Ralph DiClemente
Ralph DiClemente
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Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Professional overview
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Dr. Ralph DiClemente was trained as a Health Psychologist at the University of California, San Francisco where he received his PhD in 1984 after completing a ScM at the Harvard School of Public Health. He earned his undergraduate degree at the City University of New York.
Dr. DiClemente’s research has four key foci:
- Developing interventions to reduce the risk of HIV/STD among vulnerable populations
- Developing interventions to enhance vaccine uptake among high-risk adolescents and women, such as HPV and influenza vaccine
- Developing implementation science interventions to enhance the uptake, adoption and sustainability of HIV/STD prevention programs in the community
- Developing diabetes screening and behavior change interventions to identify people with diabetes who are unaware of their disease status as well as reduce the risk of diabetes among vulnerable populations.
He has focused on developing intervention packages that blend community and technology-based approaches that are designed to optimize program effectiveness and enhance programmatic sustainability.
Dr. DiClemente is the author of ten CDC-defined, evidence-based interventions for adolescents and young African-American women and men. He is the author of more than 540 peer-review publications, 150 book chapters, and 21 books. He serves as a member of the Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council.
Previously, Dr. DiClemente served as the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Public Health at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. He was also Associate Director of the Center for AIDS Research, and was previously Chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education at the Rollins School of Public Health.
Dr. DiClemente is Past President of the Georgia chapter of the Society for Adolescent Health & Medicine. He previously served as a member of the CDC Board of Scientific Counselors, and the NIMH Advisory Council.
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Education
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BA, The City College of the City University of New York (CCNY), New York, NYScM, Behavioral Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MAPhD, Health Psychology, University of California San Francisco Center for Behavioral Sciences, San Francisco, CAPostdoctoral Fellow, University of California, San Francisco, CA
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Areas of research and study
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Community InterventionsDiabetesHIV/AIDSImplementation scienceInfluenzaPsychology
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Publications
Publications
Culturally Congruent Latino-Adapted Telemonitoring of Underrepresented Adults With Type 2 Diabetes : The CULTURA-DM2 Trial
AbstractPekmezaris, R., Martinez, S., Gomez, V. C., Marino, J., Goris, N., Williams, M. S., Cigaran, E., Nouryan, C. N., Patel, V. H., Myers, A. K., Barbero, P., Granville, D., Murray, L. F., Guzman, J., Makaryus, A. N., McFarlane, S. I., Zeltser, R., Pena, M., Sison, C., … Harris, Y. T. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Clinical DiabetesVolume
43Issue
1Page(s)
79-91AbstractThis study reports on the development and testing of a comprehensive diabetes telemonitoring program tailored to meet the needs of underserved Hispanic/ Latino patients with diabetes. Individuals participating in the culturally tailored program had significantly better 6-month outcomes than those receiving comprehensive outpatient management for A1C, blood pressure, and diabetes self-efficacy, with no differences between groups in quality of life, medication adherence, emotional functioning, patient activation, or unscheduled physician visits. These findings suggest that culturally congruent diabetes telemonitoring may be effective for this underserved population.Improving HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents in low-resource settings: Sociocultural barriers and facilitators
AbstractDiClemente, R., Xu, M., Choi, J., & Capasso, A. (n.d.). (Adolescent Health, Medicine, and Therapeutics).Publication year
2025AbstractXu MA, Choi J, Capasso A, DiClemente R. Enhancing vaccine uptake among boys and girls: the importance of targeting both genders for optimal HPV vaccine coverage in LMICs. Vaccines.Reach and Capacity of Black Protestant Health Ministries as Sites of Community-Wide Health Promotion : A Qualitative Social Ecological Model Examination
AbstractFuller, T. J., Lambert, D. N., DiClemente, R., & Wingood, G. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health DisparitiesVolume
12Issue
2Page(s)
