Nina S Parikh

Clinical Associate Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Professional overview

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.

Education

BS, Biology and minor in Sociology, John Carroll University, Cleveland, OH

MPH, Health Policy and Management, Emory University, Atlanta, GA

PhD, Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY

Areas of research and study

Aging and the Life Course

Cultural Determinants of Health

Immigration

Racial/Ethnic Disparities

Social Determinants of Health

Publications

Publications

Mental health burdens among North American Asian adults living with chronic conditions: a systematic review

Acculturation and Depressive Symptoms Among Dominicans in New York City

Hagen, D., Goldmann, E., Parikh, N. S., Goodman, M., & Boden-Albala, B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2022

Journal title

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health

Volume

24

Issue

5

Page(s)

1186-1195

10.1007/s10903-021-01316-2

Abstract

Abstract

Little is known about the association between acculturation and mental health among Dominican populations in the United States. Data came from a community survey of Dominican residents of New York City (n = 2744). Associations between two indicators of acculturation, proportion of life spent in the U.S. and interview language (English/Spanish), with lifetime depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥ 5) were examined using logistic regression overall and by gender. In adjusted models, respondents with English-language interview and above-median proportion of life spent in the U.S. had 77% higher odds (95% CI 1.28, 2.44) of lifetime depressive symptoms than those with Spanish-language interview and below-median proportion of life spent in the U.S. There was some evidence of elevated odds of depressive symptoms among men with English-language interview and below-median proportion of life spent in the U.S. Additional research is needed to elucidate gender-specific impacts of acculturation on mental health in this population.

Recruitment, Inclusion, and Diversity in Clinical Trials

Positive health beliefs and blood pressure reduction in the deserve study

Assessing the palliative care needs and service use of diverse older adults in an urban medically-underserved community

Efficacy of a Discharge Educational Strategy vs Standard Discharge Care on Reduction of Vascular Risk in Patients with Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack: The DESERVE Randomized Clinical Trial

Immigration Status, Visa Types, and Body Weight Among New Immigrants in the United States

The experiences of providing caregiving for patients with schizophrenia in the Ghanaian context

Gloria, O., Osafo, J., Goldmann, E., Parikh, N. S., Nonvignon, J., & Kretchy, I. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2018

Journal title

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing

Volume

32

Issue

6

Page(s)

815-822

10.1016/j.apnu.2018.06.005

Age-related differences in antihypertensive medication adherence in hispanics: A cross-sectional community-based survey in New York City, 2011-2012

Barriers and Strategies for Recruitment of Racial and Ethnic Minorities: Perspectives from Neurological Clinical Research Coordinators

Chronic Physical Illness Burden and Suicidal Ideation Among Dominicans in New York City

Gender, Social Networks, and Stroke Preparedness in the Stroke Warning Information and Faster Treatment Study

Race/ethnic differences in post-stroke depr ession (PSD): Findings from the stroke warning information and faster treatment (SWIFT ) study

Examining Barriers and Practices to Recruitment and Retention in Stroke Clinical Trials

Restaurant management views on the views on the new national menu labeling laws

Yeh, M., Platkin, C., Fishman, J., L., F., & Parikh, N. (n.d.).

Publication year

2014

Journal title

International Journal of Nutrition Dietetics

Volume

2

Issue

1

Page(s)

1-18

Mind-body techniques, race-ethnicity, and depression among urban senior center participants

Linking neighborhood characteristics to food insecurity in older adults: The role of perceived safety, social cohesion, and walkability

Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Senior Centers: Comparing Participant Characteristics in More and Less Multicultural Settings

The association between neighbourhood social cohesion and hypertension management strategies in older adults

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

Ethnic disparities in self-reported oral health status and access to care among older adults in NYC

Shelley, D., Russell, S., Parikh, N. S., & Fahs, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2011

Journal title

Journal of Urban Health

Volume

88

Issue

4

Page(s)

