Current Studies
Ongoing SIRC-led studies and research collaborations with partners at ASU, other academic institutions, and community organizations
Leveraging Community-Engaged Research to Co-Create Youth Vaping Prevention with Urban Indigenous Communities of the Southwest
Principal Investigator(s): Stephanie Ayers, Arizona State University
Funding: National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2024-2029
For over a decade, our team has collaborated with Phoenix Indian Center to adapt and test substance use interventions for urban Indigenous youth. Now, Phoenix Indian Center has prioritized nicotine and cannabis vaping as the most problematic substances in the local urban Indigenous community. To address this community-driven priority with our long-term community partner, this study builds upon our extensive experience to rigorously test the efficacy of the evidence-based substance use prevention intervention, Living in 2 Worlds, adapted to include salient multilevel risk and protective factors for vaping for urban Indigenous adolescents. To further ensure that the Living in 2 Worlds intervention is designed, implemented, evaluated, and disseminated for cultural relevance and community specificity, we will engage an Indigenous Youth Advisory Board throughout the research process.
Arizona CEAL: Linking Social Care with Healthcare Systems to Address SDOH
Principal Investigator(s): Sairam Parthasarathy, University of Arizona; Sabrina Oesterle, Arizona State University; Samantha Sabo, Northern Arizona University; Jon Tilburt, Mayo Clinic
Funding: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2024-2028
The overarching goal of this project is to disseminate and implement social care integration within healthcare systems to address social determinants of health among socioeconomically disadvantaged patient populations by connecting healthcare providers and their patients with trained community health workers through an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) platform. The study will evaluate the social care linkage infrastructure by conducting a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial in 10 clinical sites across the state.
Health and Functioning in New Midlife Adults: Understanding the Role of Alcohol Use, Social Environments, and Preventive Intervention over the Life Course
Principal Investigator(s): Marina Epstein, University of Washington (Principal Investigator); Sabrina Oesterle, ASU (co-Investigator)
Funding: National Institute of Aging, 2021-2026
This study examines the influence of sociodemographic statuses and transitions among those now entering midlife on comorbid health outcomes in early midlife, as well as the role of life-course alcohol use and social and neighborhood environments for midlife health using longitudinal data from the Seattle Social Development Study (SSDP), a diverse community sample followed from age 10 to 48.
Eliminating COVID-19 Disparities in Partnership with Underserved/Vulnerable Transnational Communities of Arizona (supplement to the U54 Specialized Center of Excellence)
Principal Investigator: Flavio Marsiglia
Funding: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 2021-2024
This project aims to implement and evaluate a multi-faceted promotora-led intervention in border communities including Nogales/Rio Rico, Douglas, Yuma/San Luis/Somerton, and Tohono O’odham Nation. This project aims to increase access to testing and related services for vulnerable and underserved transnational communities. In a partnership between Arizona State University (ASU), Equality Health Foundation (EHF) and other community organizations and leaders, this project empowers local communities, is data driven, and creates capacity for community-driven delivery of care.