Farzana Kapadia
Farzana Kapadia
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Professor of Epidemiology
Director of Undergraduate Programs
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Professional overview
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Dr. Farzana Kapadia is Professor of Epidemiology and Population Health at the NYU School of Global Public Health and at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Population Health. Dr. Kapadia is also affiliated with the Institute of Human Development and Social Change and Population Center at NYU.
Dr. Kapadia has long standing research interests in understanding the social and structural drivers of HIV/STIs as well as sexual and reproductive health outcomes in underserved and marginalized populations. Dr. Kapadia has over 20 years of experience in the design, development, and implementation of observational studies and HIV/STI intervention and prevention trials in underserved and marginalized populations in urban settings, both in the US and in Africa (Ghana and Kenya).
Dr. Kapadia has a passion for teaching and mentoring. She teaches the core Epidemiology for in-coming MPH students and has also taught key epidemiology courses, including Intermediate Epidemiology and Outbreak Epidemiology at GPH as well as an HIV-related course at NYU London. The overarching goal of Dr. Kapadia’s teaching is to train students to become epidemiologists and public health practitioners who are critical and creative thinkers as well as champions and advocates for inclusive solutions to our local and global public health challenges.
In addition to her research and teaching responsibilities, Dr. Kapadia serves as the Deputy Editor for the American Journal of Public Health.
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Education
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BS, Biology and History, SUNY Binghamton, Binghamton, NYMPH, Community Public Health, New York University, New York, NYPhD, Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Honors and awards
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Excellence in Public Health Faculty Award, New York University (2012)Steinhardt Goddard Award (2011)Community Collaborative Award, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development (2009)Elected Member, American College of Epidemiology (2007)
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Areas of research and study
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Behavioral Determinants of HealthBehavioral ScienceEpidemiologyHIV/AIDSReproductive HealthSocial BehaviorsSocial Determinants of HealthSocial epidemiologySubstance Abuse
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Publications
Publications
Cancer screening behaviors among people with HIV in the United States and the role of social determinants of health: A systematic review
AbstractIslam, J. Y., Lappen, H., Commaroto, S., Edwards, D., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2026Journal title
Current Epidemiology Reports.Volume
13Issue
3Abstract~Expanding PrEP Access by Embedding Unannounced SNAPS Navigators in High STI Testing Clinical Sites
AbstractPitts, R. A., Rufo, M., Ban, F., Braithwaite, R. S. S., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2026Journal title
AIDS and behaviorVolume
30Issue
1Page(s)
307-314AbstractWe developed and implemented a PrEP navigation program ("SNAPS") in a NYC safety-net hospital with the objectives to co-locate navigation, clinical PrEP services, and payment assistance. Adherence and retention to PrEP-related care were assessed by mean medication possession ratios (MPRs) and number of appointments over 12 months. Compared to the pre-SNAPS cohort, the post-SNAPS cohort was less likely to be cisgender male (64.8% vs. 84.2%), White (6.5% vs. 23%) and to speak English (33.3% vs. 80.6%) (all pThe Mediating Role of Frailty in Healthcare Utilization Among Sexual and Gender Minorities: A Comparison of Generalist, Specialist, and Mental Health Visits
AbstractWong, C. N., Cavanaugh, R., Smith, L. H., Kim, D. H., Streed, C. G., Kapadia, F., & Olivieri-Mui, B. (n.d.).Publication year
2026Journal title
Journal of applied gerontology : the official journal of the Southern Gerontological SocietyPage(s)
7334648261418733AbstractThis study examined whether frailty mediates the relationship between sexual and gender minority (SGM) status and three types of outpatient healthcare utilization among adults aged 50 and older in the Research Program (2017-2022). We estimated controlled direct effects of SGM status across generalist, specialist, and mental health visits. Healthcare utilization and SGM status were self-reported, and frailty was measured using a survey-based deficit accumulation index. Both SGM status and frailty were independently associated with increased rates of all outpatient visit types. Regarding mediation, our results suggest that if all participants were robust, SGM adults would still have higher healthcare utilization compared to cisgender heterosexual older adults. This indicates that factors beyond frailty influence patterns of healthcare use in this population and highlights the importance of identifying additional determinants to ensure that older SGM adults receive appropriate and responsive care.Sex-Based Disparities in Health Outcomes and Pandemic-Related Stressors Among Persons with Substance Use Disorders : Findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2021
