David O Garcia

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Courses

Scholarly Contributions

Chapters

• Jakicic, J. M., Garcia, D. O., & Rogers, R. J. (2013). Exercise Management for the Obese Patient. In Lifestyle Medicine, 2nd Edition. CRC Press.
• John, J. M., Garcia, D. O., & Rogers, R. J. (2013). Exercise Management of the Obese Patient. In Lifestyle Medicine, 2nd Edition(pp 529-535). New York: CRC Press.

Journals/Publications

• Garcia, D. O. (2025).

  Exploring the Role of Physical Activity in Obesity Treatment, Body Weight Management, and Related Health Outcomes in Adults: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief. 

  . National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
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  Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Planning Committee and Session Facilitator
• Loya, J., Garcia, D. O., Maldonado, A., & Villavicencio, E. (2025). A Culturally Tailored Physical Activity Intervention for Hispanic Adults Living With Type 2 Diabetes: Pre-Post Pilot Feasibility Study. JMIR Diabetes, 10(Issue). doi:10.2196/62876
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  Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease that affects over 38 million adults in the United States, who are disproportionately Hispanic. Objective: This study describes the development and implementation of Salud Paso por Paso, a culturally tailored and linguistically appropriate intervention to increase engagement in physical activity (PA) for Hispanic adults living with T2DM. Methods: Participants were enrolled in a 6-week pre-post pilot test of a culturally tailored intervention that included sessions covering different aspects of PA and T2DM. Participants were recruited at a local free clinic. Nonparametric paired-sample Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to examine differences between pre- and postintervention measures. Results: Twenty-one participants were recruited, and 19 (90.5%) completed the intervention. Participants significantly increased average hours spent in moderate PA, by 3.16 hours (from 4.73, SD 3.79 minutes to 9.63, SD 6.39 minutes; Z=−3.52; P
• Maldonado, A., Loya, J. C., Villavicencio, E. A., Torres, R., Sanchez, E., Luzanilla, E., Garcia, T., Vazquez, L., Hoffman, R. M., Torres, E., & Garcia, D. O. (2025). Understanding Drivers of Prostate Cancer Screening in Mexican-Origin Men Along the U.S./Mexico Border Region. American journal of men's health, 19(3), 15579883251343956.
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  The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends individualized decision making about prostate cancer screening for men between 55 and 69 years of age. Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanic men are less likely to report having had a prostate-specific antigen test. While these differences have been attributed to individual- and system-level barriers in early detection and screening of prostate cancer (PCa), less is known about Mexican-origin men perceptions of barriers to PCa screening. Using a community-based participatory research approach, we conducted semistructured interviews (5 men with PCa history; 15 men without PCa history) to characterize Mexican-origin men's knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and experiences with PCa screening in Yuma County, Arizona. Mexican-origin men viewed genetic predisposition as the main driver of PCa, yet participants highly endorsed PCa screening as reflected by the high rates of PCa screening in our study sample. Further, men spoke to how PCa is a taboo subject among Mexican-origin men and how getting screened for it is often perceived as a threat to their manhood. Finally, Mexican-origin men identified a variety of system-level barriers to PCa screening including lack of health insurance, elevated medical costs, and lack of transportation. The study findings add to an emerging body of literature on determinants of PCa screening among Mexican-origin men. The results of this study have significant implications for public health as they underscore the need for multifaceted interventions that target both individual behaviors and broader social influences to increase PCa screening rates among Mexican-origin men.
• Nehemiah, A., Pettke, E. N., Appel, S., Garcia, D. O., Bea, J. W., Thomson, C. A., Sun, V., & Krouse, R. S. (2025). Pilot Feasibility Study of Physical Activity to Manage Bowel Dysfunction in Survivors of Rectal Cancer. Diseases of the Colon and Rectum, 68(Issue 4). doi:10.1097/dcr.0000000000003583
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  BACKGROUND: Low anterior resection syndrome can disrupt health-related quality of life for survivors of rectal cancer. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility, satisfaction with, and benefit of a pilot telehealth physical activity counseling intervention for survivors of rectal cancer with low anterior resection syndrome. DESIGN: Single-site, single-arm prospective pre-postintervention pilot feasibility study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a single academic institution via telehealth. PATIENTS: Patients with stage I to III rectal or rectosigmoid cancer and low anterior resection syndrome who were 3 months to 5 years post-low anterior resection alone or with diverting loop ileostomy and subsequent reversal were included. INTERVENTIONS(S): Twenty-four patients completed 12 weekly one-to-one physical activity counseling sessions with a health coach. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Feasibility, participant satisfaction, low anterior resection syndrome score, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Bowel Function Instrument, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, City of Hope Quality of Life Survey-Colorectal Cancer, and daily step counts. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients enrolled in the study and 24 (89%) completed the intervention. Every intervention participant attended all telehealth coaching sessions. Through exit interviews, participants expressed satisfaction with the study, said it positively impacted their mental health, and said it helped them cope with their symptoms. At 12 weeks, bowel function improved by 7.27% (p = 0.002) and 16.5% (p ≤ 0.0001) as measured by the bowel function instrument and low anterior resection syndrome score, respectively. Quality of life improved by 9.8% at 12 weeks (p = 0.009), with the social domain having the greatest improvement (22%, p < 0.0001). These improvements persisted at a 12-week follow-up. Daily steps increased by 17.5% during the intervention (p = 0.035). LIMITATIONS: Pre-postintervention study design. CONCLUSIONS: Delivering a telehealth counseling intervention is feasible and satisfactory for survivors of rectal cancer with low anterior resection syndrome. This intervention has positive implications for bowel health and health-related quality of life.
• Ochoa Mora, E., Maldonado, A., Flores, M., Rodríguez, M., Martínez, D. E., Crocker, R., & Garcia, D. O. (2025).

  Over-the-counter medication use among Mexican immigrants in Southern Arizona: a cross-sectional study

  . Frontiers in public health, 13, 1528486.
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  Over-the-counter (OTC) medication use is high among Mexican immigrants before migrating to the U.S. However, changes in OTC medication use during migration process remain unclear. This study describes OTC medication use patterns among Mexican immigrants in Southern Arizona, explores changes caused during the migration process, and examines the influence of sociodemographic factors on OTC medication use.
• Villavicencio, E. A., Serdjebi, C., Maldonado, A., Ochoa Mora, E., Besson, A., Alkhouri, N., & Garcia, D. O. (2025).

  Use of Hepatoscope 2DTE for non-invasive assessment of liver stiffness among Mexican immigrant adults in a community-based setting

