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Active lines of research
MULTILEVEL DRIVERS OF ORAL HEALTH-R03 (NIDCR/NIH)
The purpose of the proposed study is to examine how everyday experiences shaped by upstream psychosocial factors influence oral health among adults of Central and South American ancestry. To advance this undertheorized area of research, this project will leverage electronic dental records to examine the association between perceived exposure to psychosocial stress and both clinical and self-reported oral health, while evaluating differences by sex, behavioral risk factors, and neighborhood-level economic conditions. The knowledge generated from this study will advance understanding of the mechanisms by which broader upstream contextual factors influence oral health.
REFUGEE & IMMIGRANT ORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE
Dra. García is the PI on a community-engaged participatory research project to establish a Community Advisory Board (CAB) to address the oral health needs of refugee populations in Central Virginia. A mixed methods approach was utilized to identify facilitators and barriers to community member participation in the CAB. The group is also finalizing analysis of a qualitative study to examine the oral health concerns and structural and social barriers to accessing dental care among refugee populations in Virginia. Study partners include refugee resettlement agencies and the VCU School of Social Work.
ORAL HEALTH OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV
Dra. García is the PI on a mixed methods pilot study to examine the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of people living with HIV. This study is funded by the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research at VCU.
Other studies in this line of research include an analysis of dental claims data to characterize the dental care utilization for people living with HIV that receive care at the VCU Dental Clinics (PI García).
RURAL LATINA/O/X HEALTH INITIATIVE
This line of research entails formative research to develop a community-based health initiative tailored for Latinx/a/o people that reside in rural Southwest Virginia. Recently the group conducted a study to examine the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Latino/x people residing in the city of Galax, Carroll County, and Grayson County.
SCHOLARSHIP OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
This emerging line of research in the scholarship of teaching and learning examines how health sciences students are trained in health equity and racial justice. Dra. Garcia is currently leading a Society of Directors of Research in Medical Education funded scoping review to characterize anti-racism curricula in undergraduate and graduate medical education. Additionally, she collaborated with Dr. Laura Padilla to develop an introductory health disparities curriculum for medical physics graduate students and residents.
Have an idea? Want to collaborate?
Reach us at:
KalpulliResearch@gmail.com
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