651-662

10.1007/s11524-011-9555-8

Abstract

Abstract

There is a growing burden of oral disease among older adults that is most significantly borne by minorities, the poor, and immigrants. Yet, national attention to oral heath disparities has focused almost exclusively on children, resulting in large gaps in our knowledge about the oral health risks of older adults and their access to care. The projected growth of the minority and immigrant elderly population as a proportion of older adults heightens the urgency of exploring and addressing factors associated with oral health-related disparities. In 2008, the New York City Health Indicators Project (HIP) conducted a survey of a representative sample of 1,870 adults over the age of 60 who attended a random selection of 56 senior centers in New York City. The survey included questions related to oral health status. This study used the HIP database to examine differences in self-reported dental status, dental care utilization, and dental insurance, by race/ethnicity, among community-dwelling older adults. Non-Hispanic White respondents reported better dental health, higher dental care utilization, and higher satisfaction with dental care compared to all other racial/ethnic groups. Among minority older adults, Chinese immigrants were more likely to report poor dental health, were less likely to report dental care utilization and dental insurance, and were less satisfied with their dental care compared to all other racial/ethnic groups. Language fluency was significantly related to access to dental care among Chinese immigrants. Among a diverse community-dwelling population of older adults in New York City, we found significant differences by race/ethnicity in factors related to oral health. Greater attention is needed in enhancing the cultural competency of providers, addressing gaps in oral health literacy, and reducing language barriers that impede access to care.

Body weight and length of residence in the US among Chinese Americans

Yeh, M. C., Fahs, M., Burton, D., Yerneni, R., Parikh, N. S., & Shelley, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2009

Journal title

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health

Volume

11

Issue

5

Page(s)

422-427

10.1007/s10903-007-9113-3

Abstract

Abstract

Background: It has been shown that as immigrants' length of residence increases, so does their weight. However, little is known about factors associated with weight status among Chinese Americans, one of the fastest growing immigrant populations in the US. Methods: Baseline datafrom a National Cancer Institute-funded longitudinal study involving a multi-stage probability sample of Chinese Americans residing in two communities in New York City were collected. Results: Chinese Americans had a low BMI (mean = 22.81) and a lower proportion of obese individuals compared with other ethnic groups in the US reported in the literature. While the prevalence of being overweight (21%) and obese (2%) was low, length of residence was positively associated with weight status (P < 0.005). Conclusions: Innovative strategies to help Chinese Americans maintain healthy weight status and to prevent them from becoming overweight and obese are needed.

Health behaviors of older Chinese adults living in New York City

Parikh, N. S., Fahs, M. C., Shelley, D., & Yerneni, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2009

Journal title

Journal of Community Health

Volume

34

Issue

1

Page(s)

6-15

10.1007/s10900-008-9125-5

Abstract

Abstract

The dramatic increase in the number of older immigrants living in the U.S. presents new challenges to policy makers concerned with promoting healthy aging. To date, however, strikingly little is known regarding the health and health trajectories of older immigrants. This paper examines the prevalence and predictors of important health behaviors associated with chronic disease prevention, including current smoking status, physical activity, alcohol use, and body mass index (BMI). We analyzed data from the 2003 New York City Chinese Health Survey (NYC CHS), the largest probability-based sample of Chinese immigrants residing in two distinct communities. In-person interviews were conducted with 517 representative men and women aged 55-75. Logistic regression modeling was used to test the influence of demographic, socioeconomic status, acculturation, and health characteristics on selected health behaviors. Results revealed that having more education and better physical health status were associated with greater participation in physical activity. Gender-specific analyses indicated that the effect of selected predictors varied between the sexes. For example, among older Chinese women, acculturation was negatively associated with alcohol use. This study provides some of the first evidence on health behaviors of one of the fastest growing older immigrant groups in the U.S. Study results add to the emerging literature on the complex nature of immigrant health trajectories, and demonstrate that contrary to prior research, living a greater proportion of time in the U.S. can be associated with selected positive health behaviors. Further longitudinal studies are needed to help inform policy initiatives to encourage healthy aging among diverse older immigrant groups.

Immigrants and urban planning: Towards a policy frameowrk

Parikh, N., Fahs, M., & Viladrich, A. (n.d.). In Urban Health and Society (1–).

Publication year

2009

Page(s)

239-270

Patients' shame and attitudes toward discussing the results of literacy screening