  . Clinics and research in hepatology and gastroenterology, 49(5), 102581.
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  Mexican-origin adults have one of the highest rates of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its severe form metabolic dysfunction steatohepatitis (MASH) in the US. Given the costs and invasiveness of liver biopsy, this study assessed the application of Hepatoscope® 2DTE, the latest-generation transient elastography for liver stiffness in Mexican adult immigrants from Southern Arizona and compared it with FibroScan® VCTE™.
• Crocker, R. M., Martínez, D. E., Maldonado, A., & Garcia, D. O. (2024). The maintenance of mexican traditional medicine practices among mexicans in southern Arizona. Social science & medicine (1982), 351, 116982.
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  Mexicans in the United States have been reported to maintain practices of Mexican traditional medicine at comparably higher rates than most other populations, including other Latino sub-groups. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the pre- and post-migration traditional medicine practices of first-generation immigrants from Mexico living in southern Arizona. Our objective was to assess how migration affected Mexican immigrants' ethnomedical practices and to better understand the mechanisms and motivating factors for the post-migration maintenance of practice. We designed a survey instrument based off prior qualitative data on traditional medicine practices and translated it into Spanish. The survey measured the rates and frequency of six domains of lay healing practices: herbal medicine, healing foods, self-medication with over-the-counter medicine, and three types of specialty healers (curandero/a, and sobador/a, or partero/a), and asked questions about knowledge sources, reasons for maintaining practice post-migration, and to what extent participants believed the remedies were effective. The research team fielded the telephone-based survey from April 2022 to February 2023 to 300 first-generation adult Mexican immigrants residing in southern Arizona. A series of proportions tests were conducted to examine differences in reliance on lay healing pre- and post-migration as well as to assess differences between women's and men's lay practices. The data indicate a general, but moderated decline in lay medical practices post-migration, with the usage of expert healers declining at much higher rates than the three self-care domains. Women tend to use herbal medicine and healing foods at higher rates than men post-migration. This cross-sectional quantitative study confirms prior research indicating that traditional medicine practices are heavily relied upon by Mexican origin people both pre- and post-migration. These findings suggest that public health messaging and medical providers should better address and harness Mexican immigrants' lay medical practices in order to optimize health in this population.
• Crocker, R., Maldonado, A., Garcia, D., & Martínez, D. (2024). The maintenance of mexican traditional medicine practices among mexicans in southern Arizona. Social Science and Medicine, 351(Issue). doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116982
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  Mexicans in the United States have been reported to maintain practices of Mexican traditional medicine at comparably higher rates than most other populations, including other Latino sub-groups. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the pre- and post-migration traditional medicine practices of first-generation immigrants from Mexico living in southern Arizona. Our objective was to assess how migration affected Mexican immigrants' ethnomedical practices and to better understand the mechanisms and motivating factors for the post-migration maintenance of practice. We designed a survey instrument based off prior qualitative data on traditional medicine practices and translated it into Spanish. The survey measured the rates and frequency of six domains of lay healing practices: herbal medicine, healing foods, self-medication with over-the-counter medicine, and three types of specialty healers (curandero/a, and sobador/a, or partero/a), and asked questions about knowledge sources, reasons for maintaining practice post-migration, and to what extent participants believed the remedies were effective. The research team fielded the telephone-based survey from April 2022 to February 2023 to 300 first-generation adult Mexican immigrants residing in southern Arizona. A series of proportions tests were conducted to examine differences in reliance on lay healing pre- and post-migration as well as to assess differences between women's and men's lay practices. The data indicate a general, but moderated decline in lay medical practices post-migration, with the usage of expert healers declining at much higher rates than the three self-care domains. Women tend to use herbal medicine and healing foods at higher rates than men post-migration. This cross-sectional quantitative study confirms prior research indicating that traditional medicine practices are heavily relied upon by Mexican origin people both pre- and post-migration. These findings suggest that public health messaging and medical providers should better address and harness Mexican immigrants' lay medical practices in order to optimize health in this population.
• Friedman, D. B., Escoffery, C., Morrato, E. H., Thomson, C. A., Petagna, C. N., Hucek, F. A., Wangen, M., Villalobos, A., Hebert, J. R., Noblet, S., Sakhuja, M., Garcia, D. O., Cruz, J. L., & Wheeler, S. B. (2024). Evaluation and lessons learned from the dissemination and implementation science scholars program in the national cancer prevention and control research network. Journal of clinical and translational science, 8(1), e181.
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  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) has been a leader in cancer-related dissemination & implementation (D&I) science. Given increased demand for D&I research, the CPCRN Scholars Program launched in 2021 to expand the number of practitioners, researchers, and trainees proficient in cancer D&I science methods.
• Friedman, D., Escoffery, C., Morrato, E., Thomson, C., Petagna, C., Hucek, F., Wangen, M., Villalobos, A., Hebert, J., Noblet, S., Sakhuja, M., Garcia, D., Cruz, J., & Wheeler, S. (2024). Evaluation and lessons learned from the dissemination and implementation science scholars program in the national cancer prevention and control research network. Journal of Clinical and Translational Science, 8(1). doi:10.1017/cts.2024.625
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  Background: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) has been a leader in cancer-related dissemination & implementation (D&I) science. Given increased demand for D&I research, the CPCRN Scholars Program launched in 2021 to expand the number of practitioners, researchers, and trainees proficient in cancer D&I science methods. Methods: The evaluation was informed by a logic model and data collected through electronic surveys. Through an application process (baseline survey), we assessed scholars’ competencies in D&I science domains/subdomains, collected demographic data, and asked scholars to share proposed project ideas. We distributed an exit survey one month after program completion to assess scholars’ experience and engagement with the program and changes in D&I competencies. A follow-up survey was administered to alumni nine months post-program to measure their continued network engagement, accomplishments, and skills. Results: Three cohorts completed the program, consisting of 20, 17, and 25 scholars in Years 1-3, respectively. There was a significant increase in the total D&I competency scores for all three cohorts for 4 overarching domains and 43 subdomains (MPre = 1.38 MPost = 1.89). Differences were greatest for the domain of Practice-Based Considerations (0.50 mean difference) and Theory & Analysis (0.47 mean difference). Alumni surveys revealed that scholars appreciated access to D&I-focused webinars, toolkits, and training resources. 80% remain engaged with CPCRN workgroups and investigators. Conclusions: Program evaluation with scholars and alumni helped with ongoing quality assurance, introspection, and iterative program adaptation to meet scholars’ needs. This approach is recommended for large-scale capacity-building training programs.
• Maldonado, A., Gonzalez, R., Bufferd, S., Garcia, D., & D’Anna-Hernandez, K. (2024). Psychosocial Determinants of Mental Healthcare Use Among Mexican-origin Women from Farmworker Families in Southern California. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research, 51(1). doi:10.1007/s11414-023-09860-5
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  Little is known about the contribution of psychosocial factors related to mental healthcare use among Mexican-origin women from farmworker families. Therefore, this study assessed relationships between acculturative stress, depressive symptoms, mental healthcare service use, and preferences for seeking care. Linear and logistic regression models and chi-square tests were performed to analyze survey data from 78 Mexican-origin women from farmworker families. Women were recruited in collaboration with promotoras and completed measures of acculturative stress, depressive symptoms, and mental healthcare use and preferences. Overall, 29.5% of the sample reported clinically significant depressive symptomatology. Acculturative stress was positively associated with depressive symptoms (b = 0.43, 95%CI = 0.27,0.59) after controlling for years in the U.S., primary language, and demographic characteristics. In addition, acculturative stress was associated with lower odds of mental healthcare use (OR = 0.96) after controlling for years in the U.S. and depressive symptoms. However, this association was no longer statistically significant when controlling for health insurance status and access to transportation. Mexican-origin women with high levels of acculturative stress were significantly more likely to seek care from a psychiatrist/psychologist than their peers (54.3% vs. 45.7%); however, this preference was not indicative of their use of mental healthcare services. Results suggest that acculturative stress is a risk factor for depressive symptoms and might contribute to a delay in seeking mental healthcare services in Mexican-origin women from farmworker families. Thus, interventions for this group should address aspects of acculturative stress as a strategy to increase mental health services use.
• Maldonado, A., Martinez, D. E., Villavicencio, E. A., Crocker, R., & Garcia, D. O. (2024). Salud sin Fronteras: Identifying Determinants of Frequency of Healthcare Use among Mexican immigrants in Southern Arizona. Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities.
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  Guided by Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use (BMHSU), this study aimed to identify determinants of post-migration healthcare use among a sample of Mexican immigrants in a US-Mexico border region in Southern Arizona, while considering pre-migration health and healthcare experiences.
• Maldonado, A., Martinez, D., Villavicencio, E., Crocker, R., & Garcia, D. (2024). Salud sin Fronteras: Identifying Determinants of Frequency of Healthcare Use among Mexican immigrants in Southern Arizona. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 12(Issue 3). doi:10.1007/s40615-024-02024-x
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  Background: Guided by Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use (BMHSU), this study aimed to identify determinants of post-migration healthcare use among a sample of Mexican immigrants in a US-Mexico border region in Southern Arizona, while considering pre-migration health and healthcare experiences. Methods: A non-probabilistic convenience sample of 300 adult Mexican immigrants completed a telephone survey to assess healthcare practices. Multivariable logistic regressions were fitted to determine adjusted relationships between frequency of care and predisposing, enabling, need, and contextual factors as well as personal health practices. Results: Overall, participants had a 79% probability of receiving healthcare “at least once a year” after migrating to Southern Arizona. Receiving post-migration healthcare was associated with predisposing, enabling, need, contextual factors, and personal health practices (p < 0.05). Discussion: Consistent with BMHSU, our findings suggest that frequency of healthcare is not only a function of having post-migration health insurance but is also shaped by a complex array of other factors. The results of this study shed light onto potential areas to be leveraged by multifactorial sociocultural interventions to increase Mexican immigrants’ frequency of healthcare services use.
• Miranda, A., Garcia, D., Gonzalez, L., Guevara, D., Garcia, P., Bravo, S., Warren, C., & Sánchez, C. (2024). Deciphering Dichos for Nutrition and Health Discussion: A Qualitative Study Among Men of Mexican Origin With or At-Risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 57(Issue 1). doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2024.09.003
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  Objective: This study investigates the potential use of dichos (colloquial Spanish sayings) in nutrition and health education for men of Mexican origin, focusing on their recognizability, traditional meanings, and health topic applicability. Design: A qualitative study that included individual interviews (n = 12) and pile sort methodology to explore 16 dichos. Interviews discussed dicho recognizability and traditional meaning. The pile sort explored the applicability of dichos for health topics. Finally, participants elaborated on the potential utility of dichos for nutrition and health education. Setting: At-home, one-on-one interviews. Participants: Mexican-origin, native-Spanish-speaking males with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2. Phenomenon of Interest: The potential application of dichos for nutrition and health education. Analysis: Dichos were scored for recognizability (total of 12 participants). The qualitative analysis involved 4 cycle coding for the identification of the traditional meaning and health topic applicability of dichos. Results: Eleven of the 16 dichos were recognized and defined by 100% of participants. Qualitative analysis revealed the meanings of dichos that are applicable to the health topics of healthy eating, physical activity, health motivation, social support, and stress management. All participants supported the viability of dichos as a linguistic educational tool. Conclusions and Implications: Dichos may serve as a cultural-linguistic strategy in nutrition education for men of Mexican origin with or at risk for type 2 diabetes.
• Miranda, A., Sánchez, C., Garcia, D. O., Gonzalez, L., Guevara, D., Garcia, P., Bravo, S., & Warren, C. (2024). Deciphering Dichos for Nutrition and Health Discussion: A Qualitative Study Among Men of Mexican Origin With or At-Risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Journal of nutrition education and behavior, 57(1), 18-28.
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  This study investigates the potential use of dichos (colloquial Spanish sayings) in nutrition and health education for men of Mexican origin, focusing on their recognizability, traditional meanings, and health topic applicability.
• Morrill, K. E., Wightman, P., Cruz, A., Batai, K., Block, G. D., Hsu, C. H., & Garcia, D. O. (2024). Disparities in hepatocellular carcinoma incidence among Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults in Arizona: Trends between 2009-2017. Annals of epidemiology, 96, 48-52.
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  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal cancer with few treatment options available to patients. Most HCC cases in Arizona, a state with a high proportion of Hispanic adults, have not been included in recent reports of HCC incidence. This study describes trends in HCC incidence and stage at diagnosis among Arizona residents between 2009-2017 and reports on racial and ethnic disparities for these outcomes.
• Morrill, K., Wightman, P., Cruz, A., Batai, K., Block, G., Hsu, C., & Garcia, D. (2024). Disparities in hepatocellular carcinoma incidence among Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults in Arizona: Trends between 2009-2017. Annals of Epidemiology, 96(Issue). doi:10.1016/j.annepidem.2024.05.012
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  Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal cancer with few treatment options available to patients. Most HCC cases in Arizona, a state with a high proportion of Hispanic adults, have not been included in recent reports of HCC incidence. This study describes trends in HCC incidence and stage at diagnosis among Arizona residents between 2009–2017 and reports on racial and ethnic disparities for these outcomes. Methods: The Arizona Cancer Registry was used to identify Arizonans aged 19 or older diagnosed with liver cell carcinoma diagnosed between 2009–2017. A total of 5043 cases were examined. Adjusted annual and 3-year HCC incidence rates (per 100,000) were examined for non-Hispanic White (NHW) and Hispanic adults. Results: The total age-adjusted HCC incidence rate increased significantly between 2009–2012 and then declined significantly between 2012–2017. Across nearly all years, age-adjusted HCC incidence in Hispanic adults was twice that of NHW adults. Hispanic adults were more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage across all time periods. The disparity in 3-year age-adjusted HCC incidence rate between NHW and Hispanic adults decreased between 2009–2017. Conclusion: Whe total age-adjusted HCC incidence rate increased significantly between 2009–2012 and then declined significantly between 2012–2017. Across nearly all years, age-adjusted HCC incidence in Hispanic adults was twice that of NHW adults. Hispanic adults were more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage across all time periods. The disparity in 3-year age-adjusted HCC incidence rate between NHW and Hispanic adults decreased between 2009–2017.
• Nehemiah, A., Pettke, E., Appel, S., Garcia, D. O., Bea, J. W., Thomson, C. A., Sun, V., & Krouse, R. S. (2024). Pilot Feasibility Study of Physical Activity to Manage Bowel Dysfunction in Survivors of Rectal Cancer. Diseases of the colon and rectum.
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  Low anterior resection syndrome can disrupt health-related quality of life for survivors of rectal cancer.
• Skiba, M. B., Badger, T. A., Garcia, D. O., Chilton, F. H., & Winters-Stone, K. M. (2024). Adapting a dyadic exercise program to be culturally relevant for Hispanic men with prostate cancer using community engagement studio: a brief report. Frontiers in psychology, 15, 1294546.
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  Cancer disparities exist for Hispanic men with prostate cancer and their caregivers that could be reduced through exercise. Exercising Together is a six-month, evidence-based dyadic resistance training program that promotes teamwork between prostate cancer survivors and their spouses to improve physical, mental, and relational health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to elicit feedback and recommendations from stakeholders on the Exercising Together intervention to inform the cultural adaptation of this program for Hispanic men with prostate cancer.
• Skiba, M., Badger, T., Garcia, D., Chilton, F., & Winters-Stone, K. (2024). Adapting a dyadic exercise program to be culturally relevant for Hispanic men with prostate cancer using community engagement studio: a brief report. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1294546
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  Background: Cancer disparities exist for Hispanic men with prostate cancer and their caregivers that could be reduced through exercise. Exercising Together© is a six-month, evidence-based dyadic resistance training program that promotes teamwork between prostate cancer survivors and their spouses to improve physical, mental, and relational health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to elicit feedback and recommendations from stakeholders on the Exercising Together© intervention to inform the cultural adaptation of this program for Hispanic men with prostate cancer. Methods: We conducted a virtual Community Engagement Studio (V-CES) with community expert stakeholders representing the Hispanic and cancer care communities in Southern Arizona. The V-CES process included orientation, presentation of the research, guided discussion, and evaluation. The V-CES was audio recorded, transcribed, and rapidly analyzed to identify actionable feedback and contextual adaptations. Results: Nine stakeholders (6/9 male; 5/9 Hispanic) completed all V-CES activities. Through stakeholder engagement and feedback from the V-CES, adaptations to the original Exercising Together© intervention included: (1) inclusion of the cancer survivor’s identified caregiver, who may not be a spouse; (2) availability in English and Spanish; (3) shortening the intervention to 3 months; (4) remote delivery of the intervention; and (5) incorporation of low burden procedures. Conclusion: Findings from our V-CES informed the adaptation of a culturally relevant dyadic progressive resistance training program for Hispanic men with prostate cancer and their caregivers.
• Valencia, C. I., Wightman, P., Morrill, K. E., Hsu, C. H., Arif-Tiwari, H., Kauffman, E., Gachupin, F. C., Chipollini, J., Lee, B. R., Garcia, D. O., & Batai, K. (2024). Neighborhood social vulnerability and disparities in time to kidney cancer surgical treatment and survival in Arizona. Cancer medicine, 13(3), e7007.
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  Hispanics and American Indians (AI) have high kidney cancer incidence and mortality rates in Arizona. This study assessed: (1) whether racial and ethnic minority patients and patients from neighborhoods with high social vulnerability index (SVI) experience a longer time to surgery after clinical diagnosis, and (2) whether time to surgery, race and ethnicity, and SVI are associated with upstaging to pT3/pT4, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS).
• Anwar, M. Y., Assimes, T., Buchanan, V. L., Buyske, S., Daeeun, K., Fernandez-Rhodes, L., Garcia, D. O., Gignoux, C. R., Graff, M., Haiman, C. A., Highland, H. M., Justice, A. E., Kenny, E. E., Kooperberg, C., Liu, S., Loos, R., North, K. E., Peters, U., Smit, R., , Wang, Z., et al. (2023). Assessing efficiency of fine-mapping obesity associated variants through leveraging ancestry architecture and functional annotation using PAGE and UKBB Cohorts. Human Genetics. doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-2608695/v1
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  Latinos are at an increased risk of hypertension-related disparities. Biological, behavioral, cultural, and structural factors have been identified as underlying mechanisms driving these disparities. However, the influence of Latino settlement patterns on hypertension management practices has been rarely explored, particularly from a qualitative lens. Using data from semi-structured interviews conducted with Latinos with hypertension (n ​= ​26), we sought to develop a comprehensive understanding of the social and contextual factors influencing Latinos' hypertension management practices in new and established Latino destination states (Iowa and California, respectively). Participants described hypertension management as a complex phenomenon being influenced by factors at each level of the ecological model. However, some factors were more salient depending on place of residence. Specifically, while Latinos in Iowa were more likely to discuss how challenges of being an immigrant impacted their hypertension management, those in California had a preference to talk about how culture shapes the way they manage their hypertension. This study extends efforts to identify the underlying mechanisms driving Latinos' hypertension-related disparities. Results highlight the need to consider place of residence as a key contextual factor. Tailoring interventions to place may be necessary to effectively address Latinos’ hypertension-related needs.
• Anwar, M. Y., Graff, M., Highland, H. M., Smit, R., Wang, Z., Buchanan, V. L., Young, K. L., Kenny, E. E., Fernandez-Rhodes, L., Liu, S., Assimes, T., Garcia, D. O., Daeeun, K., Gignoux, C. R., Justice, A. E., Haiman, C. A., Buyske, S., Peters, U., Loos, R., , Kooperberg, C., et al. (2023). Assessing efficiency of fine-mapping obesity associated variants through leveraging ancestry architecture and functional annotation using PAGE and UKBB Cohorts. . Human Genetics.
• Kung, C., Skiba, M. B., Crosby, E. J., Gorzelitz, J., Kennedy, M. A., Kerr, B. A., Li, Y. R., Nash, S., Potiaumpai, M., Kleckner, A. S., James, D. L., Coleman, M. F., Fairman, C. M., Galvan, G. C., Garcia, D. O., Gordon, M. J., His, M., Hornbuckle, L. M., Kim, S. Y., , Kim, T. H., et al. (2023). Key Takeaways for knowledge expansion of early career scientists conducting transdisciplinary research in energetics and cancer (TREC): A Report from the TREC Training Workshop 2022. Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) Mongraphs.
• Lopez-Pentecost, M., Garcia, D. O., Sun, X., Thomson, C. A., Chow, H. H., Chew, W., & Martinez, J. (2023). Place of birth influences the metabolomic profile among Hispanic men enrolled in a weight loss intervention. American Journal of Men's Health.
• Lopez-Pentecost, M., Garcia, D. O., Sun, X., Thomson, C. A., Chow, H. S., & Martinez, J. A. (2023). Differences in Metabolomic Profiles by Birthplace in Mexican-Origin Hispanic Men Who Participated in a Weight Loss Lifestyle Intervention. American journal of men's health, 17(1), 15579883231153018.
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  Birthplace, as a proxy for environmental exposures (e.g., diet), may influence metabolomic profiles and influence risk of cancer. This secondary analysis investigated metabolomic profile differences between foreign and U.S.-born Mexican-origin (MO) Hispanic men to shed light on potential mechanisms through which foreign- and U.S.-born individuals experience differences in cancer risk and risk factors. Plasma samples from MO Hispanic men ( = 42) who participated in a previous lifestyle intervention were collected pre-and post-intervention. Metabolomic profiles were characterized from samples using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF). Models were visualized using supervised orthogonal projections to latent structures-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Progenesis QI was used for peak integration and metabolite identification. Plasma metabolomic profiles differed between foreign- and U.S.-born pre-intervention (R2 = .65) and post-intervention (R2 = .62). Metabolomic profiles differed pre- versus post-intervention (R2 = .35 and R2 = .65) for the foreign- and U.S.-born group, respectively. Both endogenous metabolites and dietary components characterized differences between foreign- and U.S.-born participants pre- and post-intervention. Plasma metabolomic profiles from MO Hispanic men differed by birthplace. These results advance our understanding of relevant exposures that may affect cancer risk among MO Hispanic men born abroad or in the United States.
• Lopez-Pentecost, M., Hallmark, B., Thomson, C. A., Chilton, F., & Garcia, D. O. (2023). Association between Dietary Fatty Acid Intake and Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis in a Sample of Mexican-Origin Hispanic Adults with Overweight or Obesity. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(4).
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  Rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) vary dramatically among Hispanic subpopulations, with Mexican-origin (MO) Hispanics experiencing a disproportionate burden. This study examined dietary fatty acid (FA) intake among overweight and obese MO Hispanic adults in the United States (US) and evaluated its association with liver steatosis and fibrosis. Participants (N = 285, MO Hispanic adults) completed 24-h dietary recalls to assess dietary FA exposure. Liver steatosis and fibrosis were estimated using transient elastography (FibroScan). Multiple regression analysis tested relationships between FA intakes and liver steatosis or fibrosis, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and total energy. A total of 51% (n = 145) of participants were suspected to have NAFLD and 20% self-reported a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. No significant association was observed between Linoleic Acid and α-Linolenic Acid (LA:ALA) ratio, or omega-6 to omega-3 (n-6:n-3) ratio and liver steatosis. However, a one-point increase in the LA:ALA ratio resulted in a 1.01% increase in the liver fibrosis scores (95% CI: [1.00, 1.03]; = 0.03), and a one-point increase in the n-6:n-3 ratio resulted in a 1.02% increase in liver fibrosis score (95% CI: [1.01, 1.03]; = 0.01). Further research is needed to determine if modulation of FA intake could reduce NAFLD risk in this high-risk population.
• Lopez-Pentecost, M., Hallmark, B., Thomson, C. A., Rabe, B. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2023). Association between Dietary Fatty Acid Intake and Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis in a Sample of Mexican-Origin Hispanic Adults with Overweight or Obesity. Nutrients.
• Lopez-Pentecost, M., Tamez, M., Mattei, J., Jacobs, E. T., Thomson, C. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2023). Adherence to a Traditional Mexican Diet Is Associated with Lower Hepatic Steatosis in US-Born Hispanics of Mexican Descent with Overweight or Obesity. Nutrients, 15(23).