AbstractMoore, B., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Substance Use and MisuseAbstractIntroduction: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare access and exacerbated health disparities, particularly among persons with a substance use disorder (SUD). Research on gender and sex-based disparities in health outcomes among people with SUDs is warranted, especially following periods of economic and social shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study is to examine sex-based differences in health outcomes and pandemic-related stressors among US adults with past-year SUD following the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were used to examine past-year sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnoses, emergency department visits, overnight hospital stays, serious psychological distress, and unmet mental health needs among those with SUDs. Pandemic-related stressors included frequency of serious financial worries, mental health impacts, changes to substance use, and health care access challenges. Weighted prevalence estimates for sociodemographics, SUD-type, and outcomes were calculated by sex. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted prevalence odds ratios. Results: Female persons with SUDs had higher odds of adverse health outcomes—including past-year STI diagnosis (AOR = 2.00; 95%CI:1.25–3.20) and serious psychological distress (AOR = 2.06; 95%CI:1.72–2.47)—as well as higher odds of experiencing pandemic-related stressors including frequent, serious financial worries (AOR = 1.31; 95%CI:1.09–1.57) and increased alcohol use due to the pandemic (AOR = 1.51; 95%CI:1.23-1.85) compared to male persons. Conclusions: Following the initial waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, female persons with SUDs experienced disproportionate adverse health and pandemic-related impacts. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address health and social vulnerabilities exacerbated by large-scale crises.The Escalating War on Immigrants Is a Public Health Crisis
AbstractBorrell, L. N., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
115Issue
8Page(s)
1220-1221Abstract~Tracking Sexually Transmitted Infections among Cisgender Women Seeking Care at an Urban Safety-Net Hospital to Identify HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Candidates
AbstractMoore, B. E., Pitts, R., Oot, A., Davis, N. F. F., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Journal of urban health : bulletin of the New York Academy of MedicineVolume
102Issue
6Page(s)
1198-1207AbstractCisgender women are underserved by current HIV prevention efforts, and substantial gender disparities persist in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. Recent diagnoses with a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) are objective, readily available indicators of PrEP-eligibility that could be used to improve PrEP prescribing for cisgender women. To better understand missed opportunities for prescribing, we examined the prevalence and correlates of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) diagnoses among cisgender women seeking care at a New York City obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) clinic, along with the number of PrEP prescriptions provided post-STI diagnosis. A cross-sectional, retrospective review of electronic health record data was conducted for all HIV-negative cisgender women tested for CT and/or NG at the clinic between September 1, 2021 and September 19, 2022. Counts and prevalence for CT and NG infection were calculated, and multivariable log-binomial regression was used to examine associated factors. Among 7593 cisgender women receiving CT/NG testing during the study period, 186 had ≥ 1 CT infection (prevalence: 2.45%) and 18 had ≥ 1 NG infection (prevalence: 0.24%). In a multivariable model, CT/NG infection was significantly associated with age, having Spanish as a primary language, and a marital status of divorced, widowed, or separated. No cisgender women who received CT or NG diagnoses were prescribed PrEP during the study period. These findings highlight how opportunities to prescribe PrEP to cisgender women continue to be missed, even with readily available indicators for PrEP eligibility. More effective strategies are needed to promote PrEP prescribing among diverse populations of cisgender women, particularly in Ob/Gyn settings.A mixed-methods evaluation of an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis educational intervention for healthcare providers in a NYC safety-net hospital-based obstetrics and gynecology clinic
AbstractOot, A., Kapadia, F., Moore, B., Greene, R. E., Katz, M., Denny, C., & Pitts, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIVAbstract~ACCULTURATION, PERCEPTIONS ABOUT SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH CARE, AND UTILIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AMONG US-BASED SOUTH ASIANS
AbstractKapur, R., Badsa, K., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Ethnicity and DiseaseVolume
34Issue
4Page(s)
199-206AbstractObjectives: To examine the relationship between acculturation, cultural perceptions surrounding mental health (MH) burden and utilization of MH services among South Asian (SA) adults in the United States. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online survey. Participants: Four hundred five SA adults (≥18 years old) residing in the United States. Methods: Cross-sectional study of acculturation, attitudes toward MH burden, and MH service utilization was conducted via online survey. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to understand how these factors were associated with MH service utilization. Main outcome measure: Utilization of MH services. Results: Among the 405 participants, 49.0% identified as immigrants (75.1% Indian, 8% Bangladeshi, 5.5% Pakistani, and 3.8% from other SA countries). Current utilization of MH services was associated with comfort conversing in English (odds ration [OR]¼5.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]¼1.63, 27.02), having English-speaking peers (OR¼3.80; 95% CI¼1.12, 12.93), and having family (OR¼2.37; 95% CI¼1.21, 4.64) and peers (OR¼5.64; 95% CI¼1.71, 18.66) who used MH services. Participants with mostly SA peers (OR¼0.48; 95% CI¼0.23, 0.97) reported lower lifetime MH service utilization, and those with positive perceptions about MH burden reported higher lifetime utilization (OR¼1.04; 95% CI¼1.01, 1.09). Conclusions: Comfort expressing emotions in English, knowledge of family/peer MH service use, and type of social connections were associated with MH service utilization among SA immigrants. Interventions should aim to increase SA languages in which MH services are offered and to engage with SA communities to increase acceptance of MH service utilization. Ethn Dis.Adolescent Mental Health and Well-Being : A Public Health of Consequence, February 2024
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
2Page(s)
158-160Abstract~Assessing how frailty and healthcare delays mediate the association between sexual and gender minority status and healthcare utilization in the All of Us Research Program