887-898AbstractBlack communities in the Southeast United States experience a disproportionate burden of illness and disease. To address this inequity, public health practitioners are partnering with Black Protestant churches to deliver health promotion interventions. Yet, the reach of these programs beyond the organizational level of the Social Ecological Model (SEM) is not well defined. Thus, the aim of this study is to understand Black Protestant church leaders’ and members’ perceptions about the capacity of their ministries to reach into their communities, beyond their congregations, as providers or hosts of health education or promotion interventions. From 20 Black Protestant churches in Atlanta, GA, 92 church leaders and members participated in semi-structured interviews. Grounded theory guided data analysis and a diverse team coded the interviews. Most participating churches had health ministries. Participants saw the boundaries between their churches at the organizational level of the SEM and the broader Black community to be porous. Those who described their “community” as being broader than their congregation also tended to describe community-wide health promotion their church engaged in. They described church-based health fairs as a strategy to promote engagement in their communities. Some participants, particularly those in a health-related profession, discussed visions of how to utilize their church as a site for community-wide health promotion. We suggest these participants may be boundary leaders who can build relationships between public health professionals, pastors, and congregants. Based on the findings, we suggest that church-based health fairs may be effective sites of community-wide health promotion.Reach and capacity of Black protestant health ministries as sites of community-wide health promotion: A qualitative social ecological model examination
AbstractDiClemente, R., Fuller, T., Lambert, D., & Wingood, G. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Volume
J Racial Ethnic Health DisparitiesAbstract~Risk communication: A contemporary perspective
AbstractDiClemente, R., & Xu, M. (n.d.). (International encyclopedia of public health).Publication year
2025AbstractXu MA, DiClemente R. Risk communication: A contemporary perspective. In International encyclopedia of public health. Elsevier IncSocial and psychological mediators of sexual and physical male-perpetrated intimate partner violence against young African American women: the role of alcohol use and drinking context
AbstractDiClemente, R., Capasso, A., Pahl, K., & Tozan, Y. (n.d.). (Journal of Interpersonal Violence).Publication year
2025AbstractCapasso A, Pahl K, Tozan Y, DiClemente R. Social and psychological mediators of sexual and physical male-perpetrated intimate partner violence against young African American women: the role of alcohol use and drinking context. Journal of Interpersonal Violence.The hidden burden of extragenital chlamydial and gonorrheal infections in a population of U.S. Army service members and their medical beneficiaries
AbstractDiClemente, R., Bartolanzo, D., Romo, M., Reynolds, A., Wingood, G., Ake, J., Calvano, T., Sevilla, M., & Colby, D. (n.d.). (Military Medicine).Publication year
2025AbstractBartolanzo D, Romo ML, Moreland SC, Dear N, Reynolds A, Sevilla MM, MacArthur JL, Cebula B, Faestel PM, Wingood GM, DiClemente RJ, Crowell TA, Ake JA, Calvano TP, Kunz A, Colby DJ. The hidden burden of extragenital chlamydial and gonorrheal infections in a population of U.S. Army service members and their medical beneficiaries. Military Medicine.Trajectories of Physical Violence Against Latinas and Black Women : The Protective Role of Parents, Neighborhoods, and Schools
AbstractCapasso, A., Tozan, Y., DiClemente, R., & Pahl, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Violence Against WomenAbstractUnderstanding the heterogeneous experiences of violence experienced by Black and Latina women over the life course is critical to prevention. We identified four physical violence trajectories experienced by 361 Black and Latina women followed from ages 14 to 39: low/none (44.0%), persistent-moderate (36.8%), peak in the 20s (11.9%), and persistent-high (7.2%) violence exposure. Childhood abuse predicted membership in the three violence-exposed groups, whereas parental closeness, school academic orientation, and neighborhood safety were protective factors. Public health interventions aimed at preventing childhood trauma and ensuring safe interpersonal relationships and environments for girls to thrive are urgently needed.Xu MA, Choi J, Capasso A, DiClemente R. Association of trauma history with current psychosocial health outcomes of young African American women. Youth.
Xu MA, Choi J, Capasso A, DiClemente R. Improving HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents in low resource settings: Sociocultural barriers and facilitators. Adolescent Health, Medicine, and Therapeutics.
