Nina S Parikh
Nina S. Parikh
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Clinical Associate Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Professional overview
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Dr. Nina S. Parikh has years of public health research experience, methodological expertise, and academic training in health services research and medical sociology. A continuing theme of Dr. Parikh’s research involves the examination of social, psychosocial, and cultural factors related to the health needs of ethnic-racial populations and developing evidence-based strategies that address and mitigate health inequities for these and other underserved groups, in particular immigrants, the uninsured, those with inadequate health literacy, and the elderly.
At NYU GPH, Dr. Parikh collaborates with scholars examining the social determinants of health, particularly social network mechanisms and how they relate to primary and secondary prevention of vascular diseases. This work builds on her previous research experience that has been community-based, grant-funded studies in partnership with local agencies and organizations that explore the well-being of older adults and their families, including social cohesion/social support, access to and utilization of health care services of immigrant populations, health disparities, community-based palliative care for chronically ill elders, and the promotion of healthy aging with a particular emphasis on developing and implementing behavioral strategies to combat some of the most prevalent chronic conditions for this group. In addition, Dr. Parikh developed and teaches the two-semester thesis course to MPH candidates.
Prior to coming to NYU, Dr. Parikh served as the Director of Research (Interim) at the Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging of Hunter College where she provided oversight and guidance on all research and evaluation studies conducted by the Center. Her work has received grant support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Commonwealth Fund, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the NYC Department for the Aging.
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Education
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BS, Biology and minor in Sociology, John Carroll University, Cleveland, OHMPH, Health Policy and Management, Emory University, Atlanta, GAPhD, Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Areas of research and study
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Aging and the Life CourseCultural Determinants of HealthImmigrationRacial/Ethnic DisparitiesSocial Determinants of Health
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Publications
Publications
Patients' shame and attitudes toward discussing the results of literacy screening
AbstractWolf, M. S., Williams, M. V., Parker, R. M., Parikh, N. S., Nowlan, A. W., & Baker, D. W. (n.d.).Publication year
2007Journal title
Journal of Health CommunicationVolume
12Issue
8Page(s)
721-732AbstractWe investigated patients' willingness to have their reading ability documented in their medical records and the degree of shame and embarrassment associated with such disclosure. Structured interviews were conducted among a consecutive sample of 283 primary care patients at an urban public hospital. Patients' literacy was measured using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM). Self-report of degree of shame and embarrassment related to literacy skills was measured using an orally administered questionnaire. Fifty-one percent of patients had low literacy skills (≤sixth grade) and 27.9% were assessed as having marginal literacy (seventh-eighth grade). Half (47.6%) of patients reading at or below the third-grade level admitted feeling ashamed or embarrassed about their difficulties reading, compared with 19.2% of those reading at the fourth-sixth-grade level and 6.5% of those reading at the seventh-eighth-grade level (pPositive health beliefs and blood pressure reduction in the deserve study
AbstractGoldmann, E., Jacoby, R., Finfer, E., Appleton, N., Parikh, N. S., Roberts, E. T., & Boden-Albala, B. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2020Journal title
Journal of the American Heart AssociationVolume
9Issue
9AbstractBACKGROUND: There is growing recognition that positive health beliefs may promote blood pressure (BP) reduction, which is critical to stroke prevention but remains a persistent challenge. Yet, studies that examine the association between positive health beliefs and BP among stroke survivors are lacking. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data came from the DESERVE (Discharge Educational Strategies for Reduction of Vascular Events) study, a randomized controlled trial of a skills-based behavioral intervention to reduce vascular risk in a multiethnic cohort of 552 transient ischemic attack and mild/moderate stroke patients in New York City. The exposure was perception that people can protect themselves from having a stroke (ie, prevention self-efficacy) at baseline. The association between systolic BP (SBP) reduction at 12-month follow-up and self-efficacy was examined using linear regression adjusted for key confounders, overall and stratified by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and intervention trial arm. Approximately three quarters endorsed self-efficacy. These participants had, on average, 5.6 mm Hg greater SBP reduction compared with those who did not endorse it (95% CI, 0.5–10.7 mm Hg; P=0.032). Self-efficacy was significantly associated with greater SBP reduction, particularly among female versus male, younger versus older, and Hispanic versus non-Hispanic white patients. Sensitivity analysis adjusting for baseline SBP instead of elevated BP yielded no association between self-efficacy and SBP reduction, but showed sex differences in this association (women: β=5.3; 95% CI, −0.2 to 10.8; P=0.057; men: β=−3.3; 95% CI, −9.4 to 2.9; P=0.300; interaction P=0.064). CONCLUSIONS: Self-efficacy was linked with greater SBP reduction among female stroke survivors. Targeted strategies to improve health beliefs after stroke may be important for risk factor management.Race/ethnic differences in post-stroke depr ession (PSD) : Findings from the stroke warning information and faster treatment (SWIFT ) study
AbstractGoldmann, E., Roberts, E. T., Parikh, N. S., Lord, A. S., & Boden-Albala, B. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
Ethnicity and DiseaseVolume
26Issue
1Page(s)
1-8AbstractObjectives: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is common and associated with poor stroke outcomes, but few studies have examined race/ethnic disparities in PSD. Given the paucity of work and inconsistent findings in this important area of research, our study aimed to examine race/ethnic differences in depression in a multi-ethnic cohort of stroke patients. Design: Longitudinal. Setting: Prospective trial of a post-stroke educational intervention. Patients or Participants: 1,193 mild/moderate ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients. Main Outcome Measures: We used the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale to assess subthreshold (CES-D score 8-15) and full (CES-D score ≥ 16) depression at one month ("early") and 12 months ("late") following stroke. Multinomial logistic regression analyses examined the association between race/ethnicity and early and late PSD separately. Results: The prevalence of subthreshold and full PSD was 22.5% and 32.6% in the early period and 22.0% and 27.4% in the late period, respectively. Hispanics had 60% lower odds of early full PSD compared with non-Hispanic Whites after adjusting for other covariates (OR=.4, 95% CI: .2, .8). Race/ ethnicity was not significantly associated with late PSD. Conclusions: Hispanic stroke patients had half the odds of PSD in early period compared with Whites, but no difference was found in the later period. Further studies comparing trajectories of PSD between race/ ethnic groups may further our understanding of race/ethnic disparities in PSD and help identify effective interventions.Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Senior Centers : Comparing Participant Characteristics in More and Less Multicultural Settings
AbstractGiunta, N., Morano, C., Parikh, N. S., Friedman, D., Fahs, M. C., & Gallo, W. T. (n.d.).Publication year
2012Journal title
Journal of Gerontological Social WorkVolume
55Issue
6Page(s)
467-483AbstractThe 2008 Health Indicators Project surveyed a probability sample (N = 1,870) of New York City senior center participants. Attendees of racially and ethnically diverse and nondiverse senior centers were compared across 5 domains: demographics; health and quality of life; social support networks; neighborhood perceptions and engagement; health service access/utilization. Although homogeneous and diverse center participants demonstrate similar health and quality-of-life outcomes, those from diverse centers demonstrate greater risk of social isolation, receive less family support, and more likely seek medical care from hospitals or community clinics. Implications and future directions for research, practice and policy are discussed.Recruitment, Inclusion, and Diversity in Clinical Trials
AbstractBoden-Albala, B. M., Waddy, S. P., Appleton, N., Kuczynski, H., Nangle, E., & Parikh, N. S. (n.d.).Publication year
2021Page(s)
413-428AbstractIn this chapter, we discuss the importance of diversity and the inclusion of women and racial/ethnic minority groups in clinical research as a foundation for addressing health disparities. First, we provide a brief background on the scientific and ethical significance of diversity and inclusion in clinical research. Next, we discuss barriers to recruiting representative study populations, including: (i) optimizing the screening pool, (ii) converting eligible participants to enrolled research subjects, and (iii) retaining subjects in a study. We specifically examine patient/community-, investigator-, and structural/institutional-level barriers. Finally, we summarize various best practices for enhancing inclusion of under-represented groups in clinical research, as well as future directions and research needs.Restaurant management views on the views on the new national menu labeling laws