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  Hispanics of Mexican descent have disproportionate rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The purpose of this work is to investigate the association between the traditional Mexican diet score (tMexS) and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, two NAFLD-related clinical endpoints, in Hispanic adults of Mexican descent. Data from 280 Hispanic adults of Mexican descent ( = 102 men, 178 women) with overweight or obesity enrolled in a cross-sectional observational study were analyzed. The tMexS was calculated from 24 h dietary recalls. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis measurements were assessed using transient elastography (Fibroscan). Linear regression models testing the association between tMexS and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were run individually and through the stratification of significant modifiers. Mean tMexS were 5.9 ± 2.1, hepatic steatosis scores were 288.9 ± 48.9 dB/m, and fibrosis scores were 5.6 ± 2.2 kPa. Among the US-born group, with every point increase in the tMexS, there was a statistically significant 5.7 lower hepatic steatosis point (95% CI: -10.9, -0.6, -value = 0.07). Higher adherence to a traditional Mexican diet was associated with lower hepatic steatosis in US-born Hispanics of Mexican descent. Findings from the current work may serve to inform future culturally relevant interventions for NAFLD prevention and management in individuals of Mexican descent.
• Maldonado, A., Baquero, B., Afifi, R., Hoffman, R. M., Laroche, H. H., Garcia, D. O., & Gilbert, P. A. (2023). Hypertension management among Latinos: A qualitative investigation comparing Latinos experiences in established and new Latino destination states. SSM- Qualitative Research in Health.
• Maldonado, A., Gonzalez, R., Bufferd, S., Garcia, D. O., & D'Anna-Hernandez, K. (2023). Psychosocial Determinants of Mental Healthcare Use Among Mexican-origin Women from Farmworkers Families in Southern California. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research.
• Maldonado, A., Villacencio, E. A., Vogel, R. M., Pace, T. W., Ruiz, J., & Garcia, D. O. (2023). The association between perceived stress, country of birth, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Mexican-origin adults in Southern Arizona. Preventive Medicine Reports.
• Maldonado, A., Villavicencio, E. A., Vogel, R. M., Pace, T. W., Ruiz, J. M., Alkhouri, N., & Garcia, D. O. (2023). The association between perceived stress, acculturation, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Mexican-origin adults in Southern Arizona. Preventive medicine reports, 32, 102147.
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  Although available evidence indicates that Mexican-origin (MO) adults experience unique stressful life events, little is known about how stress may influence risk for developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) for this high-risk group. This study investigated the association between perceived stress and NAFLD and explored how this relationship varied by acculturation levels. In a cross-sectional study, a total of 307 MO adults from a community-based sample in the U.S-Mexico Southern Arizona border region completed self-reported measures of perceived stress and acculturation. NAFLD was identified as having a continuous attenuation parameter (CAP) score of ≥ 288 dB/m determined by FibroScan®. Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for NAFLD. The prevalence of NAFLD was 50 % (n = 155). Overall, perceived stress was high ( = 15.9) for the total sample. There were no differences by NAFLD status (No NAFLD:  = 16.6; NAFLD:  = 15.3; p = 0.11). Neither perceived stress nor acculturation were associated with NAFLD status. However, the association between perceived stress and NAFLD was moderated by acculturation levels. Specifically with each point increase in perceived stress, the odds of having NAFLD were 5.5 % higher for MO adults with an Anglo orientation and 1.2 % higher for bicultural MO adults. In contrast, the odds of NAFLD for MO adults with a Mexican cultural orientation were 9.3 % lower with each point increase in perceived stress. In conclusion, results highlight the need for additional efforts to fully understand the pathways through which stress and acculturation may influence the prevalence of NAFLD in MO adults.
• Trejo, M. J., Morrill, K. E., Klimentidis, Y. C., & Garcia, D. O. (2023). Examining Genetic Associations with Liver Steatosis in Mexican-Origin Adults. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
• Trejo, M. J., Morrill, K. E., Klimentidis, Y. C., & Garcia, D. O. (2023). Examining genetic associations with hepatic steatosis in Mexican-origin adults. Annals of hepatology, 28(5), 101120.
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  Various studies have identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and related traits, including ones located in or near the LYPLAL1, GCKR, PPP1R3B, TM6SF2, MBOAT7, and PNPLA3 genes. However, these SNPs were identified primarily in populations of European ancestry. This study examined the associations of these previously identified SNPs with hepatic steatosis in a sample of Mexican-origin adults living in Southern Arizona.
• Valdez, L. A., Jaeger, E. C., Garcia, D. O., & Griffith, D. M. (2023). Breaking Down Machismo: Shifting Definitions and Embodiments of Latino Manhood in Middle-Aged Latino Men. American journal of men's health, 17(5), 15579883231195118.
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  There is a notable gap in empirical research regarding how Latino men define and demonstrate machismo, masculinity, and manhood as well as the behavioral consequences associated with these concepts. In our study, we employed a phenomenological thematic approach to analyze 20 semi-structured individual interviews conducted with Latino men residing in South Florida. Our primary objectives were twofold: to examine (1) how do Latino men ages 35 to 60 years describe what it means to be a man and (2) what are the attributes that these men seek to show others that demonstrate their character, cultural values, and gender identity. Findings suggest that Latino men understood expectations associated with machismo and explained that fulfillment of their role as provider, protector, and head of the family was important to their perception of self. While some participants reported a desire to embody characteristics associated with traditional machismo, others strived to demonstrate character, familism, and respect and to provide financial and other instrumental support to their families. Participants reported that their transition into middle age was accompanied by a shift in their perspectives on gender roles, moving away from rigid patriarchal views. Exposure to a more fluid and flexible approach to manhood offered relief from the pressures associated with inflexible manifestations of machismo, which can have negative social, behavioral, and physical health implications. The implications of our research extend to the conceptualization of gender ideals, highlighting the need to incorporate intersectionality, role strain, precarious manhood, and culturally specific notions of manhood as foundational elements in this discourse.
• Valdez, L., Cornish, E. K., Garcia, D. O., & Griffith, D. M. (2023). Between Machismo and Manhood: How Middle-Aged Latino men define and embody what it means to be a Latino man. American Journal of Men's Health.
• Villavicencio, E. A., Maldonado, A., Crocker, R. M., Guan, Y., Stallman, C., & Garcia, D. O. (2023). Communicating PNPLA3 Genetic Risk Status for NAFLD among Mexican-Origin Men. Frontiers in Public Health.
• Zhang, X., Longang, Z., Christopgher, C., FK, T., Bao, W., Garcia, D. O., Shadyab, A. H., Saquib, N., Neuhouser, M. L., Tinker, L. F., & Zhang, X. (2023). Association of dietary insulinemic and inflammatory potential with risk of liver cancer and chronic liver disease mortality. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
• Zhang, X., Zhao, L., Christopher, C. N., Tabung, F. K., Bao, W., Garcia, D. O., Shadyab, A. H., Saquib, N., Neuhouser, M. L., Tinker, L. F., & Zhang, X. (2023). Association of dietary insulinemic and inflammatory potential with risk of liver cancer and chronic liver disease mortality in postmenopausal women: a prospective cohort study. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 118(3), 530-537.
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  Low diet quality, diabetes, and chronic inflammation are risk factors of liver cancer and chronic liver disease (CLD), but the extent to which insulinemic and inflammatory diets are independently associated with risk of liver cancer and CLD mortality is unknown.
• Zhao, L., Zhang, X., Coday, .., Mace, .., Garcia, D. O., Li, X., Mossavar-Rahmani, Y., Naughton, M. J., Lopez-Pentecost, M., Saquib, N., Shadyab, A., Simon, M. S., Karmanos, B. A., Snetselaar, L., Tabung, F., Tobias, D., Pham, T., McGlynn, K., Sesso, H., , Giovannucci, G., et al. (2023). Associations between sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverage intake, liver cancer and chronic liver disease mortality. JAMA.
• Bradley, C. J., Anderson-Mellies, A., Borrayo, E. A., Doherty, J. A., Escontrias, O. A., Garcia, D. O., Mishra, S. I., Sussman, A. L., Thomson, C. A., Wetter, D., & Cook, L. (2022). Ethnicity, socioeconomic status, income inequality, and colorectal cancer outcomes: evidence from the 4C2 collaboration. Cancer Causes and Control, 33(4), 533-546. doi:10.1007/s10552-021-01547-6
• Crocker, R. M., Morrill, K. E., Villavicencio, E. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2022). How Mexicans’ Emotional Responses to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Can Help Inform Culturally Congruent Health Care. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 33(5), 615-623. doi:10.1177/10436596221101923
• Garcia, D. O., Morrill, K. E., Lopez‐Pentecost, M., Villavicencio, E. A., Vogel, R. M., Bell, M. L., Klimentidis, Y. C., Marrero, D. G., & Thomson, C. A. (2022). Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Associated Risk Factors in a Community‐Based Sample of Mexican‐Origin Adults. Hepatology Communications, 6(6), 1322-1335. doi:10.1002/hep4.1896
• Garcia, D. O., Valdez, L. A., Aceves, B. A., Bell, M. L., Rabe, B. A., Villavicencio, E. A., Marrero, D. G., Melton, F., & Hooker, S. P. (2022). mHealth-Supported Gender-and Culturally Sensitive Weight Loss Intervention for Hispanic Men With Overweight and Obesity: Single-Arm Pilot Study. JMIR Formative Research, 6(9). doi:10.2196/37637
• Godfrey, T. M., Villavicencio, E., Barra, K., Sanderson, P. R., Shea, K. D., Sun, X., & Garcia, D. O. (2022). Advancing Liver Cancer Prevention for American Indian Populations in Arizona: An Integrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(6), 1.
• Lopez-Pentecost, M., Crane, T. E., Garcia, D. O., Kohler, L. N., Wertheim, B. C., Hebert, J. R., Steck, S. E., Shivappa, N., Santiago-Torres, M., Neuhouser, M. L., Hatsu, I. E., Snetselaar, L., Datta, M., Kroenke, C. H., Sarto, G. E., & Thomson, C. A. (2022). Role of dietary patterns and acculturation in cancer risk and mortality among postmenopausal Hispanic women: results from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). Journal of Public Health (Germany), 30(Issue 4). doi:10.1007/s10389-020-01342-8
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  Aim: To investigate the association between dietary patterns and total and obesity-related cancer risk as well as to examine if acculturation modifies this relationship. Subjects and methods: Dietary intake of postmenopausal Hispanic women (N = 5,482) enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative was estimated from a Food Frequency Questionnaire and used to calculate dietary pattern scores: Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), Mexican Diet (MexD) score, alternate Mediterranean Diet Score (aMED), and the energy adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII™). Associations were evaluated using Cox proportional hazard regression models. Results: Six hundred thirty-one cancers and 396 obesity-related cancers were diagnosed over a mean follow-up of 12 years. Across dietary scores, there were no significant associations with cancer risk or mortality. Trend analysis suggested a potentially lower risk for total cancer mortality related to the highest MexD score (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.45–1.04, P-trend = 0.03) and lower risk for obesity-related cancer mortality related to the highest score category for MexD (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.37–1.16, P-trend = 0.02) and aMED (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.45–1.67, P-trend = 0.04). Further analysis suggested less acculturated women with higher MexD scores had a 56% lower risk for any cancer (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22–0.88, P-trend = 0.03) and 83% lower risk for cancer mortality (HR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04–0.76, P-trend = 0.01) compared to more acculturated Hispanic women. Conclusions: Dietary patterns were not associated with cancer risk and mortality in postmenopausal Hispanic women. Less acculturated, Spanish-preferred speakers who report consuming a more traditional Mexican diet may experience a lower risk of cancer and cancer mortality.
• Palmer, K. N., Okechukwu, A., Mantina, N. M., Melton, F. L., Kram, N. A., Hatcher, J., Marrero, D. G., Thomson, C. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2022). Hair Stylists as Lay Health Workers: Perspectives of Black Women on Salon-Based Health Promotion. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, 59, 004695802210931. doi:10.1177/00469580221093183
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  Lay health workers (LHWs) have been effective in delivering health promotion to underserved, vulnerable populations. Hair stylists are well positioned to serve as LHWs in addressing health disparities among Black women in the U.S. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the extent to which hair stylists influence their Black female clients and clients’ preferences for their stylist’s role in salon-based health promotion programming. Eight virtual platform focus groups were conducted with Black women (n = 39) who receive hair care services from a licensed hair stylist across the U.S. Most participants had a college degree (89.8%), health insurance (92.3%), a primary care provider (89.7%), and the majority had at least one chronic disease (56.4%). Participants reported higher potential for influence related to level of trust in the stylists and for stylists they find relatable and credible. Trust, relatability, and credibility were further determined by racial and gender congruence. Client interviewees felt stylists should model healthy behaviors and reported they may not be receptive to stylist-delivered health promotion out of the context of a hair-health connection. In this sample of well-educated clients, there was an expressed preference for stylists to provide referral to healthcare professionals or solicit experts for health topics out of the scope of haircare rather than guide the health promotion efforts themselves. Findings from this study can inform future development of acceptable salon-based, stylist-led health promotion programs that partner stylists with health experts to deliver health promotion.
• Palmer, K. N., Okechukwu, A., Mantina, N., Melton, F., Kram, N., Hatcher, J., Marrero, D. G., Thomson, C. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2022). Stylists' and Clients’ perspectives of the black salon-a qualitative study guided by the settings approach theory. SSM - Qualitative Research in Health. doi:10.1016/j.ssmqr.2021.100029
• Pan, K., Aragaki, A., Michael, Y., Thomson, C. A., Snetselaar, L., Garcia, D. O., Wactawski-Wende, J., Dieli-Conwright, C. M., Shadyab, A. H., Saquib, N., & Chlebowski, R. (2022). Long-term dietary intervention influence on physical activity in the Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification randomized trial. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 195(1), 43-54. doi:10.1007/s10549-022-06655-8
• Pichardo, M. S., Esserman, D., Ferrucci, L. M., Molina, Y., Chlebowski, R. T., Pan, K., Garcia, D. O., Lane, D. S., Shadyab, A. H., Lopez‐Pentecost, M., Luo, J., Kato, I., Springfield, S., Rosal, M. C., Bea, J. W., Cespedes Feliciano, E. M., Qi, L., Nassir, R., Snetselaar, L., , Manson, J., et al. (2022). Adherence to the American Cancer Society Guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention and obesity‐related cancer risk and mortality in Black and Latina Women's Health Initiative participants. Cancer, 128(20), 3630-3640. doi:10.1002/cncr.34428
• Ramadan, F., Bea, J. W., Garcia, D. O., Ellingson, K., Canales, R. A., Raichlen, D. A., & Klimentidis, Y. C. (2022). Association of sedentary and physical activity behaviours with body composition: a genome-wide association and Mendelian randomisation study. BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine, 8(3). doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001291
• Rock, C. L., Thomson, C. A., Sullivan, K. R., Howe, C. L., Kushi, L. H., Caan, B. J., Neuhouser, M. L., Bandera, E. V., Wang, Y., Robien, K., Basen‐Engquist, K. M., Brown, J. C., Courneya, K. S., Crane, T. E., Garcia, D. O., Grant, B. L., Hamilton, K. K., Hartman, S. J., Kenfield, S. A., , Martinez, M. E., et al. (2022). American Cancer Society nutrition and physical activity guideline for cancer survivors. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 72(3), 230-262. doi:10.3322/caac.21719
• Villavicencio, E. A., Maldonado, A., Crocker, R. M., Guan, Y., Stallman, C., & Garcia, D. O. (2022). Communicating genetic risk status for NAFLD among Mexican-origin men. Frontiers in public health, 10, 1090101.
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  The burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) continues to disproportionately impact under-resourced communities in the U.S., particularly Mexican-origin populations. Genetic polymorphisms such as the rs738409 C/G variant in patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 () have been associated with higher prevalence of and progression along the NAFLD spectrum. This qualitative study conducted in the U.S. Southwest aimed to assess Mexican-origin men's experience receiving genetic testing for risk carrier status.
• Aceves, B., Denman, C., Ingram, M., Torres Castillo, J. F., Nuño, T., Garcia, D. O., Madhivanan, P., & Rosales, C. (2021). Scaling a diabetes self-management intervention in a Mexican regional health system: An ecological approach. Frontiers in Public Health. doi:doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.617468
• Aceves, B., Ruiz, M., Rosales, C., Madhivanan, P., Ingram, M., Garcia, D. O., Denman, C. A., & Aceves, B. (2021). Mental health and diabetes self-management: assessing stakeholder perspectives from health centers in Northern Mexico.. BMC health services research, 21(1), 177. doi:10.1186/s12913-021-06168-y
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  People living with diabetes have an increased risk of developing mental health issues. Mexico has observed a high prevalence of people living with diabetes suffering from mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Self-management programs have demonstrated promise in helping participants address and prevent not only physiological health complications but mental health issues as well. This qualitative study aimed to understand the mental health benefits of a diabetes self-management intervention for health centers in Northern Mexico and opportunities for improvement through assessing stakeholder perspectives..Trained research staff used a semi-structured questionnaire guide to conduct all interviews and focus groups from February-May 2018. Individual interviews (n = 16) were conducted face-to-face at four health center sites among all health center directors and key staff located throughout the state of Sonora. One focus group (n = 41) was conducted at each of the four health centers among intervention participants. Directed content analysis was used to establish themes by understanding relationships, identifying similar experiences, and determining patterns across datasets..In total 57 health center directors, health center staff, and intervention participants were involved in the interviews and focus groups across the four health centers. Overall the analysis identified four themes throughout the data, two were categorized as benefits and two as improvements. The primary themes for participant benefits were an increase in self-efficacy and social support to manage their chronic conditions. These were evident from not only participant perspectives, but health staff observations. Conversely, increased family involvement, and increased mental health integration and services within diabetes care were identified themes for opportunities to improve the intervention to be more inclusive and holistic..All stakeholders observed the benefits for intervention participants and opportunities for more inclusivity of the family and integration as well as an increase in mental health services. The themes identified demonstrated a need to more proactively enhance and utilize diabetes self-management as a means to improve mental health outcomes among people living with diabetes in Mexico. This is an opportunity to employ a more comprehensive approach to diabetes self-management, and integrate mental health services into overall diabetes care..www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02804698 . Registered on June 17, 2016.
• Anderson, E. J., Garcia Zavala, D., Koss, M., Castro, L., Garcia, D. O., Lopez, E., & Ernst, K. (2021). WhatsApp-based focus groups among Mexican-origin women in Zika risk area: Feasibility, acceptability and data quality. Journal of Medical Internet Research.
• Aragaki, A. K., Chlebowski, R. T., Garcia, D. O., Michael, Y., Pan, K., Saquib, N., Shadyab, A. H., Snetselaar, L., Thomson, C. A., & Wactawski-Wende, J. (2021). Dietary intervention influence on physical activity in the Women’s Health Initiative randomized Dietary Modification trial.. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 39(15_suppl), 10511-10511. doi:10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.10511
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  10511 Background: In the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Dietary Modification (DM) randomized trial, after 8.5 years dietary intervention and 19.5 years cumulative (median) follow-up, dietary intervention participation was associated with a statistically significantly 22% lower breast cancer mortality (P = 0.02). In observational studies, physical activity has been associated with lower breast cancer risk with emerging results now indicating, compared to inactivity, any increase in physical activity has health benefits. Currently, longitudinal data on whether an intervention targeting dietary change influences other health-related behaviors as a gateway effect is limited. To evaluate whether randomization to a dietary intervention was associated with self-directed change in physical activity. Methods: In the WHI DM trial, 48,835 postmenopausal women, ages 50-79 years, with no prior breast cancer and baseline normal mammogram were randomized at 40 US clinical centers to a dietary intervention (19,541) or a comparison group. Dietary goals were to reduce fat intake to 20% of energy and increase intake of vegetable, fruit, and grains addressed in 18 group sessions in year 1 then quarterly. Neither randomization group received specific or ongoing instructions to increase physical activity, but physical activity was referenced in written materials given to the intervention groups in 7 of the 56 sessions. Episodes per week of moderate or vigorous recreational physical activity (MVPA) were collected at baseline and serially through 15.9 years follow-up by self-report questionnaire. Marginal longitudinal logistic regression models were used to assess physically inactive (MVPA = 0) or physically active (MVPA > 0) participants by randomization group. Marginal Poisson regression models estimated mean weekly MVPA by randomization group. Results: 45.6% of participants reported 0 MVPA at baseline which largely persisted throughout follow-up. During cumulative follow-up, relative to the comparison group, dietary intervention group participation was associated with 7% lower physical inactivity rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.93 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91, 0.95, P < 0.001) and a 4% higher mean MVPA (ratio of means [RM] 1.04 95% CI 1.02, 1.06, P < 0.001). The association between dietary intervention participation with higher physical activity level was stronger with increasing BMI (P-interaction 0.01) and for women with waist circumference ≥ 88 cm (P-interaction 0.02). Conclusions: In conclusion, in a randomized trial setting, a low-fat dietary pattern intervention was associated with a significantly lower physical inactivity rate and significantly higher moderate and vigorous physical activity level which could be associated with health benefits. Clinical trial information: NCT00000611 .
• Bradley, C. J., Anderson-Mellies, A., Borrayo, E. A., Garcia, D. O., Mishra, S. I., Thomson, C. A., Wetter, D., & Cook, L. (2021). Role of socioeconomic status and income inequality in colorectal cancer outcomes: Evidence from the 4C2 Collaboration. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
• Garcia, D. O., Crocker, R. M., & Villavicencio, E. A. (2021). A Qualitative Analysis of Mexican-Origin Men’s Knowledge and Cultural Attitudes Toward Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Interest in Risk Reduction. American Journal of Men's Health, 15(6), 155798832110633. doi:10.1177/15579883211063335
• Garcia, D. O., Thomson, C. A., Hingle, M. D., Pfander, J. L., Morrill, K. E., Lopez-Pentecost, M., Molina, L., & Klimentidis, Y. C. (2021). Weight Loss Interventions for Hispanic Women in the United States: A Systematic Review. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2021, 1-14. doi:10.1155/2021/8714873
• Jennings, N., Garcia, D. O., Eng, H., & Calhoun, E. (2021). Utilization and Cost Sharing for Preventive Cancer Screenings. Health Services Research. doi:doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpopen.2021.100044
• Martinez, J. A., Thomson, C. A., Sun, X., Garcia, D. O., Lopez-Pentecost, M., Chow, H. S., & Chew, W. M. (2021). Abstract 2352: Place of birth influences the metabolomic profile and preliminary effectiveness of a weight loss intervention among Hispanic men from the ANIMO pilot study. Cancer Research, 81(13_Supplement), 2352-2352. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-2352
• Mccuin, D. C., Lopez, E. C., Koss, M. P., Hayden, M. H., Garcia, D. O., Ernst, K. C., Brown, K. P., Austhof, E., & Anderson, E. J. (2021). Knowledge of Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus Among Women Who Are Pregnant or Intend to Become Pregnant, Arizona, 2017.. Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974), 333549211006986. doi:10.1177/00333549211006986
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  Levels of knowledge about the sexual transmission of Zika virus are consistently low in populations at risk of a mosquito-borne outbreak, including among women of childbearing age and women who are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. We investigated the effectiveness of sources of public health messaging about sexual transmission to women who are pregnant or intend to become pregnant in Arizona..In 2017, we conducted an Arizona-statewide survey 15 months after the initial release of US guidelines on sexual transmission of Zika virus. We used Poisson regression, adjusting for demographic factors, to estimate the likelihood among women who were pregnant or intended to become pregnant of knowing that Zika virus is sexually transmitted relative to other women of childbearing age. We used multinomial logistic regression models to explore associations with most used health information sources, either in person (eg, medical providers) or online (eg, Facebook), categorized by extent of dependability..Women who were pregnant or intended to become pregnant had similarly poor knowledge of the sexual transmission of Zika virus as compared with other women of childbearing age (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.14 [95% CI, 0.83-1.55]). Only about one-third of all respondents reported knowledge of sexual transmission. Reliance on high- vs low-dependability information sources, whether in person or online, did not predict the extent of Zika virus knowledge among women who were pregnant or intended to become pregnant..As late as the second year of local Zika virus transmission in the United States, in 2017, women in Arizona were not receiving sufficient information about sexual transmission, even though it was available. To prepare for possible future outbreaks, research should explore which aspects of Zika information campaigns were ineffective or inefficient.
• Miranda, A., Garcia, D. O., Sánchez, C., & Warren, C. (2021). Health and Type 2 Diabetes Perspectives of At-Risk, Mexican-Origin Males (HD-MxOM): a Qualitative Study. Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities.
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  To investigate perspectives of diabetes, nutrition, and health among underrepresented Mexican-origin males and elucidate on contributing factors of type 2 diabetes disparities.
• Morrill, K. E., Bland, V. L., Klimentidis, Y. C., Hingle, M. D., Thomson, C. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2021). Assessing Interactions between PNPLA3 and Dietary Intake on Liver Steatosis in Mexican-Origin Adults. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(13).
