Francine C Gachupin

Interests

Teaching

Human Subjects Protection especially regarding biospecimens; Health Disparities

Research

Behavioral and Vascular Risks; Youth; Elders; Chronic Diseases; Health Disparities

Courses

Scholarly Contributions

Journals/Publications

• Eyler, A., Gachupin, F. C., Johnston, S., Kapp, J., Parra, D., & Popescu, M. (2020). Disparities in Text Messaging Interventions to Improve Diabetes Management in the United States. Diabetes Spectrum. doi:10.2337/ds19-0071
• Gachupin, F. C., Ingram, J., Laurila, K., Lluria-Prevatt, M., Teufel-Shone, N., & Briehl, M. (2020). NACP: Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention. Cancer Health Disparities. doi:10.9777/chd.2020.1002
• Hiratsuka, V. Y., Hahn, M. J., Woodbury, R. B., Hull, S. C., Wilson, D. R., Bonham, V. L., Dillard, D. A., , A. N., Avey, J. P., Beckel-Mitchener, A. C., Blome, J., Claw, K., Ferucci, E. D., Gachupin, F. C., Ghazarian, A., Hindorff, L., Jooma, S., Trinidad, S. B., Troyer, J., & Walajahi, H. (2020). Alaska Native genomic research: perspectives from Alaska Native leaders, federal staff, and biomedical researchers. Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics, 22(12), 1935-1943.
  More info

  Meaningful engagement of Alaska Native (AN) tribes and tribal health organizations is essential in the conduct of socially responsible and ethical research. As genomics becomes increasingly important to advancements in medicine, there is a risk that populations not meaningfully included in genomic research will not benefit from the outcomes of that research. AN people have historically been underrepresented in biomedical research; AN underrepresentation in genomics research is compounded by mistrust based on past abuses, concerns about privacy and data ownership, and cultural considerations specific to this type of research. Working together, the National Human Genome Research Institute and two Alaska Native health organizations, Southcentral Foundation and the Alaska Native Health Board, cosponsored a workshop in July 2018 to engage key stakeholders in discussion, strengthen relationships, and facilitate partnership and consideration of participation of AN people in community-driven biomedical and genomic research. AN priorities related to translation of genomics research to health and health care, return of genomic results, design of research studies, and data sharing were discussed. This report summarizes the perspectives that emerged from the dialogue and offers considerations for effective and socially responsible genomic research partnerships with AN communities.
• Manzo, K., Hobbs, G. R., Gachupin, F. C., Stewart, J., & Knox, S. S. (2020). Reservation-Urban Comparison of Suicidal Ideation/Planning and Attempts in American Indian Youth. The Journal of school health, 90(6), 439-446.
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  Our aim was to identify sex- and location-specific risk factors for suicide ideation/planning and attempts among American Indian youth.
• 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, 3, e1-e20.
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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 correlations between incidence rates of these two cancer types and 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.
• Batai, K., Harb-De la Rosa, A., Zeng, J., Chipollini, J. J., Gachupin, F. C., & Lee, B. R. (2019). Racial/ethnic disparities in renal cell carcinoma: Increased risk of early-onset and variation in histologic subtypes. Cancer medicine, 8(15), 6780-6788.
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  Racial/ethnic minority groups have a higher burden of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but RCC among Hispanic Americans (HAs) and American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIs/ANs) are clinically not well characterized. We explored variations in age at diagnosis and frequencies of RCC histologic subtypes across racial/ethnic groups and Hispanic subgroups using National Cancer Database (NCDB) and Arizona Cancer Registry Data.
• Gachupin, F. C. (2019). Describing a Public-health Summer Camp for Underserved Children: Healthy 2B Me. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 90(4), 39-51. doi:10.1080/07303084.2019.1568934
• Gachupin, F. C., Garcia, C. A., & Romero, M. D. (2019). An American Indian Patient Experience. Journal of health care for the poor and underserved, 30(4S), 62-65.
• Gachupin, F. C., Johnson, C. B., Torabzadeh, E., Bryant, H., & da Silva, V. R. (2019). Usual Dietary Intake and Adherence to Dietary Recommendations among Southwest American-Indian Youths at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Current Developments in Nutrition, 3(11), nzz111.
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  American Indians are disproportionately affected by obesity and diabetes, and American-Indian youths have the highest prevalence of obesity and diabetes among all ethnic groups in the USA.
• 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.
• Batai, K., Harb-De la Rosa, A., Lwin, A., Chaus, F., Gachupin, F. C., Price, E., & Lee, B. R. (2018). Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Renal Cell Carcinoma: An Analysis of Clinical Characteristics. Clinical genitourinary cancer.
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  Racial/ethnic minority groups, including Hispanic Americans (HAs) and Native Americans (NAs), have a heavier burden of kidney cancer than European Americans (EAs). We investigated variations in clinical characteristics of HA and NA patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who were previously underrepresented.
• Gachupin, F. C., Harbaugh, R., Amarillas, A., Cupis, F., Lockwood, J., & Tautolo, S. J. (2018). Addressing Hepatitis C within a Southwest Tribal Community. Ethnicity & disease, 28(4), 549-554.
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  The objective was to identify and treat segments of the local population at greatest risk for viral hepatitis C (HCV) infections.
• Jerome-D'Emilia, B., Gachupin, F. C., & Suplee, P. D. (2018). A Systematic Review of Barriers and Facilitators to Mammography in American Indian/Alaska Native Women. Journal of transcultural nursing : official journal of the Transcultural Nursing Society, 1043659618793706.
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  The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the current knowledge of factors that enable or impede American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women from accessing breast cancer screening.
• Kittles, R. A., Gomez, J., Garcia, D. O., Estrada, A. L., Gachupin, F. C., & Batai, K. (2017). Patterns of Cancer Related Health Disparities in Arizona. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice.
• Gachupin, F. C., & Joe, J. R. (2017). American Indian Youth: A Residential Camp Program for Wellness. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice.
• Gachupin, F. C., Gustafson, D., & Hendrie, H. C. (2016). Depressive Symptoms and Vascular Factors among Southwest Tribal Elders. The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, 12(7), 989.
• Gachupin, F., Romero, M. D., Ortega, W. J., Jojola, R., Hendrie, H., Torres, E. P., Lujan, F., Lente, M., Sanchez, B., Teller, V., Beita, F., Abeita, U., Lente, B., & Gustafson, D. R. (2016). Cognition, Depressive Symptoms and Vascular Factors among Southwest Tribal Elders. Ethnicity & disease, 26(2), 235-44.
  More info