Xu MA, Choi J, Rosenberger JG, Zimmerman RS, DiClemente R. Determinants of an HIV preventive vaccine among a highly vulnerable population: African American men who have sex with men. Vaccines.
Xu MA, Choi J, Capasso A, DiClemente R. Enhancing vaccine uptake among boys and girls: the importance of targeting both genders for optimal HPV vaccine coverage in LMICs. Vaccine.
:AbstractDiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Violence Against WomenAbstract~A multi-stage dyadic qualitative analysis to disentangle how dietary behaviors of Asian American young adults are influenced by family
AbstractDiClemente, R., & Ali, S. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Volume
Behavioral MedicineAbstract~A multi-stage dyadic qualitative analysis to disentangle how family members influence the dietary behaviors of Asian American young adults
AbstractDiClemente, R., Ali, S., Cai, J., Kamal, F., Auer, S., Yang, K., Parikh, R., Parekh, N., & Islam, N. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Volume
Behavioral MedicineAbstract~ASSESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF THEORY-BASED CORRELATES OF FUTURE HIV VACCINE INTENTIONS AMONG BLACK MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN
AbstractZimmerman, R. S., Wonderly, K., Abdul-Kadr, H., DiClemente, R., Turner, M. M., Xu, M. A., & Rosenberger, J. G. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
AIDS Education and PreventionVolume
36Issue
5Page(s)
354-368AbstractIn the United States, Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) represent the most vulnerable population for HIV infection. A potential vaccine could ultimately be the most effective HIV prevention strategy. Understanding the factors that may adversely affect HIV vaccine acceptance among BMSM is critical. We conducted two online surveys with BMSM; one recruited 432 respondents, and another recruited 204. Respondents completed a demographic assessment and questions derived from health behavior change theories and the relevant empirical literature. The two surveys yielded similar results. The findings indicate that vaccine uptake self-efficacy, perceived likelihood of important others receiving the vaccine, and susceptibility to HIV were related to intentions to receive a future HIV vaccine. Other potentially important variables include perceived HIV stigma, response efficacy, how much one conceals one’s sexual orientation, and perceived HIV discrimina-tion. Future research and health communication campaigns should consider these factors in potential HIV vaccine programs.Assessing the importance of theory-based correlates of future HIV vaccine intentions among Black men who have sex with men
AbstractDiClemente, R., Zimmerman, R., Wonderly, K., Abdul-Kadr, H., Turner, M., Xu, M., & Rosenberger, J. (n.d.). (5th eds.).Publication year
2024Volume
AIDS Educ Prevention, Vol 36Page(s)
354-368Abstract~Childhood Violence, High School Academic Environment, and Adult Alcohol Use Among Latinas and Black Women : A Structural Equation Modeling Study
AbstractCapasso, A., Tozan, Y., DiClemente, R., & Pahl, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Journal of Interpersonal ViolenceAbstractObjective: Young Latinas and Black women drink less than women of other racial/ethnic groups but experience more alcohol-related problems in midlife. This study aims to identify modifiable factors to prevent adult onset of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in this population. Methods: Data were collected at six time points as part of the Harlem Longitudinal Development Study from 365 Latinas (47%) and Black (53%) women (mean age at time 1 = 14, standard deviation 1.3). Structural equation modeling was used to test hypothesized pathways from childhood physical and sexual abuse to AUD via depressive mood, anxiety disorders, and somatic complaints in the 20s. We also tested the moderation effect of the high school academic environment by including in the structural equation model two latent variable interaction terms between the school environment and each of the abuse variables. Results: Childhood physical and sexual abuse was positively associated with depressive mood, anxiety disorders, and somatic complaints when participants were in the 20s. Depressive mood mediated childhood abuse and AUD when women were in the 30s. The high school academic environment attenuated the effect of physical, but not sexual abuse, on depressive mood (β = −0.59, B = −9.38, 95% CI [−14.00, −4.76]), anxiety symptoms (β = −0.61, B = −14.19, 95% CI [−21.76, −6.61]), appetite loss (β = −0.41, B = −10.52, 95% CI [−15.61, −5.42]), and sleeplessness (β = −0.50, B = −9.56, 95% CI [−13.95, −5.17]) in the early 20s. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the need to invest in early violence prevention interventions and in education to ensure equitable access to quality, academically oriented, and safe schools.Comparing the Influences of Spouses or Partners With Other Family Members in the Ability of Young Asian Americans to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