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  Mexican-origin (MO) adults have among the highest rates of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) placing them at increased risk of liver cancer. Evidence suggests that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the gene, rs738409, increases the risk and progression of NAFLD and may modify the relationship between certain dietary factors and liver steatosis. The purpose of this study was to identify whether interactions exist between specific dietary factors and rs738409 genotype status among MO adults in relation to levels of liver steatosis. We analyzed cross-sectional data from a sample of 288 MO adults. Participants completed at least two 24-h dietary recalls. Multiple linear regression was performed assuming an additive genetic model to test the main effects of several dietary variables on levels of hepatic steatosis, adjusting for covariates. To test for effect modification, the product of the genotype and the dietary variable was included as a covariate in the model. No significant association between dietary intake and level of hepatic steatosis was observed, nor any significant gene-diet interactions. Our findings suggest that dietary intake may have the same magnitude of protective or deleterious effect even among MO adults with high genetic risk for NAFLD and NAFLD progression.
• Morrill, K. E., Crocker, R., Hingle, M. D., Thomson, C. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2021). Awareness, knowledge, and misperceptions related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a community sample of Mexican-origin women: A mixed methods study. Front Public Health. doi:doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.626428
• Morrill, K. E., Pentecost-Lopez, M., Hingle, M. L., Ballesteros, L. B., Pfrander, J. L., Klimentidis, Y., Thomson, C. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2021). Weight Loss Interventions for Hispanic Women in the United States: A Systematic Review. J Environ Public Health. doi:doi:10.1155/2021/8714873
• Palmer, K. N., Rivers, P., Melton, F., McClelland, J., Hatcher, J., Marrero, D. G., Thomson, C. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2021). Health Promotion Interventions for African Americans Delivered in US Barbershops and Hair Salons- A Systematic Review. BMC Public Health. doi:doi:10.1186/s12889-021-11584-0
• Ruiz, J. M., Butler, E. A., Thomson, C. A., Sbarra, D. A., Saquib, N., Ruiz, J. M., Kroenke, C. H., Kohler, L. N., Garcia, D. O., Flores, M., Crane, T. E., Corbie-smith, G., Butler, E. A., & Benavente, V. (2021). Does the Hispanic Mortality Advantage Vary by Marital Status Among Postmenopausal Women in the Women's Health Initiative?. Annals of behavioral medicine : a publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, 55(7), 612-620. doi:10.1093/abm/kaaa113
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  Literature assessing the effect of marital status on mortality has underrepresented, or altogether omitted Hispanics and the potential moderating effect of Hispanic ethnicity on these relationships. Given cultural and network dynamics, marital advantages in older Hispanic women may be greater than other groups given their family-focused, collectivist orientation..The purpose of this study was to understand whether older Hispanic women exhibited a more pronounced marital advantage as compared with non-Hispanic Whites..We used longitudinal data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Observational Study and Clinical Trials (N = 161,808) collected initially from 1993 to 1998 and followed until 2018. Our sample excluded those respondents indicating "other" as their race-ethnicity and those missing marital status and race-ethnicity variables (N = 158,814). We used Cox-proportional hazards models to assess the association between race-ethnicity, marital status, and the interactive effect of race-ethnicity and marital status on survival..After controlling for socioeconomic status (SES) and health controls, we found a Hispanic survival advantage when compared with non-Hispanic Whites and all other racial-ethnic groups with the exception of Asian/Pacific Islander women (all significant HRs < 0.78, all ps ≤ 0.001). Hispanics had a higher rate of divorce when compared with non-Hispanic Whites. The interactive effect of race-ethnicity and marital status was not significant..U.S. Hispanic, postmenopausal women exhibit a mortality advantage over and above marital status despite their high rates of divorce. Implications and potential explanations are discussed..NCT00000611.
• Valdez, L. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2021). Hispanic Male Recruitment into Obesity-Related Research: Evaluating Content Messaging Strategies, Experimental Findings, and Practical Implications. International quarterly of community health education, 272684X20982598.
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  Hispanic men have the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity among men in the U.S. Current research is lacking to inform best practices to engage Hispanic men in obesity-related research. The purpose of this work was to evaluate messaging strategies to engage Hispanic men in obesity-related research. Outreach took place in an outdoor marketplace in Southern Arizona, US. Messaging strategies (fear appeal/arousal, positive masculinity, and spousal convergence) identified in formative research were utilized. Two six-foot standing banners displayed content messages and infographics in both English and Spanish. Trained bilingual and bicultural staff collected health information survey cards that elicited self-reported demographic information and health concerns. Four aspects of recruitment were evaluated: volume, efficiency, community representation, and primary health concerns. A comparative analysis was conducted in the fall of 2016 to determine the effectiveness of each messaging strategy. 387 survey cards were collected, 221 were from Hispanic men. Obesity, diabetes, and cancer were identified as the most pertinent health concerns. Fear appeal yielded 209 completed surveys, followed by 110 for positive masculinity, and 68 for spousal convergence. Fear appeal/arousal and positive masculinity content messaging were effective approaches to engage Hispanic males in research, preventive and treatment efforts. Findings warrant replication as there is potential for confounding seasonal effects.
• Valdez, L. A., Carvajal, S. C., Valdez, L. A., Valdez, E. S., Stevens, S. J., Sabo, S., Korchmaros, J. D., Garcia, D. O., & Carvajal, S. C. (2021). Socioenvironmental Risk Factors for Adolescent Marijuana Use in a United States-Mexico Border Community.. American journal of health promotion : AJHP, 35(1), 20-27. doi:10.1177/0890117120927527
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  We examined how socioenvironmental risk factors unique to the United States-Mexico border, defined as border community and immigration stress, normalization of drug trafficking, and perceived disordered neighborhood stress, contribute to tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use among adolescents residing there..Cross-sectional design..The study was conducted at a high school on the United States-Mexico border..A sample of 445 primarily Hispanic students (ages 14-18)..Perceived Disordered Neighborhood Stress Scale, Border Community and Immigration Stress Scale, and Normalization of Drug Trafficking Scale..Logistic regression assessed the association between the socioenvironmental risk factors and past 30-day tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use..Participants with higher border community and immigration stress scores were significantly more likely to have used tobacco (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.41, P < .01) and alcohol (aOR = 1.31, P < .01) in the past 30 days. Perceived disordered neighborhood stress also was associated with past 30-day alcohol use (aOR = 1.46, P < .00). The normalization of drug trafficking was associated with past 30-day marijuana use (aOR = 1.45, P < .05)..Public health practitioners, educational institutions, and policy makers should consider the economic and normative environment of the United States-Mexico border for future substance use prevention and risk reduction efforts targeting border adolescents.
• Valdez, L. A., Valdez, L. A., Valdez, E. S., & Garcia, D. O. (2021). Using Participatory Methods to Enhance Youth Engagement in Substance Use Research.. Health promotion practice, 1524839921990005. doi:10.1177/1524839921990005
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  Youth engagement in substance use research is critical to the understanding of correlates that lead to detrimental health and social outcomes for adolescents. In addition to the documented challenges related to youth recruitment for substance use research, Latinx youth living on the U.S.-Mexico border may be difficult for researchers to engage in substance use research because they could face retributory harm if they identify their experiences to any entity perceived as an authority (e.g., researchers). Empirical findings that posit viable strategies to engage marginalized youth in substance use research are lacking. Participatory approaches show promise in increasing participation of historically underrepresented youth in research. Building on previously published work on our youth participatory action research mixed-methods study, this article discusses the youth-led participatory approach used to (1) develop and pilot test a culturally, regionally, and linguistically tailored substance use instrument and (2) engage 445 Latinx youth to participate in a cross-sectional study to assess epidemiological patterns of youth substance use on the U.S.-Mexico border. We share lessons learned related to the youth-led instrument design, youth-led recruitment strategy, and assuring participant confidentiality.
• Villavicencio, E. A., Crocker, R. M., & Garcia, D. O. (2021). A Qualitative Analysis of Mexican-Origin Men's Knowledge and Cultural Attitudes Toward Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Interest in Risk Reduction. American journal of men's health, 15(6), 15579883211063335.
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  Mexican-origin men are at increased risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The purpose of this qualitative research was to assess Mexican-origin men's knowledge and cultural attitudes toward NAFLD and their interest in risk reduction. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 Spanish-speaking Mexican-origin men who were considered high-risk of having NAFLD according to transient elastography (FibroScan®) continuous attenuation parameter (CAP) scores (≥280). Audio recordings of these interviews were transcribed and interpreted in their respective language to facilitate data analysis using NVivo 12. A thematic codebook was developed, from which the research team identified emerging themes. Findings demonstrated limited knowledge about NAFLD and in general chronic liver disease among Mexican-origin men. Cultural attitudes appeared to both enhance and mitigate their perceived risk for NAFLD. Interviews also revealed high interest levels for reducing NAFLD risk, with family and loved ones acting as the main motivators for engagement in healthier behaviors. Inclination toward family-based interventions was reported as a subject of interest for this high-risk population. This qualitative study suggests that the development of a NAFLD-specific intervention approach for Mexican-origin men may be feasible and should consider a familial and cultural context centered in improving lifestyle health behaviors.
• Wactawski-wende, J., Tindle, H. A., Shadyab, A. H., Kohler, L. N., Klimentidis, Y. C., Hu, C., Garcia, D. O., Follis, S., Flores, M., Chen, Z., & Bea, J. W. (2021). The intersectional role of social stress in fracture risk: results from the Women's Health Initiative.. Journal of epidemiology and community health. doi:10.1136/jech-2020-216354
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  The biological consequences of stress from the social environment pattern health outcomes. This study investigated whether social stress is prospectively associated with fracture incidence among racially and ethnically diverse, postmenopausal women..Data from 160 709 postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative was analysed using Cox proportional hazards regression models to examine prospective associations of social stress with time to total and hip fracture incidence. Self-reported questionnaires measuring social strain, social functioning and social support were used to assess social stress..Age and race/ethnicity modified associations between social stress and total and hip fractures. HRs for the associations between higher social support (indicating lower social stress) and total fractures among those age 50-59 years were 0.92 (95% CI: 0.90 to 0.94); HR=0.94 (95% CI: 0.93 to 0.95) for those age 60-69 years and HR=0.96 (95% CI: 0.95 to 0.98) for those age 70-79 years. Higher social strain was associated with greater hip fracture incidence among Native American women (HR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.10), Asian women (HR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.86) and white women (HR=1.04, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.08)..Identifying population patterns of fracture incidence as biological expressions of social environments reveals how race/ethnic specific social environmental factors influence disparities in fractures.
• Warren, C., Sanchez, C., Miranda, A., & Garcia, D. O. (2021). Dichos & Diabetes: Literary Devices Used by Mexican-Origin Males to Share Their Perspectives on Type 2 Diabetes and Health. Journal of Latinos and Education, 1-11. doi:10.1080/15348431.2021.1899924
• Wood, A. C., Vitolins, M. Z., Manson, J. E., Laroche, H., Garcia, D. O., Ford, C. N., Chang, S., & Bird, C. E. (2021). On the joint role of non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity and weight status in predicting postmenopausal weight gain.. PloS one, 16(3), e0247821. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0247821
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  To determine how baseline weight status contributes to differences in postmenopausal weight gain among non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs) and non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs)..Data were included from 70,750 NHW and NHB postmenopausal women from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI OS). Body Mass Index (BMI) at baseline was used to classify women as having normal weight, overweight, obese class I, obese class II or obese class III. Cox proportional hazards was used to estimate the hazard of a 10% or more increase in weight from baseline..In both crude and adjusted models, NHBs were more likely to experience ≥10% weight gain than NHWs within the same category of baseline weight status. Moreover, NHBs who were normal weight at baseline were most likely to experience ≥10% weight gain in both crude and adjusted models. Age-stratified results were consistent with overall findings. In all age categories, NHBs who were normal weight at baseline were most likely to experience ≥10% weight gain. Based on the results of adjusted models, the joint influence of NHB race/ethnicity and weight status on risk of postmenopausal weight gain was both sub-additive and sub-multiplicative..NHBs are more likely to experience postmenopausal weight gain than NHWs, and the disparity in risk is most pronounced among those who are normal weight at baseline. To address the disparity in postmenopausal obesity, future studies should focus on identifying and modifying factors that promote weight gain among normal weight NHBs.
• Crane, T. E., Skiba, M. B., Miller, A., Garcia, D. O., & Thomson, C. A. (2020). Development and Evaluation of an Accelerometer-Based Protocol for Measuring Physical Activity Levels in Cancer Survivors: Development and Usability Study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 8(9), e18491.
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  The collection of self-reported physical activity using validated questionnaires has known bias and measurement error.
• Flores, M., Ruiz, J. M., Butler, E. A., Sbarra, D. A., Garcia, D. O., Kohler, L., Crane, T. E., Corbie-Smith, G., Benavente, V., Kroenke, C., Saquib, N., & Thomson, C. A. (2020). Does the Hispanic mortality advantage vary by marital status among post-menopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative?. Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
• Garcia, D. O., & Valdez, L. A. (2020). Hispanic Male Recruitment into Obesity-Related Research: Evaluating Content Messaging Strategies, Experimental Findings, and Practical Implications. International Quarterly of Community Health Education, 42(1), 85-93. doi:10.1177/0272684x20982598
• Garcia, D. O., Marrero, D. G., Mangione, C. M., Thornton, P. L., Tate, D. F., Shields, A. E., Peek, M. E., Marrero, D. G., Manson, S. M., Mangione, C. M., Lindberg, N. M., Ladapo, J. A., Kumanyika, S. K., Hill-briggs, F., Heisler, M., Haire-joshu, D., Groot, M. D., Gregg, E. W., Garcia, D. O., , Crespo, C. J., et al. (2020). New research directions on disparities in obesity and type 2 diabetes.. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1461(1), 5-24. doi:10.1111/nyas.14270
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  Obesity and type 2 diabetes disproportionately impact U.S. racial and ethnic minority communities and low-income populations. Improvements in implementing efficacious interventions to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes are underway (i.e., the National Diabetes Prevention Program), but challenges in effectively scaling-up successful interventions and reaching at-risk populations remain. In October 2017, the National Institutes of Health convened a workshop to understand how to (1) address socioeconomic and other environmental conditions that perpetuate disparities in the burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes; (2) design effective prevention and treatment strategies that are accessible, feasible, culturally relevant, and acceptable to diverse population groups; and (3) achieve sustainable health improvement approaches in communities with the greatest burden of these diseases. Common features of guiding frameworks to understand and address disparities and promote health equity were described. Promising research directions were identified in numerous areas, including study design, methodology, and core metrics; program implementation and scalability; the integration of medical care and social services; strategies to enhance patient empowerment; and understanding and addressing the impact of psychosocial stress on disease onset and progression in addition to factors that support resiliency and health.
• Lopez-Pentecost, M., Crane, T. E., Garcia, D. O., Kohler, L. N., Wertheim, B. C., Hebert, J. R., Steck, S. E., Shivappa, N., Santiago-Torres, M., Neuhouser, M. L., Hatsu, I. E., Snetselaar, L., Datta, M., Kroenke, C. H., Sarto, G. E., & Thomson, C. A. (2020). Association between diet quality and obesity-related cancer risk and mortality in postmenopausal Hispanic women: Results from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). Journal of Public Health.
• Morrill, K. E., Reininger, B. M., Morrill, K. E., Mccormick, J. B., Lopez-pentecost, M., Lee, M., Garcia, D. O., & Fisher-hoch, S. P. (2020). Lifestyle Risk Factors Associated With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Among Mexican-Origin Men: 2200 Board #119 May 28 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 52, 588-588. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000680624.71186.f8
• Palmer, K. M., Rivers, P., Melton, F., McClelland, J., Hatcher, J., Marrero, D. G., Thomson, C. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2020). A Protocol for a Systematic Review of Health Promotion Interventions for African Americans Delivered in US Barbershops and Hair Salons. BMJ Open.
• Salerno Valdez, E., Valdez, L., Korchmaros, J., Garcia, D. O., Stevens, S., Sabo, S., & Carvajal, S. (2020). Socioenvironmental Risk Factors for Adolescent Substance Use in U.S.-Mexico Border Community. American Journal of Health Promotion.
• Santiago-Torres, M., Shi, Z., Tinker, L. F., Lampe, J. W., Allison, M. A., Barrington, W., Crane, T. E., Garcia, D. O., Hayden, K. M., Isasi, C. R., Valdiviezo-Schlomp, C. I., Warsinger Martin, L., & Neuhouser, M. L. (2020). Diet Quality Indices and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome Among Women of Mexican Ethnic Descent in the Women’s Health Initiative. Nutrition and Healthy Aging.
• Skobic, I., Valdez, L. A., Carvajal, S. C., Valdez, L. A., Valdez, E. S., Stevens, S. J., Skobic, I., Sabo, S., Korchmaros, J. D., Garcia, D. O., & Carvajal, S. C. (2020). Youth Participatory Action Research for Youth Substance Use Prevention: A Systematic Review.. Substance use & misuse, 55(2), 314-328. doi:10.1080/10826084.2019.1668014
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  Background: A growing body of research points to the efficacy of participatory methods in decreasing rates of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and other risky behaviors among youth. However, to date, no systematic review of the literature has been conducted on Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) for youth substance use prevention. This review draws on the peer-reviewed literature on YPAR in the context of youth substance use prevention published from January 1, 1998 through April 30, 2018. Methods: We summarize (1) the published evidence regarding YPAR for youth substance use prevention; (2) the level of youth engagement in the research process; (3) the methodologies used in YPAR studies for youth substance use prevention; and (4) where more research is needed. We used Reliability-Tested Guidelines for Assessing Participatory Research Projects to assess the level of youth engagement in the research process. Results: In all, we identified 15 unduplicated peer-reviewed, English-language articles that referenced YPAR, Community Based Participatory Research, youth, and substance use prevention. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that youth participation in research and social action resulted in increased community awareness of substance use and related solutions. This supports the premise of youth participation as an agent of community change by producing community-specific substance use data and prevention materials. Identified weaknesses include inconsistent levels of youth engagement throughout the research process, a lack of formalized agreements between youth and researchers with regard to project and data management, and a lack of outcome evaluation measures for assessing YPAR for youth substance use prevention.
• Valdez, L. A., Valdez, L. A., Solle, N. S., Jaeger, E. C., Griffith, D. M., Garcia, D. O., & Alexander, L. R. (2020). Developing a "Tailor-Made" Precision Lifestyle Medicine Intervention for Weight Control among Middle-aged Latino Men.. Ethnicity & disease, 30(Suppl 1), 203-210. doi:10.18865/ed.30.s1.203
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  To identify what is important to middle-aged Latino men and their personal goals and values as foundations for a future precision lifestyle medicine intervention that is rooted in Self-Determination Theory..We used a phenomenological, thematic approach to analyze data from 20 semi-structured, individual interviews with Latino men aged 35-60 years..Community-based settings between November 2017 and May 2018 in South Florida..Latino or Hispanic men who were aged 35-60 years. The mean age of the men was 49.8 years..Two key themes emerged: a) the characteristics that these men say define what it means to be a man; and b) the characteristics that these men say define what is important to them. "What defines a man" includes three primary subthemes: a) the attributes, characteristics and behaviors that participants understood to be ideals that a man should embody and the roles he should fulfill; b) lessons learned growing up about what it means to be a man; and c) how Latino men relate to the ideal of machismo. "What defines me" includes the subthemes: a) comparing themselves with the ideal of machismo; b) caring for family and others; and c) supporting and modeling positive behavior for their children..We found key candidate mechanisms that may be novel yet critical foundations on which to build a precision lifestyle medicine intervention for Latino men. We identified actionable psychosocial factors that map onto motivational constructs that can shape behaviors that are essential for weight control and be a useful foundation for improving the health of middle-aged Latino men.
• Warren, C., Sanchez, C., Miranda, A., & Garcia, D. O. (2020). Health and Type 2 Diabetes Perspectives of At-Risk, Mexican-Origin Males (HD-MxOM): a Qualitative Study.. Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities, 8(5), 1-11. doi:10.1007/s40615-020-00866-9
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  OBJECTIVE To investigate perspectives of diabetes, nutrition, and health among underrepresented Mexican-origin males and elucidate on contributing factors of type 2 diabetes disparities. RESEARCH DESIGN Audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 native Spanish-speaking, Mexican-origin males. Men were between the ages of 40 and 64 and at risk for type 2 diabetes-defined as > 40 years of age, BMI > 25, and sedentary over the last 3 months. Data collected included clinical measures (height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure) and demographic characteristics (years living in the U.S., marital status, employment, occupational physical activity, income, educational attainment, and average physical activity levels). The audio recordings, each lasting approximately 60 min, were transcribed verbatim and underwent three-cycle coding with analysis for codebook formation, categorization, and thematic extraction. RESULTS Barriers to engaging in health behaviors among Mexican-origin males include poor understanding of diabetes and nutrition, unreliable sources of health information, and socioeconomic status. Enablers of health neglect include intense perceptions of diabetes severity and a reactive health culture rooted in medical machismo and valemadrismo. Perspectives of personal responsibility and the desire to learn through culturally specific recommendations detail potential facilitators of health behaviors. CONCLUSION The data convey a network of sociocultural factors that inhibit health prioritization and promote disease misconceptions among Mexican-origin males. Pragmatic, culturally tailored education represents serviceable strategies for health promotion and diabetes prevention. These findings explicate cultural considerations for educators and clinicians seeking optimization of programs and clinical interactions with Mexican-origin men.
• Zaslavsky, O., Wu, C., Seguin-fowler, R. A., Pan, K., Michael, Y. L., Garcia, D. O., & Chlebowski, R. T. (2020). Postmenopausal Breast Cancer and Physical Function Change: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis.. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 68(5), 1029-1036. doi:10.1111/jgs.16323
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  While breast cancer and associated therapies can influence physical function (PF), findings for breast cancer's effects on PF among postmenopausal women are not consistent. This research evaluates the effect of breast cancer on change in PF..Longitudinal cohort study analyzed using difference-in-differences (DID) method to compare the changes in PF over time between women with and without breast cancer, by invasive status, stage, and age..Women's Health Initiative participants, aged 50 to 79 years at baseline, with four completed functional status assessments were eligible for inclusion (mean age = 62.1 ± 6.9 years). Women with breast cancer diagnosed between the 3rd and 11th enrollment year (n = 1636) were compared to women without breast cancer (n = 35 660)..PF was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 at baseline and years 3, 11, and 12..Compared with women without breast cancer, women with breast cancer experienced greater PF decline (P < .0001), after adjustment for age, race, education, income, study/trial arm, and body mass index. Overall, functional declines were greatest among women with invasive breast cancer (DID = -4.87; 95% confidence interval = -7.12 to -2.62). In stratified analyses, the breast cancer effect on PF was greater among women in older age groups..Women diagnosed with breast cancer experienced a significant decline in PF beyond what is observed in typical aging in this cohort. To optimally address survivorship issues, disease sequelae need to be distinguished from normal aging in studies incorporating a cancer-free comparison group. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1029-1036, 2020.
• Anderson, E. J., Krause, K. C., Meyer Krause, C., Welter, A., McClelland, D. J., Garcia, D. O., Ernst, K., Lopez, E. C., & Koss, M. P. (2019). Web-Based and mHealth Interventions for Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Prevention: A Systematic Review. Trauma, violence & abuse, 1524838019888889.