AbstractYeh, M., Platkin, C., Fishman, J., L, F., & Parikh, N. S. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Journal title
International Journal of Nutrition DieteticsVolume
2Issue
1Page(s)
1-18Abstract~Shame and health literacy : The unspoken connection
AbstractParikh, N. S., Parker, R. M., Nurss, J. R., Baker, D. W., & Williams, M. V. (n.d.).Publication year
1996Journal title
Patient Education and CounselingVolume
27Issue
1Page(s)
33-39AbstractIlliteracy is a well known national crisis, yet relatively little research has focused on how low literacy affects patients' health care experiences. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between shame and low functional literacy in the health care setting. It hypothesized that many patients with low literacy may not admit they have difficulty reading because of shame. Patients who presented for acute care at a large, public hospital in Atlanta, Georgia were interviewed. A total of 202 predominately indigent African-American patients completed a demographic survey, the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) and answered questions about difficulty reading and shame. Of the 202 patients interviewed, 42.6% had inadequate or marginal functional health literacy. Patients with low literacy were more likely to be male (P < 0.05), have less than a high school education (P < 0.01) and be over the age of 60 (P < 0.01). Of those patients with low literacy, 67.4% admitted having trouble reading and understanding what they read. Almost 40% (n = 23) of patients with low functional literacy who acknowledged they have trouble reading admitted shame. Of the, 58 patients who had low functional health literacy and admitted having trouble reading, 67.2% had never told their spouses, and 53.4% had never told their children of their difficulties reading. Nineteen percent of patients had never disclosed their difficulty reading to anyone. Many patients with reading problems are ashamed and hide their inability to read. Shame is a deeply harbored emotion that plays an important role in understanding how low literate patients interact with health care providers. Further research is needed to understand how providers should deal with the shame associated with low literacy.Social network structure and function are associated with blood pressure reduction in stroke survivors.
AbstractParikh, N. S. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Disease and StrokeVolume
7Issue
186Abstract~Sociodemographic variation in experiences with medication shortages among US adults
AbstractFang, J., Goodman, M. S., Kaphingst, K. A., Parikh, N. S., Bae, J. Y., Silver, D. R., & Bather, J. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Preventive Medicine ReportsVolume
51AbstractObjective: To investigate sociodemographic factors associated with prescribed and over-the-counter medication shortage experiences. Methods: We analyzed repeated cross-sectional data from the 2023 US Census Household Pulse Survey, a nationwide survey of US adults. Outcomes were based on the following question: “In the past month, have you or a member of your household been directly affected by the following?” We created binary indicators based on the following response options: (1) “Shortage of prescription medications, which includes any medicine required or provided by a healthcare provider, pharmacist, or hospital” and (2) “Shortage of over-the-counter medications, encompassing any medication available without a prescription.” Sociodemographic factors included age, gender identity, race/ethnicity, marital status, educational attainment, household income, number of children, employment status, health insurance coverage, at risk for depression/anxiety, disability status, and region. Weighted multivariable models accounted for the complex survey design and estimated adjusted odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals. Results: We found that more experiences with prescribed and over-the-counter medication shortages were associated with middle age, transgender/other gender identity, non-Hispanic Other race/ethnicity, higher educational attainment, having at least one child, at risk for depression or anxiety, and being disabled. In contrast, fewer experiences with prescribed and over-the-counter medication shortages were associated with higher household income. Conclusions: Sociodemographic variation exist in experiences with medication shortages among US adults. These findings underscore the need to bolster the pharmaceutical supply chain to mitigate inequities in medication access.The association between discrimination and alcohol consumption among South Asians in the US: A cross-sectional study. Recorded Research Spotlight, Society of Behavioral Medicine, April 2023, Phoenix, AZ