AbstractKwon, S., Ali, S. H., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American Journal of Lifestyle MedicineAbstractThe relationship between family dynamics and health has been extensively studied, but the specific pathways involved are not yet fully understood. The role of intimate partner relationships in promoting and maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors remains understudied, particularly in minority populations. This study addressed this gap by examining how frequent spousal and familial interactions affect healthy lifestyle behaviors in young Asian Americans. Survey data from Asian American adults aged 18 to 35, collected in March 2021, is used to compare two groups: one interacting most with an intimate partner and the other interacting most with other non-intimate family members. The results showed that young Asian Americans interact most with their spouses/partners and mothers. Participants who interacted most frequently with their spouses/partners reported a greater influence in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, particularly in the domains of exercise and sleep. Moreover, those who interacted more with their spouses/partners exhibited a greater sense of connectedness, which impacted spousal and personal influence on healthy lifestyle behaviors. The findings suggest that promoting interaction and fostering stronger spousal/partner relationships can positively influence the healthy lifestyle behaviors of young Asian Americans.Determinants of an HIV Preventive Vaccine among a Highly Vulnerable Population : African American Men Who Have Sex with Men
AbstractXu, M. A., Choi, J., Rosenberger, J. G., Zimmerman, R. S., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
VaccinesVolume
12Issue
3AbstractAfrican American men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV and may benefit from the development of an HIV vaccine. African American MSM are adversely affected by discrimination as a function of both their race and sexual behaviors. This may further increase the challenges associated with persuading them to adopt an HIV vaccine. Developing a knowledge base characterizing African American MSM HIV vaccine perceptions, attitudes, and concerns may help strengthen how healthcare providers and other health stakeholders describe and discuss the advent of an HIV vaccine. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and intentions related to HIV vaccination among African American MSM. This study comprised 432 African American MSM, 18–64 years, residing in the United States. Vaccine intention was defined as how likely it is that an individual would adopt an HIV vaccine if a vaccine was available and it was 90% effective against HIV, easy to obtain, free, and had few side effects. Relative to African American MSM who intend to delay receiving an HIV vaccination, controlling for age, education, and income, early vaccine adopters who had received ≥ 2 COVID-19 vaccinations and who had high WHO HIV Vaccine Positive Attitude Scale scores were, respectively, 3.2 times and 2.4 times more likely to report the intention to vaccinate within one year. Early vaccine adopters were also 2.4 times more likely to feel that HIV prevention support discriminates against African American MSM. Those reporting three or more sexual partners and medical mistrust were, respectively, 60% and 59% more likely to report the intention to delay HIV vaccination. The lack of a knowledge base on HIV vaccine perceptions and acceptability is a missed opportunity to provide guidance on how stakeholders, such as health providers and policymakers, should address HIV vaccine hesitancy once this crucial vaccine is licensed. The key factors affecting vaccine adoption are valuable in developing and implementing campaigns to enhance the HIV vaccine coverage in this vulnerable population.Determinants of an HIV preventive vaccine among a highly vulnerable population: African American men who have sex with men
AbstractDiClemente, R., Xu, M., Choi, J., Rosenberger, J., & Zimmerman, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Volume
Vaccines, 12Page(s)
1-14Abstract~Ensuring fidelity : key elements to consider in disseminating a diabetes telemanagement program for underserved Hispanic/Latinos living with type 2 diabetes
AbstractMartinez, S., Nouryan, C. N., Williams, M. S., Patel, V. H., Barbero, P., Correa Gomez, V., Marino, J., Goris, N., Cigaran, E., Granville, D., Murray, L. F., Harris, Y. T., Myers, A., Guzman, J., Makaryus, A. N., McFarlane, S. I., Zeltser, R., Pena, M., Sison, C., … Pekmezaris, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and HealthcareVolume