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  Mobile health (mHealth) technologies are increasingly used across health programming including intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention to optimize screening, educational outreach, and linkages to care via telehealth. We systematically evaluated current web-based and mHealth interventions, which include web- or mobile-based delivery methods for primary, secondary, and tertiary IPV victimization prevention. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Open Grey, and Google Scholar for empirical studies published 1998-2019. Studies were included if they considered empirical data, participants in adult romantic relationships, IPV as a primary or secondary outcome, and an mHealth component. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to record critical ratings of quality among studies selected for inclusion. We assessed variation in targeted populations, types of IPV addressed, and mHealth approaches used. Of 133 studies identified for full-text review, 31 were included. Computer-based screening with or without integrated education was the most common mHealth approach ( = 8, 26%), followed by safety decision aids ( = 7, 23%). Feasibility and acceptability were found to be generally high where assessed (23% of studies, = 7). There was limited evidence around whether mHealth interventions better addressed population needs compared to conventional interventions. mHealth tools for IPV prevention are especially acceptable in health-care settings, on mobile phone platforms, or when connecting victims to health care. Despite enthusiasm in pilot projects, evidence for efficacy compared to conventional IPV prevention approaches is limited. A major strength of mHealth IPV prevention programming is the ability to tailor interventions to individual victim needs without extensive human resource expenditure by providers.
• Anderson, E. J., McClelland, J., Meyer Krause, C., Krause, K. C., Garcia, D. O., & Koss, M. P. (2019). Web-based and mHealth interventions for intimate partner violence prevention: a systematic review protocol. BMJ open, 9(8), e029880.
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  Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), or those individuals susceptible to IPV victimisation or perpetration, may benefit from participation in primary, secondary or tertiary interventions to address or mitigate exposure to violence despite mixed evidence of IPV intervention effectiveness. However, participation in such programmes is limited by poor access, sociocultural barriers and programme cost. As the world fast approaches universal access to the internet, web-based technologies and low-cost smartphones, new avenues to provide preventive health services including mobile health (mHealth) tools, platforms and services have emerged. The objective of this systematic review is to assess current web-based and mHealth interventions, which include web-based or mobile-based delivery methods for IPV prevention. Interpersonal violence is defined as perpetration or victimisation of a physical, psychological or sexual nature among adults. Interventions may be at the primary, secondary or tertiary level of the public health model.
• Batai, K., Gachupin, F. C., Estrada, A. L., Garcia, D. O., Gomez, J., & Kittles, R. A. (2019). Patterns of Cancer Related Health Disparities in Arizona.. Cancer Health Disparities.
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  Cancer incidence rates vary regionally among American Indians (AIs) and Latinos. The goal of this was to identify areas of research necessary to reduce cancer health disparities in AIs and Latinos, the two major racial/ethnic minority groups in Arizona. In an effort to better understand cancer health disparities, cancer incidence rates in AIs and Latinos in Arizona were compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs). Age-adjusted incidence rates (per 100,000) were obtained from the Arizona Cancer Registry and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries. Spearman’s rank test was used to examine correlation between county-level cancer incidence rates and socio-demographic factors. AIs and Latinos had lower incidence rates of screening for detectable cancers than NHWs. Among older men (age ≥65), however, AIs and Latinos had similar prostate cancer incidence rates to NHWs. Some of less common cancers, such as kidney, stomach, liver, and gallbladder, were more frequently diagnosed in AIs and Latinos than NHWs. AIs and Latinos were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancer stage, except for cervical cancer. Correlations between prostate and breast cancer incidence rates and percent urban residents as well as population size were significantly positive. Poverty levels were inversely correlated with colorectal and lung cancer incidence rates. Our review of cancer incidence rates suggests that socio-demographic factors, such as population size (rural/urban) and poverty levels, have influenced cancer detection and incidence rates in Arizona.
• Carvajal, S., Ruiz, J., Garcia, D. O., Valdez, L. A., & Oren, E. (2019). Understanding Social and Cultural Contexts of Alcohol Misuse in Mexican-Origin Hispanic Men. Health Education & Behavior, 46(4), 648-655. doi:10.1177/1090198119826212
• Cornish, E. K., Valdez, L. A., Schaeffer-Solle, N., Garcia, D. O., Alexander, L. R., & Griffith, D. M. (2019). Developing a “Tailor-Made” Weight Control Intervention for Middle-Aged Latino Men. Ethnicity and Disease.
• Crane, T. E., Latif, Y. A., Wertheim, B. C., Kohler, L. N., Garcia, D. O., Rhee, J. J., Seguin, R., Kazlauskaite, R., Shikany, J. M., & Thomson, C. A. (2019). Does Season of Reported Dietary Intake Influence Diet Quality? Analysis From the Women's Health Initiative. American journal of epidemiology, 188(7), 1304-1310.
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  We evaluated the role of seasonality in self-reported diet quality among postmenopausal women participating in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). A total of 156,911 women completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at enrollment (1993-1998). FFQ responses reflected intake over the prior 3-month period, and seasons were defined as spring (March-May), summer (June-August), fall (September-November), and winter (December-February). FFQ data were used to calculate the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), a measure of diet quality that has a score range of 2.5-87.5, with higher scores representing better diet quality. In multivariable linear regression models using winter as the reference season, AHEI scores were higher in spring, summer, and fall (all P values < 0.05); although significant, the variance was minimal (mean AHEI score: winter, 41.7 (standard deviation, 11.3); summer, 42.2 (standard deviation, 11.3)). Applying these findings to hypothesis-driven association analysis of diet quality and its relationship with chronic disease risk (cardiovascular disease) showed that controlling for season had no effect on the estimated hazard ratios. Although significant differences in diet quality across seasons can be detected in this population of US postmenopausal women, these differences are not substantial enough to warrant consideration in association studies of diet quality.
• Creasy, S. A., Crane, T. E., Garcia, D. O., Thomson, C. A., Kohler, L. N., Wertheim, B. C., Baker, L. D., Coday, M., Hale, L., Womack, C. R., Wright, K. P., & Melanson, E. L. (2019). Higher amounts of sedentary time are associated with short sleep duration and poor sleep quality in postmenopausal women. Sleep, 42(7).
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  To evaluate the associations between sedentary time, total (total-PA), light (light-PA), moderate (MOD-PA), and vigorous (VIG-PA) physical activity with indices of sleep in postmenopausal women.
• Follis, S. L., Bea, J., Klimentidis, Y., Hu, C., Crandall, C. J., Garcia, D. O., Shadyab, A. H., Nassir, R., & Chen, Z. (2019). Psychosocial stress and bone loss among postmenopausal women: results from the Women's Health Initiative. Journal of epidemiology and community health, 73(9), 888-892.
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  Bone loss is a major public health concern with large proportions of older women experiencing osteoporotic fractures. Previous research has established a relationship between psychosocial stressors and fractures. However, few studies have investigated bone loss as an intermediary in this relationship. This study investigates whether social stress is associated with bone loss during a 6-year period in postmenopausal women.
• Garcia, D. O., Luo, J., Hendryx, M., Manson, J. E., Figueiredo, J. C., LeBlanc, E. S., Barrington, W., Rohan, T. E., Howard, B. V., Reding, K., Ho, G. Y., & Chlebowski, R. T. (2019). Intentional Weight Loss and Obesity-Related Cancer Risk. JNCI Cancer Spectrum, 3(4). doi:10.1093/jncics/pkz054
• Garcia, D. O., Morrill, K. E., Aceves, B., Valdez, L. A., Rabe, B. A., Bell, M. L., Hakim, I. A., Martinez, J. A., & Thomson, C. A. (2019). Feasibility and acceptability of a beverage intervention for Hispanic adults: results from a pilot randomized controlled trial. Public health nutrition, 22(3), 542-552.
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  To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a beverage intervention in Hispanic adults.
• Garcia, D. O., Valdez, L. A., Aceves, B., Bell, M. L., Humphrey, K., Hingle, M., McEwen, M., & Hooker, S. P. (2019). A Gender- and Culturally Sensitive Weight Loss Intervention for Hispanic Men: Results From the Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health Education, 46(5), 763-772.
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  . Hispanic males have the highest rates of overweight and obesity compared with men of all other racial/ethnic groups. While weight loss can significantly reduce obesity-related health risks, there is limited research examining effective gender- and culturally tailored behavioral weight loss programs for Hispanic men. . To assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week gender- and culturally sensitive weight loss intervention (GCSWLI) as compared with a waist-list control (WLC) in sedentary, Hispanic males with overweight/obesity. . Fifty Hispanic males (age: 43 years [ = 11]; BMI: 34 ± 5 kg/m; 58% Spanish monolingual) were randomized to one of two groups: GCSWLI ( = 25) or WLC ( = 25). GCSWLI participants attended weekly in-person individual sessions with a bilingual, bicultural Hispanic male lifestyle coach, and were prescribed a daily reduced calorie goal and 225 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. The WLC were asked to maintain their usual diet and physical activity habits for 12 weeks. GCSWLI participants continued with 12 additional weeks of follow-up including biweekly phone calls with lifestyle coaches. . At Week 12, the mean weight loss in the GCSWLI was -6.3 kg (95% confidence interval [CI; -8.1, -4.4]) compared with -0.8 kg (95% CI [-2.5, 0.9]) for the WLC (difference = -5.5 kg, 95% CI [-8.0, -2.9], < .01). At Week 24, weight loss in the GCSWLI was maintained. . The GCSWLI appears to be a feasible strategy to engage Hispanic males in short-term weight loss. Our pilot study indicates preliminary evidence of efficacy, though confirmation of these findings is needed in a larger study.
• Luo, J., Hendryx, M., Manson, J. E., Figueiredo, J. C., LeBlanc, E. S., Barrington, W., Rohan, T. E., Howard, B. V., Reding, K., Ho, G. Y., Garcia, D. O., & Chlebowski, R. T. (2019). Intentional Weight Loss and Obesity-Related Cancer Risk. JNCI cancer spectrum, 3(4), pkz054.
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  Epidemiologic studies regarding weight loss and subsequent cancer risk are sparse. The study aim was to evaluate the association between weight change by intentionality and obesity-related cancer incidence in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Eleven cancers were considered obesity related: breast, ovary, endometrium, colon and rectum, esophagus, kidney, liver, multiple myeloma, pancreas, stomach, and thyroid.
• Michael, Y. L., Wu, C., Pan, K., Seguin, R., Garcia, D. O., Zaslasky, O., & Chlebowski, R. T. (2019). Breast cancer and physical function change in postmenopausal women: A difference in difference analysis. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
• Morrill, K. E., Lopez-Pentecost, M., Ballesteros, G., Pfander, J. L., Hingle, M. D., Klimentidis, Y. C., Thomson, C. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2019). Weight loss interventions for Hispanic women in the USA: a protocol for a systematic review. Systematic reviews, 8(1), 301.
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  In the U.S., Hispanic women experience a disproportionate rate of obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases. At the same time, Hispanic women remain considerably underrepresented in behavioral weight loss interventions. The purpose of this review is to systematically evaluate the evidence related to the effectiveness of weight loss interventions among Hispanic women in the U.S. This review will identify elements of successful weight loss interventions as well as areas for future research.
• Salerno Valdez, E., Korchmaros, J., Sabo, S., Garcia, D. O., Carvajal, S., & Stevens, S. (2019). How the U.S.-Mexico border influences adolescent substance use: Youth participatory action research using photovoice. The International journal on drug policy, 73, 146-155.
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  The purpose of this study is to use Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) methods and Photovoice to identify the perceived environmental factors that influence substance use among adolescents living at the U.S.-Mexico border.
• Thorton, P. L., Kumanyika, S. K., Gregg, E. W., Araneta, M. R., Baskin, M. L., Chin, M. H., Crespo, C. J., Groot, M., Garcia, D. O., Haire-Joshu, D., Heisler, M., Hill-Briggs, F., Ladapo, J. A., Lindberg, N. M., Manson, S. M., Marrero, D. G., Peek, M. E., Tate, D. F., & Mangione, C. M. (2019). New Research Directions on Disparities in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: NIH Workshop Highlights. The Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
• Valdez, E. S., Skobic, I., Valdez, L., Garcia, D. O., Korchmaros, J., Stevens, S., Sabo, S., & Carvajal, S. (2019). Youth Participatory Action Research for Youth Substance Use Prevention: A Systematic Review. Substance use & misuse, 1-15.
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  A growing body of research points to the efficacy of participatory methods in decreasing rates of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and other risky behaviors among youth. However, to date, no systematic review of the literature has been conducted on Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) for youth substance use prevention. This review draws on the peer-reviewed literature on YPAR in the context of youth substance use prevention published from January 1, 1998 through April 30, 2018. We summarize (1) the published evidence regarding YPAR for youth substance use prevention; (2) the level of youth engagement in the research process; (3) the methodologies used in YPAR studies for youth substance use prevention; and (4) where more research is needed. We used Reliability-Tested Guidelines for Assessing Participatory Research Projects to assess the level of youth engagement in the research process. In all, we identified 15 unduplicated peer-reviewed, English-language articles that referenced YPAR, Community Based Participatory Research, youth, and substance use prevention. Our findings indicated that youth participation in research and social action resulted in increased community awareness of substance use and related solutions. This supports the premise of youth participation as an agent of community change by producing community-specific substance use data and prevention materials. Identified weaknesses include inconsistent levels of youth engagement throughout the research process, a lack of formalized agreements between youth and researchers with regard to project and data management, and a lack of outcome evaluation measures for assessing YPAR for youth substance use prevention.
• Valdez, L. A., Garcia, D. O., Ruiz, J., Oren, E., & Carvajal, S. (2019). Understanding Social and Cultural Contexts of Alcohol Misuse in Mexican-Origin Hispanic Men. Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health Education, 46(4), 648-655.
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  Evidence suggests that Hispanic and non-Hispanic White men (NHW) have comparable prevalence rates of alcohol use. However, Hispanic men consistently have higher prevalence rates of alcohol misuse compared with NHW men. Consequently, Hispanic men experience disproportionate levels of adverse health consequences of alcohol misuse when compared with NHW men. The aim of this study was to explore Hispanic male perspectives and opinions regarding alcohol use patterns that may lead to disparate rates of alcohol misuse in Hispanic males. Demographic data were collected with questionnaires. Twenty semistructured one-on-one interviews were completed in English and Spanish with Mexican-origin Hispanic men (age: 44.6 ± 11.3 years). A thematic analysis was conducted using a hybrid deductive-inductive strategy with an a priori codebook supplemented with iterative analysis of transcripts. Results suggest that alcohol misuse patterns in Hispanic males are influenced by an interaction between alcohol-related social norms and learned expressions of masculinity; a lack of knowledge of the alcohol-related health risks that further perpetuate the normalization of alcohol misuse; and expressions of masculinity and adaptive coping that lead to alcohol misuse as an escape from life stressors. Given the rapid expansion of the Hispanic population in the United States, and the disparate consequences of alcohol misuse in this population, it is imperative to consider the complex and often compounded impact of sociocultural norms and the social context on misuse-related behaviors. Viable prevention and treatment strategies should be addressed thought multicomponent, community-level strategies that more comprehensively address the complexities of alcohol misuse in this population.
• Valdez, L. A., Morrill, K. E., Griffith, D. M., Lindberg, N. M., Hooker, S. P., & Garcia, D. O. (2019). Mexican Origin Hispanic Men's Perspectives of Physical Activity-Related Health Behaviors. American journal of men's health, 13(1), 1557988319834112.
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  Approximately 83% of Hispanic men of Mexican origin are overweight or obese, which are both associated with increased risk of chronic disease and all-cause mortality. Consequently, men of Mexican origin have some of the highest prevalence rates of obesity-related comorbidities. Physical activity (PA) may be an important strategy for Hispanic men of Mexican origin in reducing incidence and risk factors of lifestyle diseases. The current study engaged Spanish-speaking, Hispanic men of Mexican origin aged 24-64 years with overweight/obesity to examine perspectives of health behaviors related to PA. A total of 14 in-depth semistructured individual interviews were completed between September and November of 2015 and data analyzed using an iterative deductive-inductive thematic assessment strategy. The men suggested that their PA was hindered by (a) work-related energy and time constraints, (b) socioeconomic status (SES) and the need to prioritize work, (c) adaptations to majority population lifestyle norms, and (d) perceived lack of suitable access to PA-promoting spaces. The men provided valuable insight for strategies to improve PA interventions such as (a) accurately accounting for current PA levels of participants, including occupational and transportation PA, (b) considerations of family dynamics that influence PA-based behavior change, and (c) considerations of economic and geographical constraints that can be remediated. To improve effectiveness, future PA-related intervention research with Hispanic men of Mexican origin should consider methods that (a) account for transportation and occupational PA to better tailor PA to individual needs, (b) consider sociocultural and socioeconomic influences, (c) account for social support and accountability, and (d) consider economic and geographical constraints.
• Batai, K., Gachupin, F. C., Estrada, A. L., Garcia, D. O., Gomez, J., & Kittles, R. A. (2017). Patterns of Cancer Related Health Disparities in Arizona. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice.
• Batai, K., Gachupin, F. C., Estrada, A. L., Garcia, D. O., Gomez, J., & Kittles, R. A. (2018). Patterns of Cancer Related Health Disparities in Arizona. Cancer Health Disparities.
• Carvajal, S., Ruiz, J., Garcia, D. O., Valdez, L. A., & Oren, E. (2018). Exploring Structural, Sociocultural, and Individual Barriers to Alcohol Abuse Treatment Among Hispanic Men. American Journal of Men's Health, 12(6), 1948-1957. doi:10.1177/1557988318790882
• Gachupin, F. C., Batai, K., Estrada, A. L., Garcia, D. O., Gomez, J., & Kittles, R. A. (2017). Patterns of Cancer Related Health Disparities in Arizona. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice.
• Garcia, D. O., Carvajal, S., Ruiz, J., Valdez, L. A., Flores, M., & Oren, E. (2018). Gender and Cultural Adaptations for Diversity: A Systematic Review of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Interventions for Latino Males. Substance Use & Misuse, 53(10), 1608-1623. doi:10.1080/10826084.2017.1417999
• Garcia, D. O., Morrill, K. E., Aceves, B., Valdez, L. A., Rabe, B. A., Bell, M. L., Hakim, I. A., Martinez, J. A., & Thomson, C. A. (2018). Feasibility and Acceptability of a Beverage Intervention for Hispanic Adults: Results from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Public Health Nutrition. doi:10.1017/S1368980018003051
• Garcia, D. O., Valdez, L. A., Bell, M. L., Humphrey, K., Hingle, M., McEwen, M., & Hooker, S. P. (2018). A Gender- and Culturally-Sensitive Weight Loss Intervention for Hispanic Males: The ANIMO Randomized Controlled Trial Pilot Study Protocol and Recruitment Methods. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications. doi:10.1016/j.conctc.2018.01.010
• Groessl, E. J., Stefanick, M. L., Newcomb, P. A., Mouton, C. P., Lane, D. S., Lamonte, M. J., Johnston, J. D., He, K., Groessl, E. J., Gorczyca, A. M., Goodman, D., Garcia, D. O., Eaton, C. B., Chomistek, A. K., & Bidulescu, A. (2018). Association of physical activity and sitting time with incident colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women.. European journal of cancer prevention : the official journal of the European Cancer Prevention Organisation (ECP), 27(4), 331-338. doi:10.1097/cej.0000000000000351
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  Findings from epidemiological studies have found that physical activity (PA) is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Recent studies have found an increased CRC risk with higher sitting time (ST); however, many studies did not include PA as a potential confounder. The objective of this project was to investigate the independent and combined associations of ST and PA with the risk of incident CRC, specifically colon and rectal cancer. Participants in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (n=74 870), 50-79 years of age self-reported ST and PA at baseline, years 3 and 6. Incident CRC was the primary outcome; colon and rectal cancers were the secondary outcomes, which were centrally adjudicated. Over a 13-year follow-up period, 1145 incident cases of CRC were documented. A positive age-adjusted association was found between higher ST (≥10 vs. 20 MET-h/week) group was 0.81 (95% confidence interval: 0.66-1.00; P for trend 0.04). Compared with inactive women with high ST (≥10 h/day), there was a trend toward reduced multivariable CRC risks with higher PA irrespective of ST level (interaction=0.64). We observed an inverse association between leisure time PA and the risk of CRC, particularly for rectal cancer. There was no association between ST and CRC in multivariable models.
• Klimentidis, Y. C., Klimentidis, Y. C., Raichlen, D. A., Raichlen, D. A., Bea, J. W., Bea, J. W., Garcia, D. O., Garcia, D. O., Mandarino, L. J., Mandarino, L. J., Alexander, G. E., Alexander, G. E., Chen, Z., Chen, Z., Going, S. B., & Going, S. B. (2017). Genome-wide association study of habitual physical activity in over 277,000 UK Biobank participants indentifies novel variants and genetic correlations with chronotype and obesity related traits. International Journal of Obesity.
• Klimentidis, Y. C., Raichlen, D. A., Bea, J., Garcia, D. O., Mandarino, L. J., Alexander, G. E., Chen, Z., & Going, S. (2018). Genome-Wide Association Study of Habitual Physical Activity in Over 377,000 UK Biobank Participants Identifies Multiple Variants Including CADM2 and APOE. International Journal of Obesity. doi:10.1038/s41366-018-0120-3
• Klimentidis, Y. C., Raichlen, D. A., Garcia, D. O., Wineinger, N. E., Wineinger, N. E., Mandarino, L. J., Alexander, G. E., Chen, Z., Going, S. B., Bea, J. W., Wineinger, N. E., Raichlen, D. A., Mandarino, L. J., Klimentidis, Y. C., Going, S. B., Garcia, D. O., Chen, Z., Alexander, G. E., & Bea, J. W. (2018). In response to: 'Information bias in measures of self-reported physical activity'.. International journal of obesity (2005), 42(12), 2064-2065. doi:10.1038/s41366-018-0251-6
• Laddu, D. R., Wertheim, B. C., Garcia, D. O., Woods, N. F., LaMonte, M. J., Chen, B., Anton-Culver, H., Zaslavsky, O., Cauley, J. A., Chlebowski, R., Manson, J. E., Thomson, C. A., & Stefanick, M. L. (2018). 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) Versus Gait Speed As Predictor of Preclinical Mobility Disability in Older Women: The Women's Health Initiative. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. doi:10.1111/jgs.15273
• Marent, B., Henwood, F., Darking, M., Leon, A., West, B., Lockhart, D., Garcia, D., Fatz, D., Wallitt, E., Beck, E., Gomez, E., Teofilo, E., Gonzalez, E., Garcia, F., Rodrigues, G., Whetham, J., Begovac, J., Block, K., Pereira, L., , Apers, L., et al. (2018). Development of an mHealth platform for HIV care: Gathering user perspectives through co-design workshops and interviews. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 6(Issue 10). doi:10.2196/mhealth.9856
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  Background: Despite advances in testing and treatment, HIV incidence rates within European countries are at best stable or else increasing. mHealth technology has been advocated to increase quality and cost-effectiveness of health services while dealing with growing patient numbers. However, studies suggested that mHealth apps are rarely adopted and often considered to be of low quality by users. Only a few studies (conducted in the United States) have involved people living with HIV (PLWH) in the design of mHealth.Objective: The goal of this study was to facilitate a co-design process among PLWH and clinicians across 5 clinical sites in the European Union to inform the development of an mHealth platform to be integrated into clinical care pathways. We aimed to (1) elicit experiences of living with HIV and of working in HIV care, (2) identify mHealth functionalities that are considered useful for HIV care, and (3) identify potential benefits as well as concerns about mHealth.Methods: Between January and June 2016, 14 co-design workshops and 22 semistructured interviews were conducted, involving 97 PLWH and 63 clinicians. Data were analyzed thematically and iteratively, drawing on grounded theory techniques.Results: Findings were established into 3 thematic clusters: (1) approaching the mHealth platform, (2) imagining the mHealth platform, and (3) anticipating the mHealth platform’s implications. Co-design participants approached the mHealth platform with pre-existing concerns arising from their experiences of receiving or providing care. PLWH particularly addressed issues of stigma and questioned how mHealth could enable them to manage their HIV. Clinicians problematized the compatibility of mHealth with existing information technology systems and questioned which patients should be targeted by mHealth. Imagining the potential of mHealth for HIV care, co-design participants suggested medical functionalities (accessing test results, managing medicines and appointments, and digital communication channels), social functionalities (peer support network, international travel, etc), and general features (security and privacy, credibility, language, etc). Co-design participants also anticipated potential implications of mHealth for self-management and the provision of care.Conclusions: Our approach to co-design enabled us to facilitate early engagement in the mHealth platform, enabling patient and clinician feedback to become embedded in the development process at a preprototype phase. Although the technologies in question were not yet present, understanding how users approach, imagine, and anticipate technology formed an important source of knowledge and proved highly significant within the technology design and development process.
• Morril, K. E., Aceves, B., Valdez, L. A., Thomson, C. A., Hakim, I. A., Bell, M. L., Martinez, J. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2018). Feasibility and Acceptability of a Beverage Intervention for Hispanic Adults: A Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrition Journal. doi:10.1186/s12937-018-0329-y
• Thomson, C. A., Crane, T. E., Garcia, D. O., Wertheim, B. C., Hingle, M., Snetselaar, L., Datta, M., Rohan, T., LeBlanc, E., Chlebowski, R. T., & Qi, L. (2018). Association between Dietary Energy Density and Obesity-Associated Cancer: Results from the Women's Health Initiative. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 118(Issue 4). doi:10.1016/j.jand.2017.06.010