  Few data exist on cognitive and depressive symptoms and vascular factors in American Indian (AI) elders. Since vascular risk factors increase risk for cognitive impairments, depression and dementia, and since AI elders are at high vascular risk, it is timely to assess the interplay of these factors in comprehensive studies of aging in this population. To begin, pilot studies must be conducted to show these types of data can be collected successfully.
• Hardy, D. S., Stallings, D. T., Garvin, J. T., Gachupin, F. C., Xu, H., & Racette, S. B. (2016). Anthropometric discriminators of type 2 diabetes among White and Black American adults. Journal of Diabetes.
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  The aim of the present study was to determine the best anthropometric discriminators of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among White and Black males and females in a large US sample.
• Freemantle, J., Ring, I., Arambula Solomon, T. G., Gachupin, F. C., Smylie, J., Cutler, T. L., & Waldon, J. A. (2015). Indigenous mortality (revealed): the invisible illuminated. American journal of public health, 105(4), 644-52.
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  Inaccuracies in the identification of Indigenous status and the collection of and access to vital statistics data impede the strategic implementation of evidence-based public health initiatives to reduce avoidable deaths. The impact of colonization and subsequent government initiatives has been commonly observed among the Indigenous peoples of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. The quality of Indigenous data that informs mortality statistics are similarly connected to these distal processes, which began with colonization. We discuss the methodological and technical challenges in measuring mortality for Indigenous populations within a historical and political context, and identify strategies for the accurate ascertainment and inclusion of Indigenous people in mortality statistics.
• Braun, K. L., Tsark, J. U., Powers, A., Croom, K., Kim, R., Gachupin, F. C., & Morris, P. (2014). Cancer patient perceptions about biobanking and preferred timing of consent. Biopreservation and biobanking, 12(2), 106-12.
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  Little is known about how cancer patients feel about donating their tissue, especially in a multiethnic population. Structured interviews were conducted with 30 patients recently diagnosed with cancer, referred to the study by six cancer surgeons and oncologists and by other patients in the study. The participants reported a variety of cancers, and the sample reflected the racial distribution of Hawai`i, including Caucasians (23%), Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (27%), Asians (37%), Hispanics (7%), Native Americans (3%), and African Americans (3%). The interview questions and analysis were guided by the Framework Approach, with interview questions based on pre-set aims. Findings suggest that most cancer patients would donate cancer tissue to science, especially if informed that doing so could help researchers find causes of and cures for cancer. Patients varied on when in their cancer journey they would be most receptive to being asked for a donation, however two-thirds thought they would be more receptive if approached after surgery. Only three of the 30 patients said they would want to be re-consented each time their tissue is requested for research. They identified their physician as the preferred messenger regarding tissue donation. No obvious differences were seen by race. Findings confirm those of other researchers who have reported broad support for biobank participation if informed consent and confidentiality could be assured. Given that the physician was seen as the key messenger about biobanking, more education is needed around cancer tissue collection for physicians, as well as for cancer patients.
• Wong, C. A., Gachupin, F. C., Holman, R. C., MacDorman, M. F., Cheek, J. E., Holve, S., & Singleton, R. J. (2014). American Indian and Alaska Native infant and pediatric mortality, United States, 1999-2009. American journal of public health, 104 Suppl 3, S320-8.
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  We described American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) infant and pediatric death rates and leading causes of death.