5AbstractBackground: The Hispanic/Latino population has greater risk (estimated >50%) of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and developing it at a younger age. The American Diabetes Association estimates costs of diagnosed diabetes in 2017 was $327 billion; with medical costs 2.3x higher than patients without diabetes. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the methodology utilized in a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the efficacy of a diabetes telemanagement (DTM) program for Hispanic/Latino patients with T2D. The intent is to provide information for future investigators to ensure that this study can be accurately replicated. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial with 240 participants. Eligible patients (Hispanic/Latino, aged 18+, living with T2D) were randomized to Comprehensive Outpatient Management (COM) or DTM. DTM was comprised of usual care, including routine clinic visits every three months, as well as: Biometrics (a tablet, blood glucose meter, blood pressure monitor, and scale); Weekly Video Visits (facilitated in the patient’s preferred language); and Educational Videos (including culturally congruent diabetes self-management education and quizzes). COM consisted of usual care including routine clinic visits every three months. For this study, COM patients received a glucometer, glucose test strips, and lancets. Establishing a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship was a fundamental component of our study for both groups. First contact (post-enrollment) centered on ensuring that patients and caregivers understood the program, building trust and rapport, creating a non-judgmental environment, determining language preference, and establishing scheduling availability (including evenings and weekends). DTM were provided with a tablet which allowed for self-paced education through videos and weekly video visits. The research team and Community Advisory Board identified appropriate educational video content, which was incorporated in diabetes educational topics. Video visits allowed us to assess patient involvement, motivation, and nonverbal communication. Communicating in Spanish, and awareness of diverse Hispanic/Latino backgrounds was critical, as using relevant and commonly-used terms can increase adherence and improve outcomes. Shared decision-making was encouraged to make realistic health care choices. Conclusion: Key elements discussed above provide a framework for future dissemination of an evidence-based DTM intervention to meet the needs of underserved Hispanic/Latino people living with T2D.Exploring sleep difficulties, alcohol, illicit drugs, and suicidal ideation among adolescents with a history of depression
AbstractRobbins, R., Weaver, M. D., Quan, S. F., Logan, R. W., Czeisler, C. A., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Psychiatry ResearchVolume
340AbstractSleep difficulties and misuse of drugs/alcohol have been associated with suicidal ideation in young people. Using cross-sectional representative surveys of adolescents in the United States, we conducted adjusted logistic regression modeling to assess the relationships between sleep difficulties, substance use, and suicidal ideation among adolescents with a history of depression (n = 38,418) between 2015 and 2020. Sleep difficulties were associated with thinking about (aOR=1.6,95%CI:1.3–1.9), planning (aOR=1.8,95%CI:1.2–2.6), or attempting (aOR=1.7,95%CI:1.2–2.5) suicide. In those reporting alcohol abuse/dependence, sleep difficulties were associated with attempting suicide (aOR=3.1,95%CI:1.2–8.5). In those reporting illicit drug abuse/dependence, sleep difficulties were associated with thinking about (aOR=2.1,95%CI:1.1–4.1) and attempting (aOR=2.2,95%CI:1.2–4.1) suicide.Exploring sleep difficulties, alcohol, illicit drugs, and suicidal ideation among adolescents with a history of depression
AbstractDiClemente, R., Robbins, R., Weaver, M., Quan, F., Logan, R., & Czeisler, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Volume
Psychiatry Research, Vol 340Abstract~How do Asian American young adults influence the health of family members? Structural equation modeling of age, acculturation, interactivity, and closeness
AbstractAli, S. H., Nayak, A., Qi, X., Misra, S., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Discover Social Science and HealthVolume
4Issue