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  Background: Dietary energy density (DED) is the ratio of energy (kilocalories or kilojoules) intake to food weight (grams) and is a measure of diet quality. Consumption of foods high in DED has been associated with weight gain in adults. Objective: To investigate the association between baseline DED and incident obesity-associated cancers in the Women's Health Initiative. Design: Prospective cohort study of clinical trial and observational study participants. Participants/setting: Postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years (N=92,295) enrolled in the observational study or the calcium and vitamin D trial and hormone replacement therapy trials of the Women's Health Initiative. Main outcome measures: Incident, medical record-adjudicated, obesity-related cancers during follow-up. Exposure variable was DED (kilocalories per gram for the total diet) from self-reported dietary intake at baseline using a food frequency questionnaire. Statistical analyses: The associations between DED and each incident cancer, or any obesity-related cancer, were examined using competing-risks regression models, with death as a competing risk. Body mass index-stratified models were generated to investigate body mass index as a potential modifying factor. Results: DED was associated with higher body mass index (28.9±6.0 vs 26.3±4.9) and waist circumference (89.3±14.2 vs 82.4±12.4 cm) for DED quintiles 5 vs 1, respectively. DED was associated with a 10% increased risk of any obesity-related cancer (subhazard ratioQ5 vs Q1: 1.1, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.2; P=0.004). This increased risk appeared limited to women who were normal weight at enrollment. Conclusions: Higher DED may be a contributing factor for obesity-related cancers, especially among normal-weight postmenopausal women and, as such, could serve as a modifiable behavior for dietary interventions to reduce obesity-associated cancer risk.
• Valdez, L. A., Aceves, B., Mcewen, M. M., Valdez, L. A., Mcewen, M. M., Loya, J. C., Humphrey, K., Hooker, S. P., Hingle, M., Garcia, D. O., Campas, D., Bell, M. L., & Aceves, B. (2018). The Feasibility of a Gender- and Culturally-Sensitive Weight Loss Intervention Plus Mobile Health Technology for Hispanic Males: 642 Board #2 May 30 3 15 PM - 5 15 PM. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 50(5S), 135. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000535530.82900.03
• Valdez, L. A., Flores, M. A., Ruiz, J., Oren, E., Carvajal, S. C., & Garcia, D. O. (2017). Gender and Cultural Adaptations for Diversity: A Systematic Review of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Interventions for Latino Males.. Substance Use and Misuse.
• Valdez, L. A., Flores, M., Ruiz, J., Oren, E., Carvajal, S., & Garcia, D. O. (2018). Gender and Cultural Adaptations for Diversity: A Systematic Review of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Interventions for Latino Males. Substance Use & Misuse. doi:10.1080/10826084.2017.1417999
• Valdez, L. A., Garcia, D. O., Ruiz, J., Oren, E., & Carvajal, S. (2018). Exploring Structural, Sociocultural, and Individual Barriers to Alcohol Abuse Treatment Among Hispanic Men. American Journal of Men's Health. doi:10.1177/1557988318790882
• Valdez, L. A., Valdez, L. A., Rabe, B. A., Loya, J. C., Hooker, S. P., Garcia, D. O., & Bell, M. L. (2018). Associations Between Self-Efficacy and Acculturation on Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Hispanic Men Enrolled in a Weight Loss Intervention: 887 Board #148 May 30 3 30 PM - 5 00 PM. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 50(5S), 203. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000535752.48574.84
• Wright, K. P., Womack, C. R., Wertheim, B. C., Thomson, C. A., Melanson, E. L., Hale, L., Garcia, D. O., Creasy, S. A., Crane, T. E., Coday, M., & Baker, L. D. (2018). Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity are associated with Sleep Duration and Sleep Quality in Postmenopausal Women: 634 Board #3 May 30 3 15 PM - 5 15 PM. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 50(5S), 133. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000535522.67653.3d
• Gorczyca, A. M., Eaton, C. B., LaMonte, M. J., Garcia, D. O., Johnston, J. D., He, K., Bidulescu, A., Goodman, D., Grossel, E., Lane, D. S., Stefanick, M. L., Newcomb, P. A., & Chomistek, A. K. (2017). Association of physical activity and sitting time with incident colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women. European Journal of Cancer Prevention. doi:10.1097/CEJ.0000000000000351
• Gorczyca, A., Eaton, C., LaMonte, M., Garcia, D. O., Johnston, J., He, K., Bidulescu, A., Goodman, D., Grossel, E., Lane, D., Stefanick, M., Newcomb, P., Mouton, C., & homistek, A. (2017). Association of physical activity and sitting time with incident colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women. European Journal of Cancer Prevention. doi:10.1097/CEJ.0000000000000351
• Krouse, R. S., Wendel, C. S., Garcia, D. O., Grant, M., Temple, L. K., Going, S. B., Hornbrook, M. C., Bulkley, J. E., McMullen, C. K., & Herrinton, L. J. (2015). Physical Activity, Bowel Function and Quality of Life among Rectal Cancer Survivors. BJS.
• Krouse, R. S., Wendel, C. S., Garcia, D. O., Grant, M., Temple, L., Going, S. B., Hombrook, M. C., Bulkley, J. E., McMullen, C. K., & Herrinton, L. J. (2017). Physical activity, bowel function, and quality of life among rectal cancer survivors. Quality of Life Research, 26(11), 3131–3142. doi:10.1007/s11136-017-1641-2
• Krouse, R. S., Wendel, C. S., Garcia, D. O., Grant, M., Temple, L., Going, S. B., Hornbrook, M., & Harrington, L. (2017). Physical Activity, Bowel Function, and Quality of Life Among Rectal Cancer Survivors. Qual Life Res, 26(11), 3131-3142.
• Laddu, D. R., Wertheim, B. C., Garcia, D. O., Brunner, R. B., Groessl, E., Shadyab, A. H., Going, S. B., LaMonte, M. J., Cannell, B., LeBoff, M. S., Cauley, J. A., Thomson, C. A., & Stefanick, M. L. (2017). Associations between time-varying Physical Activity on Physical Performance Measures in Postmenopausal Women: The Women’s Health Initiative. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 65(10), 2176–2181. doi:10.1111/jgs.14991
• Laddu, D. R., Wertheim, B. C., Garcia, D. O., Woods, N. F., LaMonte, M. J., Chen, B., Anton-Culver, H., Zaslavsky, O., Cauley, J. A., Chlebowski, R., Manson, J. E., Thomson, C. A., & Stefanick, M. L. (2017). Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Survey Versus Gait Speed As Predictor of Preclinical Mobility Disability in Older Women: The Women’s Health Initiative. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
• Morrill, K. E., Aceves, B., Valdez, L. A., Thomson, C. A., Hakim, I. A., Bell, M. L., Martinez, J. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2017). Feasibility and Acceptability of a Beverage Intervention for Hispanic Adults: A Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrition Journal.
• Thomson, C. A., Crane, T. E., Garcia, D. O., Wertheim, B. C., Hingle, M. D., Snetsellar, L., Datta, M., Rohan, T., Leblanc, E., Chlebowski, R., & Qi, L. (2017). Association between dietary energy density and obesity-associated cancer: Results from the Women's Health Initiative. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Thomson, C. A., Crane, T. E., Garcia, D. O., Wertheim, B., Hingle, M. D., Snetsellar, L., Datta, M., Rohan, T., LeBlanc, E., Chlebowski, R., & Qi, L. (2017). Association between dietary energy density and obesity-associated cancer: Results from the Women's Health Initiative. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2017.06.010
• Thomson, C. A., Garcia, D. O., Laddu, D. R., Wertheim, B. C., Brunner, R., Groessl, E., Shadyab, A. H., Going, S. B., LaMonte, M. J., Cannell, B., LeBoff, M. S., Cauley, J. A., & Stefanick, M. L. (2017). Associations Between Self-Reported Physical Activity and Physical Performance Measures Over Time in Postmenopausal Women: The Women's Health Initiative. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 65(10), 2176-2181. doi:10.1111/jgs.14991
• Valdez, L. A., Amezquita, A., Hooker, S. P., & Garcia, D. O. (2017). Mexican-Origin Male Perspectives of Diet-Related Behaviors Associated with Weight Management. International Journal of Obesity. doi:10.1038/ijo.2017.173
• Garcia, D. O., Lander, E. M., Wertheim, B. C., Manson, J. E., Volpe, S. L., Chlebowski, R. T., Stefanick, M. L., Lessin, L. S., Kuller, L. H., & Thomson, C. A. (2016). Pet Ownership and Cancer Riskin the Women’s Health Initiative. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-16-0121
• Krouse, R. S., Krouse, R. S., Wendel, C. S., Wendel, C. S., Garcia, D. O., Garcia, D. O., Grant, M., Grant, M., Temple, L., Temple, L., Going, S. B., Going, S. B., Hornbrook, M., Hornbrook, M., Harrington, L., & Harrington, L. (2016). Physical Activity, Bowel Function, and Quality of Life Among Rectal Cancer Survivors. Journal of Cancer Survivorship.
• Laddua, D., Wertheim, B. C., Garcia, D. O., Woods, N. F., LaMonte, M. J., Chen, B., Anton-Culver, H., Zaslavsky, O., Cauley, J. A., Chlebowski, R., Manson, J., Thomson, C. A., & Stefanick, M. L. (2016). SF-36 versus Gait speed as Predictors of Mobility Disability in Older Women: The Women’s Health Initiative. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci.
• Roe, D. J., Garcia, D. O., Kohler, L. N., Harris, R. B., Oren, E., & Jacobs, E. T. (2016). Adherence to Diet and Physical Activity Cancer Prevention Guidelines and Cancer Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 25(7), 1018-1028. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.epi-16-0121
• Stefanick, M. L., Brunner, R. L., Leng, X. I., Limacher, M. C., Bird, C. E., & Garcia, D. O. (2016). The Relationship of Cardiovascular Disease to Physical Functioning in Women Surviving to Age 80 and Above in the Women’s Health Initiative.. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Science.
• Thomson, C. A., Crane, T. E., Miller, A., Garcia, D. O., Basen-Engquist, K., & Alberts, D. S. (2016). A Randomized Trial of Diet and Physical Activity in Women Treated for Stage II-IV Ovarian Cancer: Rationale and Design of the Lifestyle Intervention for Ovarian Cancer Enhanced Survival (LIVES). Contemporary Clinical Trials. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2016.07.005
• Thomson, C. A., Garcia, D. O., Caire, G., Wertheim, B., Hingle, M. D., Bea, J. W., Sims, S., Bell, C., Johnson, K., Vitolins, M., Lewis, E., Zaslavsky, O., Rohan, T., & Thompson, P. (2016). Body Shape, Adiposity Index and Mortality in Post-menopausal Women: Findings from the Women’s Health Initiative. Obesity (Silver Spring). doi:10.1002/oby.21461
• Valdez, L. A., Bell, M. L., & Garcia, D. O. (2016). The influence of living and working conditions on alcohol consumption on agricultural workers in Mexico: a cross sectional study using the Encuesta Nacional de Jornaleros 2009 survey. Californian Journal of Health Promotion, 14(3), 12-21.
• , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , , ., et al. (2015). Changes in body composition over 8 years in a randomized trial of a lifestyle intervention: The look AHEAD study. Obesity, 23(Issue 3). doi:10.1002/oby.21005
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  Objective To determine the effects of an intensive lifestyle intervention versus a comparison group on body composition in obese or overweight persons with type 2 diabetes at baseline and at 1, 4, and 8 years. Methods Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in a subset of 1019 Look AHEAD study volunteers randomized to intervention or comparison groups. The intervention was designed to achieve and maintain ≥7% weight loss through increased physical activity and reduced caloric intake. The comparison group received social support and diabetes education. Results At 1 year, the intervention group lost fat (5.6 ± 0.2 kg) and lean mass (2.3 ± 0.1 kg) but regained fat (∼100%) and lost lean mass between years 1 and 8. Between baseline and year 8, weight loss was greater in intervention versus comparison groups (4.0 ± 0.4 vs. 2.3 ± 0.4 kg); comparison group weight loss was mostly lean mass (2.1 ± 0.17 kg). Fat mass in the intervention group was lower than that of the comparison group at all post-baseline time points. Conclusions Reduced fat mass may place the intervention group at a lower risk of obesity-linked sequelae, a hypothesis that can be tested by future studies of this cohort.
• , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , , ., et al. (2015). Systolic blood pressure control among individuals with type 2 diabetes: A comparative effectiveness analysis of three interventions. American Journal of Hypertension, 28(Issue 8). doi:10.1093/ajh/hpu292
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  BACKGROUND The relative effectiveness of 3 approaches to blood pressure control- (i) an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) focused on weight loss, (ii) frequent goal-based monitoring of blood pressure with pharmacological management, and (iii) education and support-has not been established among overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes who are appropriate for each intervention. METHODS Participants from the Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) and the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) cohorts who met criteria for both clinical trials were identified. The proportions of these individuals with systolic blood pressure (SBP) 30 kg/m2, while frequent goal-based monitoring with medication management may be more effective among individuals with lower body mass index (interaction P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS Among overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes, both ILI and frequent goal-based monitoring with pharmacological management can be successful strategies for blood pressure control. clinical trials registry clinicaltrials.gov identifiers NCT00017953 (Look AHEAD) and NCT00000620 (ACCORD).
• Butler, E. A., Thomson, C. A., Garcia, D. O., & Butler, E. A. (2015). GENDER DIFFERENCES IN ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX, WEIGHT LOSS ATTEMPTS, AND BODY WEIGHT PERCEPTIONS AMONG HISPANICS. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 49.
• Garcia, D. O., Valdez, L. A., & Hooker, S. P. (2017). Hispanic Male's Perspectives of Health Behaviors Related to Weight Management. American Journal of Men's Health. doi:10.1177/1557988315619470
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  Hispanic males have the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity among men in the United States; yet are significantly underrepresented in weight loss research. The purpose of the current study was to examine Hispanic male's perspectives of health behaviors related to weight management to refine the methodologies to deliver a gender-sensitive and culturally sensitive weight loss intervention. From October 2014 to April 2015, semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 overweight Hispanic men of ages 18 to 64 years. The interviews lasted approximately 60 minutes. Participants also completed a brief questionnaire and body weight/height were measured. Grounded in a deductive process, a preliminary codebook was developed based on the topics included in the interview guides. A thematic analysis facilitated the identification of inductive themes and the finalization of the codebook used for transcript analysis. Four overarching themes were identified: (a) general health beliefs of how diet and physical activity behaviors affect health outcomes, (b) barriers to healthy eating and physical activity, (c) motivators for change, and (d) viable recruitment and intervention approaches. Future research should examine feasible and appropriate recruitment and intervention strategies identified by Hispanic males to improve weight management in this vulnerable group.
• Garcia, D. O., Wertheim, B. C., Manson, J. E., Chlebowski, R. T., Volpe, S. L., Howard, B. V., Stefanick, M. L., & Thomson, C. A. (2015). Relationships between dog ownership and physical activity in postmenopausal women. Preventive medicine, 70, 33-8. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.10.030
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  Positive associations between dog ownership and physical activity in older adults have been previously reported.
• Stefanick, M. L., Limacher, M. C., Wassertheil-Smoller, S., Bird, C. E., Brunner, R. L., Garcia, D. O., Mackey, R. H., Johnson, K. C., LaMonte, M. J., Leng, X. I., LaCroix, A., Robinson, J. G., Sequin, R. A., & Tindle, H. A. (2015). The Relationship of Cardiovascular Disease to Physical Functioning in Women surviving to age 80 and over in the Women’s Health Initiative. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences. doi:10.1093/gerona/glv087
• Thomson, C. A., Schnell, F., Mannel, R. S., Le, L. V., Kendrick, J. E., Hartz, V., Garcia, D. O., Disilvestro, P., Crane, T. E., Basen-engquist, K., & Alberts, D. S. (2015). Physical Activity Levels Among Ovarian Cancer Survivors: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Group Study. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 47, 626. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000478423.79482.1a
• Valdez, L. A., Garcia, D. O., & Hooker, S. P. (2015). Hispanic Male’s Perspectives of Health Behaviors Related to Weight Management. American Journal of Men's Health, 11(5), 1547-1559. doi:10.1177/1557988315619470
• Wertheim, B. C., Volpe, S. L., Thomson, C. A., Stefanick, M. L., Manson, J. E., Howard, B. V., Garcia, D. O., & Chlebowski, R. T. (2015). Relationships between dog ownership and physical activity in postmenopausal women.. Preventive medicine, 70, 33-8. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.10.030
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  Positive associations between dog ownership and physical activity in older adults have been previously reported..The objective of this study was to examine cross-sectional associations between dog ownership and physical activity measures in a well-characterized, diverse sample of postmenopausal women..Analyses included 36,984 dog owners (mean age: 61.5years), and 115,645 non-dog owners (mean age: 63.9years) enrolled in a clinical trial or the observational study of the Women's Health Initiative between 1993 and 1998. Logistic regression models were used to test for associations between dog ownership and physical activity, adjusted for potential confounders..Owning a dog was associated with a higher likelihood of walking ≥150min/wk (Odds Ratio, 1.14; 95% Confidence Interval, 1.10-1.17) and a lower likelihood of being sedentary ≥8h/day (Odds Ratio, 0.86; 95% Confidence Interval, 0.83-0.89) as compared to not owning a dog. However, dog owners were less likely to meet ≥7.5MET-h/wk of total physical activity as compared to non-dog owners (Odds Ratio, 1.03; 95% Confidence Interval, 1.00-1.07)..Dog ownership is associated with increased physical activity in older women, particularly among women living alone. Health promotion efforts aimed at older adults should highlight the benefits of regular dog walking for both dog owners and non-dog owners.
• , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , , ., et al. (2014). Impact of weight loss on ankle-brachial index and interartery blood pressures. Obesity, 22(Issue 4). doi:10.1002/oby.20658
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  Objective To assess whether weight loss improves markers of peripheral artery disease and vascular stenosis. Methods The Action for Health in Diabetes randomized clinical trial compared intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) for weight loss to a control condition of diabetes support and education (DSE) in overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes. Annual ankle and brachial blood pressures over four years were used to compute ankle-brachial indices (ABIs) and to assess interartery blood pressure differences in 5018 participants. Results ILI, compared to DSE, produced 7.8% (Year 1) to 3.6% (Year 4) greater weight losses. These did not affect prevalence of low (1.40) ABI (7.52% in DSE versus 7.59% in ILI: P = 0.90), but produced smaller mean (SE) maximum interartery systolic blood pressure differences among ankle sites [19.7 (0.2) mmHg for ILI versus 20.6 (0.2) mmHg for DSE (P < 0.001)] and between arms [5.8 (0.1) mmHg for ILI versus 6.1 (0.1) mmHg for DSE (P = 0.01)]. Conclusions Four years of intensive behavioral weight loss intervention did not significantly alter prevalence of abnormal ABI, however, it did reduce differences in systolic blood pressures among arterial sites. Copyright © 2013 The Obesity Society.
• , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , , ., et al. (2014). Implications of Look AHEAD for clinical trials and clinical practice.. Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 16(12), 1183-91. doi:10.1111/dom.12318
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  Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) was a randomized clinical trial designed to examine the long-term health effects of weight loss in overweight and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. The primary result was that the incidence of cardiovascular events over a median follow-up of 9.6 years was not reduced in the Intensive Lifestyle Group relative to the control group. This finding is discussed, with emphasis on its implications for design of trials and clinical treatment of obese persons with type 2 diabetes.
• Garcia, D. O., & Thomson, C. A. (2014). Physical activity and cancer survivorship. Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 29(6), 768-79. doi:10.1177/0884533614551969
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  There has been an increase in the cancer survivor population in the United States over the past several decades primarily due to improvements in early detection of first malignancies and effective treatment modalities. A wealth of evidence has demonstrated that regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of death, all-cause mortality, cancer recurrence, and several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, common comorbid conditions in people who have survived cancer. Physical activity also is a central component of weight management.
• Garcia, D. O., Jakicic, J. M., Davis, K. K., Barone Gibbs, B., Burke, L. E., & Rickman, A. D. (2014). A pilot feasibility study of a campaign intervention for weight loss in overweight and obese adults. Californian Journal of Health Promotion, 12(3), 56-70.
• Hibler, E. A., Harris, R. B., Martinez, M. E., Thomson, C. A., Thompson, P. A., Roe, D. J., Molmenti, C. L., Martinez, M. E., Lance, P., Jacobs, E. T., Hibler, E. A., Harris, R. B., Garcia, D. O., Cisneroz, M., & Ashbeck, E. L. (2014). Sedentary behavior is associated with colorectal adenoma recurrence in men.. Cancer causes & control : CCC, 25(10), 1387-95. doi:10.1007/s10552-014-0444-9
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  The association between physical activity and colorectal adenoma is equivocal. This study was designed to assess the relationship between physical activity and colorectal adenoma recurrence..Pooled analyses from two randomized, controlled trials included 1,730 participants who completed the Arizona Activity Frequency Questionnaire at baseline, had a colorectal adenoma removed within 6 months of study registration, and had a follow-up colonoscopy during the trial. Logistic regression modeling was employed to estimate the effect of sedentary behavior, light-intensity physical activity, and moderate-vigorous physical activity on colorectal adenoma recurrence..No statistically significant trends were found for any activity type and odds of colorectal adenoma recurrence in the pooled population. However, males with the highest levels of sedentary time experienced 47% higher odds of adenoma recurrence. Compared to the lowest quartile of sedentary time, the ORs (95% CIs) for the second, third, and fourth quartiles among men were 1.23 (0.88, 1.74), 1.41 (0.99, 2.01), and 1.47 (1.03, 2.11), respectively (p(trend) = 0.03). No similar association was observed for women..This study suggests that sedentary behavior is associated with a higher risk of colorectal adenoma recurrence among men, providing evidence of detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle early in the carcinogenesis pathway.
• Molmenti, C. L., Hibler, E. A., Ashbeck, E. L., Thomson, C. A., Garcia, D. O., Roe, D., Harris, R. B., Lance, P., Cisneroz, M., Martinez, M. E., Thompson, P. A., & Jacobs, E. T. (2014). Sedentary behavior is associated with colorectal adenoma recurrence in men. Cancer causes & control : CCC, 25(10), 1387-95. doi:10.1007/s10552-014-0444-9
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  The association between physical activity and colorectal adenoma is equivocal. This study was designed to assess the relationship between physical activity and colorectal adenoma recurrence.
• Rickman, A. D., Jakicic, J. M., Gibbs, B. B., Garcia, D. O., Davis, K. K., & Burke, L. E. (2014). A Pilot Feasibility Study of a Campaign Intervention for Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese Adults: 2251 Board #6 May 30, 9. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 46, 595. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000495257.51444.e9
• Garcia, D. O., Rickman, A. D., & Wisniewski, L. W. (2013). Winning losers at work: organizing worksite competitions to promote weight management. ACSM Health and Fitness Journal, 17(1), 15-21. doi:10.1249/FIT.0b013e3182798160
• Wisniewski, L. M., Rickman, A. D., & Garcia, D. O. (2013). WINNING LOSERS AT WORK: Organizing Worksite Competitions to Promote Weight Management. Acsm's Health & Fitness Journal, 17(1), 15-21. doi:10.1249/fit.0b013e3182798160
• , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , ., , , ., et al. (2011). Four-year weight losses in the look AHEAD study: Factors associated with long-term success. Obesity, 19(10). doi:10.1038/oby.2011.230
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  This report provides a further analysis of the year 4 weight losses in the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) study and identifies factors associated with long-term success. A total of 5,145 overweight/obese men and women with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) or a usual care group, referred to as Diabetes Support and Education (DSE). ILI participants were provided approximately weekly group or individual treatment in year 1; continued but less frequent contact was provided in years 2-4. DSE participants received three group educational sessions in all years. As reported previously, at year 4, ILI participants lost an average of 4.7% of initial weight, compared with 1.1% for DSE (P 0.0001). More ILI than DSE participants lost 5% (46% vs. 25%, P 0.0001) and 10% (23% vs. 10%, P 0.0001) of initial weight. Within the ILI, achievement of both the 5% and 10% categorical weight losses at year 4 was strongly related to meeting these goals at year 1. A total of 887 participants in ILI lost 10% at year 1, of whom 374 (42.2%) achieved this loss at year 4. Participants who maintained the loss, compared with those who did not, attended more treatment sessions and reported more favorable physical activity and food intake at year 4. These results provide critical evidence that a comprehensive lifestyle intervention can induce clinically significant weight loss (i.e., 5%) in overweight/obese participants with type 2 diabetes and maintain this loss in more than 45% of patients at 4 years. © 2011 The Obesity Society.
• Verba, S. D., Peterson, M., Jakicic, J. M., Garcia, D. O., & Coppock, J. H. (2011). A Comparison of Energy Expenditure Estimates From SenseWear Activity Monitor Armbands During Exercise: 944. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 43(Suppl 1), 134. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000403074.60731.bb
• Wilson, N. L., Shah, N., Otto, A. D., Mishler, A. E., Mcdermott, M. D., Kao, A. H., & Garcia, D. O. (2011). The Effect of Weight Loss on Various Metabolic Parameters in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: 911. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 43(Suppl 1), 123-124. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000403041.26185.fe
• Jakicic, J. M., Davis, K. K., Garcia, D. O., Verba, S., & Pellegrini, C. A. (2010). Objective monitoring of physical activity in overweight and obese populations. Physical Therapy Reviews, 15, 163-169. doi:10.1179/1743288X10Y.0000000003
• Unick, J. L., Rompolski, K. L., Otto, A. D., Jakicic, J. M., Garcia, D. O., Dutton, C. A., & Davis, K. A. (2009). The Effect Of Weight Loss And Physical Activity On Bone Mineral Density In Overweight Women: 2840. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 41, 477. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000356004.73320.6f
• Unick, J. L., Rompolski, K. L., Otto, A. D., Justice, B. D., Jakicic, J. M., Garcia, D. O., & Dutton, C. A. (2009). Psychosocial Variables Influencing Long-term Physical Activity Levels In Overweight Men And Women: 1774. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 41, 125-126. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000354939.47687.71
• Otto, A. D., Garcia, D. O., & Jakicic, J. M. (2008). Lifestyle intervention strategies to prevent and control type 2 diabetes. Current diabetes reports, 8(5), 407-12. doi:10.1007/s11892-008-0070-6
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  The intensive lifestyle intervention of the DPP (Diabetes Prevention Program) showed weight loss to be a dominant predictor of reduced diabetes incidence for those at high risk for the disease. The intensive lifestyle intervention of Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) has also shown that weight loss is associated with improved diabetes control and cardiovascular risk factors and reduced medicine for those with the disease. DPP and Look AHEAD implemented the use of motivational incentives and campaigns to assist participants in their commitment to lifestyle change. Other studies have also used incentives as effective strategies to engage individuals in weight loss and in making positive physical activity and dietary changes. Special consideration should be given to implementing various incentive strategies to assist overweight and obese individuals with weight loss. Using these motivational incentive strategies can be an effective means to help individuals succeed with their weight loss efforts.
• Garcia, D., Vicini, F., Beitsch, P., Quiet, C., Keleher, A., Snider, H., Gittleman, M., Zannis, V., Kuerer, H., & Whitacre, E. (2006). Two year analysis of treatment efficacy and cosmesis by the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS) MammoSite Breast Brachytherapy Registry Trial in patients treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). Journal of Clinical Oncology, 24(18_suppl), 529-529. doi:10.1200/jco.2006.24.18_suppl.529