AbstractVenkat, V., Isaacs, D., Mohsin, F., Vojjala, M., & Parikh, N. S. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Abstract~The association between neighbourhood social cohesion and hypertension management strategies in older adults
AbstractSchmitz, M. F., Giunta, N., Parikh, N. S., Chen, K. K., Fahs, M. C., & Gallo, W. T. (n.d.).Publication year
2012Journal title
Age and AgeingVolume
41Issue
3Page(s)
388-392Abstract~The Brookdale Demonstration Initiative in Healthy Urban Aging: Bridging the Divide between Public Health and Healthy Aging : Evaluation of Selected Evidence-Based Interventions Final Report
AbstractParikh, N. S., Valencia, A., Ruiz, M., Morano, L., Friedman, D., & Fahs, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2010Abstract~The Brookdale Demonstration Initiative in Healthy Urban Aging: Bridging the Divide between Public Health and Healthy Aging : NYC Senior Center Survey Final Report
AbstractParikh, N. S., Friedman, D., Ruiz, M., & Fahs, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2010Abstract~The experiences of providing caregiving for patients with schizophrenia in the Ghanaian context
AbstractGloria, O., Osafo, J., Goldmann, E., Parikh, N. S., Nonvignon, J., & Kretchy, I. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Journal title
Archives of Psychiatric NursingVolume
32Issue
6Page(s)
815-822Abstract~The Health Care Experience of Patients with Low Literacy
AbstractBaker, D. W., Parker, R. M., Williams, M. V., Pitkin, K., Parikh, N. S., Coates, W., & Imara, M. (n.d.).Publication year
1996Journal title
Archives of Family MedicineVolume
5Issue
6Page(s)
329-334AbstractObjectives: To understand the difficulties that patients with poor reading ability have interacting with the health care system and to identify the coping mechanisms they use to deal with these problems. Design: Focus groups and individual interviews with patients who are illiterate and patients with low literacy. Setting: Two large, urban public hospitals. Participants: Sixty patients with marginal to poor reading abilities as measured by the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine were interviewed in focus groups or individual interviews. Measurements and Main Results: Patients with low literacy harbor a deep sense of shame, which is reinforced by hospital staff who become frustrated or angry when someone cannot complete a form or read instructions. Seeking medical care is intimidating for patients with low literacy because they cannot understand signs and registration forms. Many patients recounted serious medication errors resulting from their inability to read labels. To cope with these problems, the patients with low literacy rely heavily on oral explanations, visual clues, and demonstrations of tasks to learn new material. Most also use a friend or family member as a surrogate reader. Conclusions: Patients with poor reading ability have important problems accessing the health care system, understanding recommended treatments, and following the instructions of providers. Because of their shame, patients with low literacy may be unwilling to disclose their problem to health care providers, and screening tests of reading ability may be necessary to identify those who need special assistance. Patients' coping mechanisms give insight into possible interventions that may improve their interactions with the health care system.The influence of neighborhood factors on the quality of life of older adults attending New York City senior centers : Results from the Health Indicators Project
AbstractFriedman, D., Parikh, N. S., Giunta, N., Fahs, M. C., & Gallo, W. T. (n.d.).Publication year
2012Journal title
Quality of Life ResearchVolume
21Issue
1Page(s)
123-131AbstractPurpose To examine the association between selfassessed quality of life (QOL) and perceived neighborhood safety, social cohesion, and walkability among older adults in New York City (NYC). Methods We used data from the 2008 Health Indicators Project, a cross-sectional survey of 1,870 older adults attending 56 NYC senior centers. QOL, a binary measure, was created by dichotomizing a 5-point Likert-scaled global assessment. Neighborhood safety, social cohesion, and walkability were multi-component scale variables that were standardized due to varying response metrics. Multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was performed on 1,660 participants with complete data. Results After adjusting for covariates, QOL was significantly associated with neighborhood safety and social cohesion. A one-standard deviation increase in neighborhood safety and social cohesion increased the log odds of having higher QOL by 30% (odds ratio (OR) = 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.14, 1.48; P ≤ 0.001) and 36% (OR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.16, 1.59; P ≤ 0.001), respectively. Higher QOL was not significantly associated with neighborhood walkability. Conclusion The results of this study underscore the need for initiatives that focus on enhancing age-friendly neighborhood features in large urban centers such as NYC and beyond.