups.Factors Associated with Deferred Enrollment in Master of Public Health Programs: An Analysis of 99,000 Accepted Students from 2013 to 2024
AbstractBather, J. R., Smith, F. A., Burke, E. M., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Journal of community healthAbstract44% of the governmental public health workforce plans to retire by 2026, creating an urgent need to strengthen public health academic pathways. While prior research has examined various aspects of public health education, no studies have investigated Master of Public Health (MPH) deferral patterns. We identified demographic, institutional, and temporal factors associated with deferred enrollment among individuals accepted to MPH programs and evaluated whether associations varied across MPH concentrations in the five core public health disciplines (biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental sciences, health policy & management, and health education & behavioral sciences). We pooled data from the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) spanning the 2012-2013 through 2023-2024 application cycles. The outcome was deferred enrollment (deferred vs. immediately enrolled). Independent variables included demographic (age, sex, race/ethnicity, U.S. citizenship), institutional (type, Ivy League status, MPH program delivery format), and temporal (COVID-19 era indicator, time, time squared) characteristics. Modified Poisson regression estimated adjusted associations between each factor and deferral status. Of 99,143 accepted students, 8,196 (8.3%) deferred enrollment. Primary analyses indicated that older age, minoritized racial/ethnic identity, admission to hybrid MPH programs, and admission during the COVID-19 era were significantly associated with deferring MPH enrollment. Conversely, female sex, U.S. citizenship, and admission to public, Ivy League, or distance-based programs were significantly associated with immediate enrollment. Secondary analyses showed that associations varied across the five core public health disciplines. Future research should examine the specific reasons why accepted students choose to defer MPH enrollment through targeted follow-up data collection.Importance of Prior Patient Interactions With the Healthcare System to Engaging With Pretest Cancer Genetic Services via Digital Health Tools Among Unaffected Primary Care Patients : Findings From the BRIDGE Trial
AbstractZhong, L., Bather, J. R., Goodman, M., Kaiser-Jackson, L., Volkmar, M., Bradshaw, R. L., Lorenz Chambers, R., Chavez-Yenter, D., Colonna, S. V., Maxwell, W., Flynn, M., Gammon, A., Hess, R., Mann, D. M., Monahan, R., Yi, Y., Sigireddi, M., Wetter, D. W., Kawamoto, K., … Kaphingst, K. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Health Services ResearchAbstractObjective: To examine whether patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and prior interactions with the healthcare system were associated with opening patient portal messages related to cancer genetic services and beginning services. Study Setting and Design: The trial was conducted in the University of Utah Health (UHealth) and NYU Langone Health (NYULH) systems. Between 2020 and 2023, 3073 eligible primary care patients aged 25–60 years meeting family history-based criteria for cancer genetic evaluation were randomized 1:1 to receive a patient portal message with a hyperlink to a pretest genetics education chatbot or information about scheduling a pretest standard of care (SOC) appointment. Data Sources and Analytic Sample: Primary data were collected. Eligible patients had a primary care visit in the previous 3 years, a patient portal account, no prior cancer diagnosis except nonmelanoma skin cancer, no prior cancer genetic services, and English or Spanish as their preferred language. Multivariable models identified predictors of opening patient portal messages by site and beginning pretest genetic services by site and experimental condition. Principal Findings: Number of previous patient portal logins (UHealth average marginal effect [AME]: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.38; NYULH AME: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.39), having a recorded primary care provider (NYULH AME: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.22), and more primary care visits in the previous 3 years (NYULH AME: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.16) were associated with opening patient portal messages about genetic services. Number of previous patient portal logins (UHealth AME: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.21; NYULH AME: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.23), having a recorded primary care provider (NYULH AME: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.14), and more primary care visits in the previous 3 years (NYULH AME: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.13) were associated with beginning pretest genetic services. Patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were not significantly associated with either outcome. Conclusions: As system-level initiatives aim to reach patients eligible for cancer genetic services, patients already interacting with the healthcare system may be most likely to respond. Addressing barriers to accessing healthcare and technology may increase engagement with genetic services.Incomplete Family History and Meeting Algorithmic Criteria for Genetic Evaluation of Hereditary Cancer
AbstractHarris, A., Bather, J. R., Bradshaw, R. L., Kawamoto, K., Del Fiol, G., Kohlmann, W. K., Chavez-Yenter, D., Monahan, R., Chambers, R. L., Sigireddi, M., Goodman, M., & Kaphingst, K. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
JAMA network openVolume
8Issue
10Page(s)
e2539870AbstractIncomplete electronic health record (EHR) documentation may limit the effectiveness of clinical decision support (CDS) algorithms designed to identify patients eligible for hereditary cancer genetic evaluation.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
2025Journal title
Journal of Statistics and Data Science EducationVolume
33Issue
2Page(s)
210-222AbstractDue 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.Neighborhood characteristics and health literacy : Evidence from the survey of racism and public health
AbstractOdumegwu, J. N., Bather, J. R., Harris, A., Wizentier, M. M., Kaphingst, K. A., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Public HealthVolume
242Page(s)