Proceedings Publications

• Vedantham, S., Tseng, H., Centuori, S. M., Garcia, D. O., Chalasani, P., Chiang, J. A., Roe, D., & Chow, H. (2023). Feasibility of quantitative breast density measurements in obese women with dedicated cone-beam breast CT.. In 2023 Program of the 10th International Breast Density & Cancer Risk Assessment Workshop, a21.

Presentations

• Garcia, D. O. (2025).

   “The Role of Public Policy in Facilitating Primary Care and Oncology Partnerships.” 

  . 2025 Policy Summit: Primary Care and Oncology Collaboration to Improve Patient Outcomes. Washington DC: National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
• Garcia, D. O. (2025).

  “Improving Liver Health Disparities in Native American Populations.”

  . National Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Indian Health Service (IHS)Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Program..
• Garcia, D. O. (2025, Fall).

  “Advancing Liver Cancer Prevention for American Indian Communities in Arizona.”

  . Annual Tribal Collaborative on Cancer Speaker Series.Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS).
• Garcia, D. O. (2025, Fall).

  “Advancing Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment for Arizona Communities.” 

  . Arizona Board of Regents Board Meeting. Tucson, AZ.
• Garcia, D. O. (2025, Fall).

  “Improving Liver Health Disparities for Indigenous Communities.”

  . Grand RoundsTuba City Regional Health Care.
• Garcia, D. O. (2025, Fall).

  “Obesity Management for American Indian Communities.”

  . California Healthcare Best Practices Conference and Diabetes Day.. Carlsbad, CA: California Area Indian Health Service, California Rural Indian Health Board, Inc. & California Consortium for Urban Indian Health..
• Garcia, D. O. (2025, Fall).

  “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” with Community Advocate (Sylvia Molina).

  . American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Health Disparities Meeting. Baltimore, MD: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
• Garcia, D. O. (2025, Fall).

  “Why Genetics Matter, Understanding Liver Cancer Risk in Mexican Men.”

  . Free Virtual Forums on Latino Men's Health: Spotlighting Cancer, an Unanswered Burden.The Latino Cancer Institute.
• Garcia, D. O. (2025, Summer).

   “Fitting Physical Activity into Comprehensive Intervention Approaches.” 

  . Roundtable on Obesity Solutions Exploring the Role of Physical Activity in Obesity Treatment, Body Weight Management, and Related Health Outcomes in AdultsThe National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM.
• Garcia, D. O. (2025, Summer).

  “Improving Liver Health Disparities in Native American Populations.”

  . National Cancer Prevention, Screening, and Care ConferenceIndian Health Services (IHS).
• Garcia, D. O. (2025, Winter).

  “Advancing Liver Disease Screening in Arizona Through Community-Based Approaches.” 

  . Cancer Health Equity Seminar Series (CHESS).. Palo Alto, CA: Stanford University.
• Garcia, D. O. (2024). Advancing Health Equity for Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment in Arizona. . NSC610 - Nutrition and Disease.. Tucson AZ.
• Garcia, D. O. (2024). Advancing Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment in Arizona Communities.
  . Arizona Health Opportunities Pathways to Excellence (AZ-HOPE).. Tucson, AZ.
• Garcia, D. O. (2024). Cardiovascular Health and Cancer.. HPS 178: Personal Health and Wellness. Tucson, AZ.
• Garcia, D. O. (2024). Developing Behavioral Intervention Trials: One Size Doesn’t Fit All. . PSY 588: Behavioral Medicine Interventions.. Tucson, AZ.
• Garcia, D. O. (2024). Oh, the Places You’ll Go.. Student Transformative Experiences to Progress Under-Represented Professionals (STEP-UP) Program.. Tucson, AZ.
• Garcia, D. O. (2024). Oh, the Places You’ll Go. The University of Arizona Nursing Inclusive Excellence (ANIE) Program Summer Intensive Weekly Assembly. Tucson, AZ.
• Garcia, D. O. (2024). Physical Activity Assessments and Methods. . EPID 670: Chronic Disease Epidemiology.. Tucson, AZ.
• Garcia, D. O. (2024). Tobacco Use in the 21^st Century.. HPS 178: Personal Health and Wellness. Tucson, AZ.
• Garcia, D. O. (2024). “Advancing Health Equity for Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment in Arizona.” . 3rd Annual Preventing and Controlling Cancer Workshop: Partnering to Understand Cancer Risk and Survivorship.. Phoenix, AZ.
• Garcia, D. O. (2024). “Advancing Health Equity for Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment in Arizona.” . University of Arizona Cancer Center Faculty Lunch Series.. Tucson, AZ.
• Garcia, D. O. (2024). “Fatty Liver Disease in Hispanic Communities: A Silent Epidemic.” . Trends in Cancer We Can’t Afford to Ignore Anymore. The Latino Cancer Institute.. Zoom.
• Garcia, D. O. (2024). “Improving Liver Health Disparities in Native American Population.” . American Association for Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) The Liver Meeting.. San Deigo, CA.
• Garcia, D. O. (2024). “Use of FibroScan® to assess hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in community-based settings to promote clinical care linkages along the Southern Arizona United States/Mexico border.” . European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress 2024.. Milan, Italy.

Poster Presentations

• Lopez-Pentecost, M., Kohler, L. N., Crane, T. E., Garcia, D. O., Wertheim, B. C., Hebert, J. R., Steck, S. E., Shivappan, N., Santiago-Torres, M., Neuhouser, M. L., Snetselaar, L., Datta, M., Kroenke, C. H., Sarto, G. E., & Thomson, C. A. (2019, Spring). Relationship between the Mexican diet score and cancer risk by language of preference in postmenopausal Hispanic women from the Women’s Health Initiative.. NCI Conference.
• Ehiri, J. E., Thomson, C. A., Dickeson, K., Harris, R. B., Garcia, D. O., Kohler, L. N., Kohler, L. N., Garcia, D. O., Dickeson, K., Harris, R. B., Thomson, C. A., & Ehiri, J. E. (2018, Fall). Abstract: STEP-Up for Cancer Prevention. UACC Scientific Retreat.
• Lavelle, S., Basen-Engquist, K., Thomson, C. A., Crane, T. E., Garcia, D. O., & Skiba, M. (2018, Fall). Abstract: Measurement of physical activity in ovarian cancer survivors using accelerometry. UACC Scientific Retreat. Tucson, AZ.
• Thomson, C. A., Alberts, D. S., Walker, J., Basen-Engquist, K., Lakes, H., Miller, A., Lopez-Pentecost, M., Skiba, M., Garcia, D. O., Kohler, L. N., & Crane, T. E. (2018, Fall). Abstract: Cardiometabolic health of ovarian cancer survivors enrolled in GOG/NRG 0225 randomized controlled trial of diet and physical activity. UACC Scientific Retreat. Tucson, AZ.
• Thomson, C. A., Kroenke, C. H., Datta, M., Snetselaar, L., Hatsu, I. E., Neuhouser, M. L., Santiago-Torres, M., Shivappa, N., Steck, S., Hebert, J., Wertheim, B. C., Garcia, D. O., Crane, T. E., & Lopez-Pentecost, M. (2018, Fall). Abstract: Association between diet quality and obesity related cancer risk in postmenopausal Hispanic women: results from the WHI. UACC Scientific Retreat. Tucson, AZ.
• Bea, J. W., Crane, T. E., Jacobs, E. T., Thompson, P. A., Garcia, D. O., & Thomson, C. A. (2016, November). Abstract: Cruciferous vegetable intake is associated with changes in inflammatory biomarkers among breast cancer survivors in a physical activity program. American Institute for Cancer Research. Washington DC.
• Bea, J. W., Crane, T. E., Jacobs, E. T., Thompson, P., Garcia, D. O., & Thomson, C. A. (2016, Nov). Cruciferous vegetable intake is associated with changes in inflammatory biomarkers among breast cancer survivors in a physical activity program. American Institute for Cancer Research Annual Conference. North Bethesda, MD.
• Bea, J. W., Bea, J. W., Thompson, P., Thompson, P., Garcia, D. O., Garcia, D. O., Stopeck, A. T., Stopeck, A. T., Thomson, C. A., & Thomson, C. A. (2015, March). Factors influencing skeletal muscle improvements among breast cancer survivors involved in weight-bearing physical activity. American Society of Preventive Oncology.

Reviews

• Garcia, D. O. (2025.

  National Institutes of Health: Lifestyle Change and Behavioral Health (LCBH) Study Section (2025) (2 proposals reviewed)

  .
• Garcia, D. O. (2024. Reviewer for Study Sections:

  National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Review of LRP L32 and L70 Applications (2024) (3 proposals reviewed)

  .

