Faculty Research Interests
Epidemiology is the study of the causes and prevention of disease in specific populations such as minority groups, a city or country, or other special groups such as newborns and children. Epidemiology research equally emphasizes the study of environmental, genetic and social determinants of health and disease. Some of the research areas of interest to the UTSPH Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control faculty are briefly described below as are links to some of the related projects within which the faculty collaborate.
Cancer Epidemiology
Cancer causes 5 million deaths per year worldwide and is second only to cardiovascular disease as a cause of death in the developed world. Cancer epidemiology seeks to understand the biological, environmental and social risk factors of cancer with the goal of guiding efforts at prevention and treatment. Examples of research by UTSPH Division of Epidemiology faculty includes evaluation of the efficacy of chemoprevention to prevent secondary tumors, investigations into racial disparities in breast cancer survival, study of the relationship between insulin resistance and beast cancer, and identification of genetic cancer susceptibility risk factors.
Children’s and Maternal/Child Health Issues
The goal of maternal and child health epidemiology research is to promote and improve the health and well-being of children and families. UTSPH faculty have been involved in efforts to assess health trends (such as obesity, physical activity and nutrient intake among school-age children) and risk factor exposures (such as alcohol, tobacco and drug use) of children in Texas, the U.S. and in developing countries. Other UTSPH division of epidemiology faculty are committed to understanding the etiology of birth defects, including perinatal retinopathy, spina bifida and other central nervous system malformations. Related Projects:
Cardiovascular and Other Chronic Disease Epidemiology
Common chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, account for the majority of mortality, morbidity and disability in the United States. Current chronic disease research projects of Epidemiology faculty include investigation of the relationship between tuberculosis and diabetes; assessment of the occupational and environmental risk factors of respiratory diseases; identification of genetic and environmental risk factors for hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke and diabetes; development of nutrition and physical activity assessment tools and interventions for prevention of chronic disease; and evaluations of the effectiveness of current diabetes screening and disease management practices. Related projects:
Clinical Epidemiology
Clinical Epidemiologists apply epidemiological methods to the problems of delivering health care to individual patients. By evaluating patients in groups, a well-designed clinical trial can be used to study the efficacy of diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care tools. Division of Epidemiology have been involved in design and analysis of clinical trials investigating treatments for cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
Genetics of Human Disease
UTSPH Genetic Epidemiologists are investigating the role of genes in such diseases as Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, respiratory diseases and vision disorders. Many of the Human Genetics Center faculty are also part of the Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control. Understanding the genetics of these diseases involves locating and characterizing the underlying genes, characterizing the extent and utility of DNA variation within and among populations, determining how patterns of DNA variation evolved in time and space, and establishing the impact of gene variation on the health of individuals, families and populations. In addition, UTSPH researchers develop computational and bioinformatic approaches and resources for investigating the genetic etiology of disease. Other research projects in human genetics focus on the causes of inherited retinal diseases, conditions that often cause severe loss of vision in children and young adults. Related Projects:
Hispanic Health Issues and Health Disparities Research
Minority populations may be faced with higher frequencies of many diseases and may have access to fewer trained people within their own populations to address those diseases. Epidemiologists investigating minority health issues seek to identify the sources of health disparities, and how these disparities can be alleviated. Some UTSPH Epidemiology and Disease Control faculty investigate the health disparities of Tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. Others investigate the disproportionate affects of hypertension, obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases on minority groups. In addition, faculty of the UT Houston School of Public Health and the Texas Medical Center have collaborated to create the Health Research Center in the Lower Rio Grande Valley to address the unique health care needs of the Hispanic population living on the US-Mexico border. Related Projects:
Infectious Disease Epidemiology
This classical component of epidemiology is the study of dynamic factors involved in the transmission of infectious agents in populations. Infectious disease investigators study the epidemiology, immunology, clinical features, control, prevention and therapy of infectious diseases with public health implications. As part of their research efforts, several UTSHP Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control faculty are part of the Center for Infectious Diseases (CID). Diseases under investigation include HIV/AIDS and other STDs, insect-bourne pathogens such as West Nile Virus, diarrheal diseases, Heliobacter pylori, Hepatitis B and C, Tuberculisis, and emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. These and related disease control and public health preparedness research activities are also housed in the Center for Biosecurity and Public Health Preparedness. Related Projects:
Nutrition Epidemiology
Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are risk factors for many chronic diseases. Examples of research projects of Epidemiology faculty include the design and implementation of nutrition and physical activity programs for children and other at-risk populations, investigation of the relationships between hormones, diet, body size, and breast cancer; development and evaluation of assessment techniques; and studies of gene-diet interactions. Related Projects:
Violence and Substance Abuse
Epidmiological methods may be used effectively to study population-based patterns of violence and substance abuse, and the injuries and health consequences that arise from these activies. Investigators seek to both understand and prevent violence and substance abuse. Examples of research projects of Epidemiology faculty include analysis of alcohol intake patterns among individuals in populations along the US-Mexico border; investigations of alcohol intake patterns in school-age youth; evaluation of the efficacy of tobacco intervention programs aimed at school-age children; and longitudinal analysis of intimate partner violence and its relationship with drinking within US ethnic groups.