AbstractWong, C. N., Smith, L. H., Cavanaugh, R., Kim, D. H., Streed, C. G., Kapadia, F., & Olivieri-Mui, B. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association : JAMIAVolume
31Issue
12Page(s)
2916-2923AbstractOBJECTIVES: To understand how frailty and healthcare delays differentially mediate the association between sexual and gender minority older adults (OSGM) status and healthcare utilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the All of Us Research Program participants ≥50 years old were analyzed using marginal structural modelling to assess if frailty or healthcare delays mediated OSGM status and healthcare utilization. OSGM status, healthcare delays, and frailty were assessed using survey data. Electronic health record (EHR) data was used to measure the number of medical visits or mental health (MH) visit days, following 12 months from the calculated All of Us Frailty Index. Analyses adjusted for age, race and ethnicity, income, HIV, marital status ± general MH (only MH analyses). RESULTS: Compared to non-OSGM, OSGM adults have higher rates of medical visits (adjusted rate ratio [aRR]: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.24) and MH visits (aRR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.07, 2.91). Frailty mediated the association between OSGM status medical visits (Controlled direct effect [Rcde] aRR: 1.03, 95% CI [0.87, 1.22]), but not MH visits (Rcde aRR: 0.37 [95% CI: 0.06, 1.47]). Delays mediated the association between OSGM status and MH visit days (Rcde aRR: 2.27, 95% CI [1.15, 3.76]), but not medical visits (Rcde aRR: 1.06 [95% CI: 0.97, 1.17]). DISCUSSION: Frailty represents a need for medical care among OSGM adults, highlighting the importance of addressing it to improve health and healthcare utilization disparities. In contrast, healthcare delays are a barrier to MH care, underscoring the necessity of targeted strategies to ensure timely MH care for OSGM adults.Life Expectancy in the United States : A Public Health of Consequence, June 2024
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
6Page(s)
556-558Abstract~Mass Incarceration and Health Inequities : A Public Health of Consequence, September 2024
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
9Page(s)
856-858Abstract~Our Public Health Workforce, Our Future : A Public Health of Consequence, May 2024
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
5Page(s)
461-462Abstract~Polarization, Partisanship, and Political Alignment Threaten Public Health : A Public Health of Consequence, October 2024
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
10Page(s)
974-976Abstract~Protecting Immigrant Children : A Public Health of Consequence, March 2024
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
3Page(s)
267-269Abstract~Safeguarding the Health of Mothers : A Public Health of Consequence, July 2024
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
7Page(s)
672-673Abstract~School-Based Health Centers Are a Critical Component of Health Care for Children : A Public Health of Consequence, August 2024
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
8Page(s)
769-771Abstract~Social Justice and Public Health : A Public Health of Consequence, April 2024
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
4Page(s)
364-365Abstract~The Value of Peace : A Public Health of Consequence, January 2024
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
1Page(s)
15-16Abstract~Understanding the Post-Dobbs Landscape for Abortion Care in the United States
AbstractKapadia, F., Ferguson, L., & Parmet, W. E. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
114Issue
10Page(s)
994-996Abstract~Climate Justice and Health Equity : A Public Health of Consequence, October 2023
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
113Issue
10Page(s)
1053-1054Abstract~Data Democratization for Health Equity : A Public Health of Consequence, August 2023
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
113Issue
8Page(s)
839-840Abstract~Environmental Justice From Pennsylvania to Paris : A Public Health of Consequence, January 2023
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
113Issue
1Page(s)
12-14Abstract~EquiPrEP : An implementation science protocol for promoting equitable access and uptake of long-acting injectable HIV preexposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP)
AbstractKaul, C. M., Moore, B. E., Kaplan-Lewis, E., Casey, E., Pitts, R. A., Pirallo, P. P., Lim, S., Kapadia, F., Cohen, G. M., Khan, M., & Mgbako, O. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
PloS oneVolume
18Issue
9 SeptemberAbstractBackground Long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2021. This initial phase of implementation represents a prime opportunity to ensure equitable LAI-PrEP provision to communities often underrepresented in PrEP care before disparities in access and uptake emerge. Herein, we describe the EquiPrEP Project which utilizes an equity-oriented implementation science framework to optimize LAI-PrEP rollout in an urban safety-net clinic in New York City. Methods The primary objectives of this project are to: (1) increase LAI-PrEP initiation overall; (2) increase uptake among groups disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic; (3) preserve high PrEP retention while expanding use; and (4) identify barriers and facilitators to LAI-PrEP use. EquiPrEP will enroll 210 PrEP-eligible participants into LAI-PrEP care with planned follow-up for one year. We will recruit from the following priority populations: Black and/or Latine men who have sex with men, Black and/or Latine cisgender women, and transgender women and nonbinary individuals. To evaluate implementation of LAI-PrEP, we will utilize equity-focused iterations of the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), in addition to longitudinal surveys and qualitative interviews. Discussion Novel LAI-PrEP formulations carry tremendous potential to revolutionize the field of HIV prevention. Implementation strategies rooted in equity are needed to ensure that marginalized populations have access to LAI-PrEP and to address the structural factors that hinder initiation and retention in care.Health Equity Requires Public Health Workforce Diversity and Inclusivity : A Public Health of Consequence, September 2023
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
113Issue
9Page(s)
936-938Abstract~