206-213AbstractObjectives: Limited research exists on the relationship between neighborhood characteristics and health literacy. We investigated the potential impacts of neighborhood characteristics on health literacy and explored whether these associations varied across racial/ethnic groups. Study design: The study was a web-based cross-sectional study of adults (18+ years old) residing in areas within the US Health and Human Services Regions 1, 2, or 3. Methods: The 2023 Survey of Racism and Public Health dataset was linked with the 2017–2021 American Community Survey dataset using the respondents' zip codes to obtain measures of residential segregation, neighborhood deprivation, racial and economic polarization, and racial and educational isolation. The Brief Health Literacy Screen was used to assess participants' health literacy. Unadjusted and adjusted models were employed to explore the associations between neighborhood characteristics and limited health literacy. Results: Of 4948 participants, the mean age was 47 (SD = 17) years, 48 % were White, and 42 % had college degrees or higher. Greater neighborhood deprivation was associated with an increased likelihood of limited health literacy (aOR = 1.12, 95 % CI: 1.01, 1.24). Higher racial and economic polarization was associated with decreased odds of limited health literacy (aOR = 0.83, 95 % CI: 0.73, 0.93). Increased racial isolation is associated with increased odds of limited health literacy (aOR = 1.31, 95 % CI:1.14,1.50). These associations did not significantly vary by racialized/ethnic groups. Conclusions: Incorporating neighborhood characteristics in health literacy research helps reveal a possible critical key risk factor; higher neighborhood deprivation increases the likelihood of limited health literacy with no variation across the racial/ethnic groups within the same neighborhood. The findings point policymakers toward the direction for intervention in policy changes that will reduce the maldistribution of health—and economic-promoting resources and risky life-course exposures in communities to improve public health literacy.Neighborhood Disadvantage and Genetic Testing Use Among a Nationally Representative Sample of US Adults
AbstractBather, J. R., Goodman, M., & Kaphingst, K. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Journal of Primary Care and Community HealthVolume
16AbstractIntroduction: Genetic testing helps individuals with disease management, family planning, and medical decision-making. Identifying individual-level factors related to the use of genetic services is essential but may only partially explain differential genetic service usage. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed data on a national sample of US adults to evaluate whether higher neighborhood vulnerability is significantly associated with lower genetic testing utilization, controlling for sociodemographic and health characteristics. Methods: A 2024 nationally representative cross-sectional survey of 631 US adults recruited using NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak panel. Genetic testing uptake was measured as self-reported ever use of ancestry, personal trait, specific disease, or prenatal genetic carrier testing. Secondary outcomes were indicator variables for each genetic testing type. Neighborhood vulnerability (low versus high) was measured by the Social Vulnerability Index, capturing socioeconomic factors affecting community resilience to natural hazards and disasters. Results: Forty-eight percent of the weighted sample used genetic testing services. Compared to those in low vulnerability areas, individuals in high vulnerability areas had 42% lower odds (adjusted OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37-0.90) of using genetic testing services, controlling for individual-level characteristics. Secondary analyses showed no evidence of statistically significant relationships between neighborhood vulnerability and specific types of genetic testing services. Conclusion: Findings suggest that neighborhood vulnerability may contribute to differences in genetic testing uptake, which is crucial to increasing early detection of cancer susceptibility and reducing US cancer incidence. This study demonstrates the importance of going beyond examining individual characteristics to investigating structural factors negatively impacting genetic testing usage.Neighborhood Disadvantage and Genetic Testing Use Among a Nationally Representative Sample of US Adults
AbstractBather, J. R., Goodman, M., & Kaphingst, K. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Journal of primary care & community healthVolume
16Page(s)
21501319251342102AbstractGenetic testing helps individuals with disease management, family planning, and medical decision-making. Identifying individual-level factors related to the use of genetic services is essential but may only partially explain differential genetic service usage. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed data on a national sample of US adults to evaluate whether higher neighborhood vulnerability is significantly associated with lower genetic testing utilization, controlling for sociodemographic and health characteristics.Perceived racial discrimination over the life course and financial stress
AbstractOdumegwu, J. N., Bather, J. R., Cuevas, A. G., Rhodes-Bratton, B., Goodman, M. S., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
DISCOVER SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HEALTHAbstract~Racial Discrimination and Substance Use : Results from a 2023 Survey of Racism and Public Health in the United States
AbstractRouhani, S., Bather, J. R., Cuevas, A., Omari, I., Harris, A., McSorley, A. M., Rhodes-Bratton, B., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Substance Use and MisuseAbstractBackground: Racial/ethnic disparities in substance use outcomes continue to widen in the US. Despite increasing evidence of the myriad ways that racism impacts health, this has not been extensively studied with respect to substance use outcomes. The current study explores the association between self-reported exposure to racial discrimination across the life course and substance use disorders among US adults. Methods: We analyzed data from a web-based cross-sectional survey of adults in 13 states and Puerto Rico in March–April 2023. Exposure to racism in childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and within the past year was measured on a cumulative life course scale (range 0–4). Analyses were restricted to respondents identifying as White, Black, and/or Hispanic (N = 4,338). Multivariable models estimated the adjusted association between cumulative racial discrimination and lifetime substance use disorder (SUD) diagnosis. Among those with exposure to racial discrimination (N = 1,895), we explored correlates of coping with any form of discrimination by using substances. Results: We detected evidence of an interaction between race/ethnicity and cumulative racial discrimination, with a higher predicted probability of SUD associated with discrimination among those racialized as Black (non-Hispanic Black and Afro-Hispanic). There was evidence of a dose-response relationship between cumulative racial discrimination and the likelihood of coping through increased substance use. Conclusions: Experiences of racial discrimination over the life course may contribute to disparities in substance use outcomes. More research is needed to disentangle multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination faced by people who use different substances and how they may explain variation in outcomes among them.Racial Discrimination and Substance Use: Results from a 2023 Survey of Racism and Public Health in the United States
AbstractRouhani, S., Bather, J. R., Cuevas, A. G., Omari, I., Harris, A., McSorley, A.-M. M., Rhodes-Bratton, B., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Substance use & misuseVolume
60Issue
14Page(s)
2225-2234AbstractRacial/ethnic disparities in substance use outcomes continue to widen in the US. Despite increasing evidence of the myriad ways that racism impacts health, this has not been extensively studied with respect to substance use outcomes. The current study explores the association between self-reported exposure to racial discrimination across the life course and substance use disorders among US adults.