Others

• Lopez-Pentecost, M., Tamez, M., Mattei, J., Jacobs, E. T., Thomson, C. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2023, September). Relationship Between a Traditional Mexican Diet and Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis Among Mexican-Origin Hispanic Adults at Risk for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. American Society of Preventive Oncology (ASPO) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Maldonado, A., Loya, J. C., Crocker, R., Martinez, D. E., Villavicencio, E. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2023, December). Salud sin Fronteras: Understanding how social context and geographical location influence access to healthcare among Mexican immigrant in Southern Arizona. American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Maldonado, A., Villavicencio, E. A., Vogel, R., Robles-Morales, R., Gonzalez, A. S., & Garcia, D. O. (2023, Spring). Association Between Community Needs Index and NAFLD in a community-based sample of Mexican-origin adults in Southern Arizona. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 57(1): Supplement [Abstract].
• Maldonado, A., Zhang, X., & Garcia, D. O. (2023, December). The association between acculturation, allostatic load, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Hispanic adults: Analysis of the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Villavicencio, E. A., Maldonado, A., Vogel, R., & Garcia, D. O. (2023, Spring). NAFLD Screening as a Strategy to Promote Changes in Diet, Physical Activity, and Body Weight in Mexican-origin Adults. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 57(1): Supplement [Abstract].
• Zhang, X., Longgang, Z., Christopher, C., Tabung, F. K., Bao, W., Garcia, D. O., Neuhouser, M. L., Shadyab, A. H., Saquib, N., Tinker, L., & Zhang, X. (2023, Spring). Association of dietary inflammatory and insulinemic potential with risk of liver cancer and chronic liver disease mortality. Cancer Res (2023) 83 (7_Supplement): 6456: Supplement [Abstract].
• Crocker, R. M., Morrill, K. E., Lopez-Pentecost, M., & Garcia, D. O. (2022, September). "A wake-up call": Self-reported dietary modifications by Mexican-origin adults following participation in a cross-sectional NAFLD research study . American Society of Preventive Oncology (ASPO) Annual Meeting.
• Garcia, D. O., Robles-Morales, R., Villacencio, E. A., Lopez-Pentecost, M., Contreras II, J., Vogel, R. M., Naff, K. E., & Marrero, D. G. (2022, September). Community Outreach and Engagement for Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment in Southern Arizona. American Society of Preventive Oncology (ASPO) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Lee, A., Ruiz, G., Rodriguez, L., Cruz Villalobos, D., Perez Leyva, J., Naff, K., Reyes, A., Urrea, F., Garcia, D. O., Yellowhair, M., Contreras II, J., Miranti, C., & Hatcher, J. (2022, October). ROSA: An Ambassador Program Facilitating Bidirectional Partnerships between Communities and Basic Scientists . American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Lopez-Pentecost, M., Hallmark, B., Thomson, C. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2022, October). Relationship between fatty acid intake and risk for liver steatosis and fibrosis among Overweight and Obese Mexican-origin adults. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Lopez-Pentecost, M., Morrill, K. E., Thomson, C. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2022, September). Effect modification by PNPLA3 risk allele status in the relationships between adherence to dietary guidelines and body composition among Mexican-origin Hispanic adults with overweight or obesity . American Society of Preventive Oncology (ASPO) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Lopez-Pentecost, M., Thomson, C. A., Jacobs, E. T., & Garcia, D. O. (2022, August). Relationship between Healthy Eating Index and Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis among Mexican-origin Hispanic Adults. Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos 2022, Mays Cancer Center, and the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio [Abstract].
• Maldonado, A., Baquero, B., Afifi, R., Hoffman, R. M., Laroche, H. H., Garcia, D. O., & Gilbert, P. A. (2022, December). Place Matters: A Qualitative Investigation comparing Hypertension Management among Latinos in Established and New Latino Destinations. American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Maldonado, A., Villacencio, E. A., Vogel, R. M., Pace, T. W., Ruiz, J., & Garcia, D. O. (2022, December). The Association between Perceived Stress, Country of Birth, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mexican-Origin Adults in Southern Arizona . American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Miranda, A., Warren, C. A., Sanchez, C., Garcia, D. O., Miketinas, D., & Tucker, W. (2022, November). Motivational Mantras for Patients of Mexican-Origin: How to Optimize Culture Tailored Programs with Dichos and Linguistics . Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Morrill, K. E., Lopez-Pentecost, M., Parker, J., Garcia, D. O., & Jacobs, E. (2022, October). Association of Dietary Patterns Derived from Factor Analysis and Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis Among Mexican Americans in the 2017-2018 NHANES. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Trejo, M. J., Morrill, K., Klimentidis, Y. C., & Garcia, D. O. (2022, November). Examining Genetic Associations with Liver Steatosis in Mexican-origin Adults . The Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) Symposium [Abstract].
• Yellowhair, M., Jones, D., Ruiz, G., Castanos, O., Herrera, R. D., Contreras II, J., Garcia, D. O., & Hatcher, J. (2022, October). Development of virtual outreach strategies to supply cancer education and prevention . American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Zhao, L., Coday, .., Mace, .., Garcia, D. O., Manson, J., McGlynn, K., Mossavar-Rahmani, Y., Naughton, M. J., Lopez-Pentecost, M., Saquib, N., Sesso, H., Shadyab, A. H., Simon, M. S., Snetselaar, L., Tabung, F., Tinker, L., Tobias, D., VoPham, T., & Zhang, X. (2022, October). Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Liver Cancer Risk in the Women's Health Initiative . International Liver Congress [Abstract].
• Ziller, S., Regalado, N. M., Lee, A., Garcia, D. O., Yellowhair, M., Yung, A. K., Lind, K., Patel, N., Wilson, M., Hatcher, J., & Thomson, C. A. (2022, September). Preliminary Data on Cancer Knowledge in participants of the Population Health Assessment of Southern Arizona. American Society of Preventive Oncology (ASPO) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Besel, J., Hodgson, C., Synder, E., Perez, V., & Garcia, D. O. (2021, Fall). Application of the Transcultural Interprofessional Practice Model During COVID-19. Western Institute of Nursing Conference [Abstract].
• Lopez-Pentecost, M., Garcia, D. O., Sun, X., Thomson, C. A., Chow, S., Chew, W. M., & Martinez, J. A. (2021, Fall). Place of birth influences the metabolome and preliminary effectiveness of a weight loss intervention among Hispanic men from the ANIMO pilot study. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Pan, K., Aragaki, A. K., Michael, Y., Thomson, C. A., Shadyb, A. H., Snetselaar, L., Wactawski-Wende, J., Garcia, D. O., Saquib, N., & Chlebowski, R. T. (2021, Fall). Dietary intervention influence on physical activity in the Women’s Health Initiative randomized Dietary Modification trial. American Society of Cancer Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Trejo, M. J., Morrill, K. E., Klimentidis, Y. C., & Garcia, D. O. (2021, Fall). Examining Genetic Associations with Liver Steatosis in Mexican-origin Adults. American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Garcia, D. O., Lee, M., Morrill, K. E., Lopez-Pentecost, M., Reininger, B. M., McCormick, J. B., & Fisher-Hoch, S. P. (2020, Fall). Lifestyle Risk Factors Associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Among Mexican-Origin Men. Medicine & Science In Sports and Exercise, 52(5): Supplement [Abstract].
• Semlow, A. R., Schaefer Solle, N., Neysari, A., Garcia, D. O., Jaegar, E. C., & Griffith, D. (2020, Fall). Perceptions of Genetic Testing from Latino Men in Miami, FL. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Aceves, B., Denman, C., Ingram, M., Guernsey de Zapien, J., Nuno, T., Cornejo, E., Garcia, D. O., & Rosales, C. (2019, Summer). Implementing a diabetes self-management intervention in a Mexican regional health system: Testing a scalable unit. 12th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation [Abstract].
• Jaegar, E. C., Schaefer Solle, N., Arana, N., Valdez, L., Garcia, D. O., Alexander, L., & Griffith, D. (2019, Fall). More than Machismo: How the diversity of ways Latino men define manhood have implications for weight control. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Morrill, K., Lee, M., Garcia, D. O., Lopez-Pentecost, M., Reininger, B. M., McCormick, J. B., & Fisher-Hoch, S. (2019, Summer). Associations Between Menopausal Status and Lifestyle Behaviors Among Mexican-Origin Women with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Plattner, S., Thomson, C. A., Bingham, L., Garcia, D. O., & Marcus, F. (2019, Summer). Childhood Obesity Prevention Intervention Using Project Healthy Schools in Tucson, AZ. 10th Biennial Childhood Obesity Conference [Abstract].
• Schaefer Solle, N., Jaegar, E. C., Griffith, D., Ramirez, A., Garcia, D. O., & Alexander, L. (2019, Fall). Creating a Virtual-based Wellness Intervention for Hispanic Men. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Cornish, E., Schaefer Solle, N., Garcia, D. O., Valdez, L. A., & Griffith, D. M. (2018, Winter). Developing a “tailor made” physical activity intervention for Latino men. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Creasy, C. A., Thomson, C. A., Garcia, D. O., Crane, T. E., Wertheim, B. C., Baker, L., Coday, M., Hale, L., Womack, C. R., Wright, K. R., & Melanson, E. L. (2018, Summer). Sedentary behavior and physical activity are associated with sleep duration and sleep quality in postmenopausal women. Medicine & Science In Sports and Exercise, 46(5): Supplement [Abstract].
• Duarte, A., Valdez, E. S., Sabo, S., Garcia, D. O., Korchmaros, J., & Carvajal, S. (2018, Winter). Using youth participatory action research and photovoice to examine adolescent substance use on the U.S.-Mexico Border. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Flores, M. S., Valdez, E. S., Morrill, K. E., Valdez, L. A., Bell, M. L., & Garcia, D. O. (2018, Spring). Dyadic coping, self-efficacy for weight loss, and weight in Hispanic males enrolled in a weight loss intervention. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 52(1): Supplement [Abstract].
• Garcia, D. O., Valdez, L. A., Aceves, B. A., Campas, D. P., Loya, J. C., Hingle, M., Humphrey, K., Bell, M. L., McEwen, M., & Hooker, S. P. (2018, Spring). The ANIMO Study: A Gender- and Culturally-Sensitive Weight Loss Intervention for Hispanic Males. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 52(1): Supplement [Abstract].
• Garcia, D. O., Valdez, L. A., Aceves, B. A., Campas, D. P., Loya, J. C., Hingle, M., Humphrey, K., Bell, M. L., McEwen, M., & Hooker, S. P. (2018, Summer). The feasibility of a gender- and culturally-sensitive weight loss intervention plus mobile health technology for Hispanic males. Medicine & Science In Sports and Exercise, 46(5): Supplement [Abstract].
• Garcia, D. O., Valdez, L. A., Rabe, B. A., Morrill, K. E., Martinez, S. M., & Bell, M. L. (2018, Winter). Associations between visceral fat loss and changes in cardiometabolic risk factors in Hispanic men. Obesity Society National Meeting [Abstract].
• Gordon, J. S., Armin, J., Valdez, L. A., Garcia, D. O., Povis, G., Villavicencio, E. A., & Barraza, Y. (2018, Spring). Adapting a Multi-Behavioral Guided Imagery, mHealth App for Use by Diverse Racial/Ethnic Groups. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Loescher, L. J., Emrick, G., Rawdin, S., Pasvogel, A., & Garcia, D. O. (2018, Spring). Border students are sun safe: skin care prevention education for Hispanic adolescents attending rural, border high schools. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 52(1): Supplement [Abstract].
• Lopez-Pentecost, M., Crane, T. E., Garcia, D. O., Wertheim, B. C., Kohler, L. N., Hebert, J. R., Steck, S. E., Shivappa, N., Santiago-Torres, M., Neuhouser, M. L., Hatsu, I. E., Snetsaalar, L., Datta, M., Kroenke, C. H., Sarto, G. E., & Thomson, C. A. (2018, Winter). Association between the HEI and overall and cancer-specific mortality in Hispanic women. Obesity Society National Meeting [Abstract].
• Lopez-Pentecost, M., Wertheim, B., Skiba, M. B., Crane, T. E., Garcia, D. O., Yung, A. K., Lavelle, S., & Thomson, C. A. (2018, Spring). Association between HEI-2015 scores and obesity-related cancer incidence among postmenopausal Hispanic women in the Women’s Health Initiative. American Association for Cancer Research: Obesity and Cancer Conference [Abstract].
• Lowe, A. A., Garcia, D. O., Stern, D. A., Gerald, L. B., & Bime, C. (2018, Summer). Feasibility of a home-based exercise intervention with remote guidance for obese asthmatics. The American Thoracic Society Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Lowe, A. A., Garcia, D. O., Stern, D. A., Gerald, L. B., & Bime, C. (2018, Summer). Home-based exercise intervention versus remote asthma care guidance via telephone/text message in obese asthmatics: a pilot randomized controlled trial. The American Thoracic Society Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Loya, J. C., Valdez, L. A., Bell, M. L., Rabe, B. A., Hooker, S. P., & Garcia, D. O. (2018, Summer). Associations between self-efficacy and acculturation on leisure-time physical activity in Hispanic men enrolled in a weight loss intervention. Medicine & Science In Sports and Exercise, 46(5): Supplement [Abstract].
• Luo, J., Hendryx, M., Manson, J., Figueredo, J., LeBlanc, E., Barrington, W., Rohan, T., Howard, B., Reding, K., Ho, G., Garcia, D. O., & Chlebowski, . (2018, Winter). Intentional weight loss and obesity-related cancer risk. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Martinez, S. M., Valdez, L. A., Morrill, K. E., & Garcia, D. O. (2018, Winter). Self-reported sleep is associated with metabolic syndrome in a sample of Hispanic Men and Women. Obesity Society National Meeting [Abstract].
• Morrill, K. E., Aceves, B. A., Valdez, L. A., Thomson, C. A., Hakim, I. A., Bell, M. L., Rabe, B. A., Martinez, J. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2018, Spring). Feasibility and acceptability of a beverage intervention for Hispanic adults. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 52(1): Supplement [Abstract].
• Skiba, M. B., Garcia, D. O., Crane, T. E., Yung, A. K., Miller, A., Lavelle, S., Lopez-Pentecost, M., & Thomson, C. A. (2018, Spring). Body mass index is inversely associated with adherence to moderate-vigorous physical activity recommendations in ovarian cancer survivors. American Association for Cancer Research: Obesity and Cancer Conference [Abstract].
• Valdez, E. S., Sabo, S., Korchmarcos, J., Garcia, D. O., Stupiansky, N., & Carvajal, S. (2018, Winter). YPAR Photovoice findings: factors that influence adolescent substance use on the U.S.-Mexico Border. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Valdez, L. A., Aceves, B. A., Morrill, K. E., Rodriguez-Guzman, E., Ballesteros, G., Thomson, C. A., Hakim, I. A., Bell, M. L., Martinez, J. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2018, Spring). Recruiting Hispanic adults for a feasibility and acceptability beverage intervention. Recruiting Hispanic adults for a feasibility and acceptability beverage intervention [Abstract].
• Valdez, L. A., Carvajal, S., Ruiz, J. M., Oren, E., & Garcia, D. O. (2018, Spring). Structural and sociocultural barriers to alcohol abuse treatment seeking: a qualitative study with Mexican-origin males. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 52(1): Supplement [Abstract].
• Valdez, L. A., Garcia, D. O., Carvajal, S., Oren, E., & Ruiz, J. (2018, Winter). Formative research for a health communication framing intervention to reduce high-risk alcohol consumption in Hispanic men. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Garcia, D. O., Valdez, L. A., Aceves, B., Campas, D., Loya, J. L., Hingle, M. D., McEwen, M. M., & Hooker, S. P. (2017, March). A Gender- and Culturally-Sensitive Weight Loss Intervention for Hispanic Males. [Abstract].
• Garcia, D. O., Valdez, L. A., Aceves, B., Campas, D., Lopez, J., Rodriguez, E., Hingle, M. D., Bell, M., Mcewen, M. M., & Hooker, S. (2016, November). Recruiting Hispanic Men for a Gender- and Culturally-Sensitive Weight Loss Intervention. [Abstract]..
• Graff, M., Justice, A., Schurmann, C., Tao, R., Nishimura, K., Walker, R., Preuss, M., Kocarnik, J., Vishnu, A., Yoneyama, S., Young, K., Fernandez-Rhodes, L., Shadyab, A., Simin, L., Assmines, T., Garcia, D. O., Kenny, E., Buyske, S., Peters, R., , North, K., et al. (2016, November). A Search for Multiethnic Genetic Markers of Anthropometric Traits among Ethnically Diverse US Populations in PAGE. [Abstract]..
• Lewis, D. L., Santos, E., & Garcia, D. O. (2016, November). A comparative analysis of physical activity levels in a designated recreational park versus a designated open space in the Tucson Mountain Ridge: A closer look at Sentinel Peak and Tumamoc Hill users [Abstract].
• Valdez, L. A., Amezquita, A., Campas, D., Lopez, J., Rodriguez, E., Barillas-Longoria, ., & Garcia, D. O. (2016, November). Evaluating content messaging strategies to engage Hispanic males in obesity-related research [Abstract].
• Verbanck, M., Zubair, N., Morrison, A., De Vries, P., Hindroff, L., Haiman, C., James, R., Le Marchand, L., Peters, U., Wassel, C., Shadyab, A., Garcia, D. O., Valdiviezo, C., North, K., Loos, R., Matise, T., Avery, C., Kooperberg, C., & Do, R. (2016, November). GWAS of >48,000 cases and controls for coronary artery disease in a multiethnic cohort [Abstract].
• Bea, J., Thompson, P., Garcia, D. O., Stopeck, A., & Thomson, C. A. (2015, March/Spring). Factors Influencing Skeletal Muscle Improvements Among Brease Cancer Survivors Involved in Weight-Bearing Physical Activity. American Society of Preventive Oncology Annual Meeting [Abstract].
• Crane, T. E., Wertheim, B. C., Thomson, C. A., Garcia, D. O., Tindle, H., Progovac, A., & Caire-Juvera, G. (2015, November/Winter). Optimism, Cynical Hostility, and Weight Cycling Among Post-Menopausal Women in the Women's Health Initiative. Obesity Society National Meeting [Abstract].
• Garcia, D. O., Butler, E., & Thomson, C. A. (2015, April/Spring). Gender Differences in Associations Between Body Mass Index, Weight Loss Attempts, and Body Weight Perceptions Among Hispanics. Annals of Behavioral Medicine [Abstract] Supplement 49(1).
• Garcia, D. O., Crane, T., Basen-Engquist, K., Alberts, D., Hartz, V., Kendrick, J. E., Mannel, R. S., Van Le, L., DiSilvestro, P., Schnell, F., & Thomson, C. A. (2015, June/Spring). Physical Activity Levels Among Ovarian Cancer Survivors: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Group Study. Medicine & Science In Sports and Exercise [Abstract] Supplement 47(1).
• Hingle, M. D., Wertheim, B. C., Bea, J., Garcia, D. O., Neuhouser, M., Sequin, R., Snetsaalar, L., Tinker, L., Waring, M., & Thomson, C. A. (2015, November/Winter). Dietary Energy Density and Weight Change in the Women's Health Initiative. Obesity Society National Meeting [Abstract].
• Garcia, D. O., Jakicic, J. M., Davis, K. K., Gibbs, B. B., Burke, L. E., & Rickman, A. D. (2014, May). A pilot feasibility study of a campaign intervention for weight loss in overweight and obese adults [Abstract]. Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise.
• Garcia, D. O., Wertheim, B., Manson, J., Chlebowski, R., Volpe, S. L., Howard, B. V., Stefanick, M. L., & Thomson, C. A. (2014, April/Spring). Relationships Between Dog Ownership and Physical Activity Among a Diverse Sample of Postmenopausal Women. Arizona Public Health Association [Abstract].
• Krouse, R. S., Grant, M., Temple, L., Wendel, C. S., Going, S. B., Garcia, D. O., Herrinton, L. J., & Hornbrook, M. C. (2014, June/Spring). Use of Exercise By Long-Term Rectal Cancer Survivors. 7th Biennial Cancer Survivorship Research Conference [Abstract].
• Garcia, D. O., Davis, K. K., Tate, D., Polzien, K., & Jakicic, J. (2013, December/2013). Association Between Weight Loss and Physical Activity on Change in Blood Pressure in Overweight Adults. International Journal of Exercise Science [Abstract] Supplement 9(1).
• Jakicic, J. M., King, W. C., Garcia, D. O., Rogers, R. J., Coppock, J. C., Moody, A. M., Nagle, J. N., Wisniewski, L. W., & Portzer, L. A. (2013, November/Winter). Physical Activity Among Overweight and Obese Young Adults: Association with Fitness and BMI. Obesity Society National Meeting [Abstract].
• Garcia, D. O., Davis, K., Tate, D., Polzien, K., & Jakicic, J. M. (2012, June/Spring). Association Between Weight Loss and Physical Activity on Change in Blood Pressure in Overweight Adults. Medicine & Science In Sports and Exercise [Abstract] Supplement 45(5).
• Helsel, D., Garcia, D. O., DiCicco, L., Belle, S., & Jakicic, J. M. (2012, November/Winter). Text Message Preferences of Young Adults Seeking Weight Loss. Obesity Society National Meeting [Abstract].
• Garcia, D. O., & Jakicic, J. M. (2011, June/Spring). Association Between Weight Loss and Improved Fitness on Changes in Blood Pressure in Overweight Women. Obesity [Abstract] Supplement 19(1).
• Garcia, D. O., Peterson, M., Coppock, J., Verba, S., & Jakicic, J. M. (2011, June/Spring). A Comparison of Energy Expenditure Estimates From SenseWear Activity Monitor Armbands During Exercise. Medicine & Science In Sports and Exercise [Abstract] Supplement 43(5).
• Mishler, A., Otto, A. D., Shah, N., Wilson, N., Garcia, D. O., McDermott, M. D., & Kao, A. H. (2011, June/Spring). The Effect of Weight Loss on Various Metabolic Parameters in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Medicine & Science In Sports and Exercise [Abstract] Supplement 43(5).
• Mishler, A., Rickman, A. D., Shah, N., Wilson, N., Kao, A. H., Barone Gibbs, B., & Garcia, D. O. (2011, November/Winter). The Effect of Weight Loss on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Obesity [Abstract] Supplement 19(1).
• Garcia, D. O., Verba, S., Murray, T., Wisniewski, K., & Jakicic, J. M. (2010, November/Winter). Does a Pediatric Weight Control Program Have an Effect on Body Weight of the Parent?. Obesity [Abstract] Supplement 18(2).
• Garcia, D. O., Jakicic, J. M., Marcus, M. D., Rompolski, K. L., & Murray, T. (2009, November/Winter). Short-term Change in Physical Activity, Fitness, and Weight in Obese Children. Obesity [Abstract] Supplement 17(1).
• Rompolski, K. L., Jakicic, J. M., Otto, A. D., Davis, K. K., Unick, J. L., Dutton, C. A., & Garcia, D. O. (2009, June/Spring). The Effect of Weight Loss and Physical Activity on Bone Mineral Density in Overweight Women. Medicine & Science In Sports and Exercise [Abstract] Supplement 41(5).
• Unick, J. L., Jakicic, J. M., Otto, A. D., Dutton, C. A., Rompolski, K. L., Garcia, D. O., & Justice, B. D. (2009, June/Spring). Psychosocial Variables Influencing Long-term Physical Activity Levels in Overweight Men and Women. Medicine & Science In Sports and Exercise [Abstract] Supplement 41(5).
• Jakicic, J. M., Otto, A. D., Davis, K. K., Dutton, C. A., Unick, J. L., & Garcia, D. O. (2008, November/Winter). 24-Month Success in a Behavioral Program for Weight Loss: Influence of Physical Activity and Eating Behaviors. Obesity [Abstract] Supplement 16(1).