1AbstractFamily members of Asian Americans (AAs) hold enormous potential as health changemakers to help combat the growing non-communicable disease burden in the community. To inform the development of impactful family-based interventions, there is a need to disentangle the mechanisms behind family influences on health. This study aims to deconstruct how interactivity and closeness mediate the association of age and acculturation with how much AA young adults perceive themselves to influence the health behaviors of family members. 502 AA young adults (48.0% East Asian, 20.9% South Asian, 23.1% Southeast Asian) were recruited in March 2021 to participate in an online survey on family interaction patterns, providing data on 944 unique dyadic family relationships. Associations between age, acculturation, interactivity (shared family activities, living proximity, and interaction frequency), closeness (family connectedness and interaction quality), and family health influence (reflecting influence on diet, exercise, sleep, stress, substance use, and relationship building) were evaluated through structural equation modeling. The final model displayed strong fit (CFI:0.956, RMSEA:0.081, SRMR:0.041), and revealed that an increase in closeness compared to interactivity corresponded with a greater increase in family health influence, with both completely mediating the association between age and family health influence. Acculturation was not associated with closeness, and its effect on family health influence was only partially mediated through interactivity. In subgroup analyses, neither interactivity nor closeness mediated the relationship between age and family health influence among South Asians (unlike East and Southeast Asians). Findings suggest the importance of targeting interactivity and closeness separately when developing AA family-based health interventions, and considering how the age and acculturation profile of AA young adults may shape these dynamics.How do Asian American young adults influence the health of family members? Structural equation modeling of age, acculturation, interactivity, and closeness
AbstractDiClemente, R., Ali, S., Nayak, A., Qi, X., & Misra, S. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Volume
Social Science and HealthAbstract~How Shared Dietary Behaviors Within Asian American Families Are Influenced by Emotional Interaction Qualities : A Nationwide Cross-sectional Analysis
AbstractAli, S. H., Meltzer, G., DiClemente, R., Islam, N. S., Yi, S. S., Yang, L. H., & Misra, S. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
International Journal of Behavioral MedicineAbstractBackground: Asian American (AA) young adults face a looming diet-related non-communicable disease crisis. Interactions with family members are pivotal in the lives of AA young adults and form the basis of family-based interventions; however, little is known on the role of these interactions in shared family food behaviors. Through an analysis of 2021 nationwide survey data of 18–35-year-old AAs, this study examines how the quality of family member interactions associates with changes in shared food purchasing, preparation, and consumption. Method: Interaction quality was assessed through 41 emotions experienced while interacting with family, and was categorized as positive (e.g., “I look forward to it”), negative (e.g., “I feel annoyed”), and appreciation-related (e.g., “I feel respected”) interactions. Participants were also asked how frequently they ate meals, ate out, grocery shopped, and cooked with their family. Results: Among the 535 AAs surveyed (47.6% East Asian, 21.4% South Asian, 22.6% Southeast Asian), 842 unique family interactions were analyzed; 43.5% of interactions were with mothers, followed by siblings (27.1%), and fathers (18.5%). Participants most frequently ate meals with their family (at least daily for 33.5% of participants), followed by cooking (at least daily for 11.3%). In adjusted analyses, an increase in shared food behaviors was particularly associated with positive interactions, although most strongly with cooking together and least strongly with eating meals together; significant differences between ethnic subgroups were not observed. Conclusion: Findings revealed the importance of family interaction quality when leveraging family relationships to develop more tailored, impactful AA young adult dietary interventions.How shared dietary behaviors within Asian American families are influenced by emotional interaction qualities: a nationwide cross-sectional analysis
AbstractDiClemente, R., Ali, S., Meltzer, G., Islam, N., Yi, S., Yang, L., & Misra, S. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Volume
Intl Journal of Behavioral MedicineAbstract~Improving HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents in low resource settings: Sociocultural and socioeconomic barriers and facilitators
AbstractDiClemente, R., Xu, M., Choi, J., & Capasso, A. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Volume
Adolesc Health, Med, Therapeutics, 15Abstract~