• , N. H., Fabsitz, R. R., McGuire, A., Sharp, R. R., Puggal, M., Beskow, L. M., Biesecker, L. G., Bookman, E., Burke, W., Burchard, E. G., Church, G., Clayton, E. W., Eckfeldt, J. H., Fernandez, C. V., Fisher, R., Fullerton, S. M., Gabriel, S., Gachupin, F., James, C., , Jarvik, G. P., et al. (2010). Ethical and practical guidelines for reporting genetic research results to study participants: updated guidelines from a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute working group. Circulation. Cardiovascular genetics, 3(6), 574-80.
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  In January 2009, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened a 28-member multidisciplinary Working Group to update the recommendations of a 2004 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Working Group focused on Guidelines to the Return of Genetic Research Results. Changes in the genetic and societal landscape over the intervening 5 years raise multiple questions and challenges. The group noted the complex issues arising from the fact that technological and bioinformatic progress has made it possible to obtain considerable information on individuals that would not have been possible a decade ago. Although unable to reach consensus on a number of issues, the working group produced 5 recommendations. The working group offers 2 recommendations addressing the criteria necessary to determine when genetic results should and may be returned to study participants, respectively. In addition, it suggests that a time limit be established to limit the duration of obligation of investigators to return genetic research results. The group recommends the creation of a central body, or bodies, to provide guidance on when genetic research results are associated with sufficient risk and have established clinical utility to justify their return to study participants. The final recommendation urges investigators to engage the broader community when dealing with identifiable communities to advise them on the return of aggregate and individual research results. Creation of an entity charged to provide guidance to institutional review boards, investigators, research institutions, and research sponsors would provide rigorous review of available data, promote standardization of study policies regarding return of genetic research results, and enable investigators and study participants to clarify and share expectations for the handling of this increasingly valuable information with appropriate respect for the rights and needs of participants.
• Kaufman, C. E., Shelby, L., Mosure, D. J., Marrazzo, J., Wong, D., de Ravello, L., Rushing, S. C., Warren-Mears, V., Neel, L., Eagle, S. J., Tulloch, S., Romero, F., Patrick, S., Cheek, J. E., & , T. f. (2007). Within the hidden epidemic: sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS among American Indians and Alaska Natives. Sexually transmitted diseases, 34(10), 767-77.
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  To review the epidemiology, research, and prevention programs for sexually transmitted diseases in American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs).
• Lapidus, J. A., Smith, N. H., Ebel, B. E., & Romero, F. C. (2005). Restraint use among northwest American Indian children traveling in motor vehicles. American journal of public health, 95(11), 1982-8.
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  We sought to estimate motor vehicle passenger restraint use among Northwest American Indian children 8 years old or younger and to determine factors associated with using proper (i.e., age and weight appropriate) passenger restraint systems.
• Mansberger, S. L., Romero, F. C., Smith, N. H., Johnson, C. A., Cioffi, G. A., Edmunds, B., Choi, D., & Becker, T. M. (2005). Causes of visual impairment and common eye problems in Northwest American Indians and Alaska Natives. American journal of public health, 95(5), 881-6.
  More info

  Little information exists regarding the causes of visual impairment and the most common eye problems in American Indians/Alaska Natives.

Presentations

• Gachupin, F. C. (2019, July). American Indian Children's Diabetes and Obesity. Pascua Yaqui Tribal Health Conference.
• Gachupin, F. C. (2019, May). American Indian Youth Wellness Camp. Phoenix Area Indian Health Service Special Diabetes Program for Indians.
• Gachupin, F. C. (2019, September). Reciprocity in Cancer, United States Perspective. 2019 World Indigenous Cancer Conference. Calgary.
• Gachupin, F. C. (2018, July/Summer). Alaska Native Genomic Research, Researcher Perspective. Alaska Native Genomic Research Workshop. Anchorage, Alaska: Southcentral Foundation.
• Gachupin, F. C. (2017, Oct/Fall). CBPR for Ending American Indian Health Disparities. INBRE. Jackson Hole, WY: NIH.
• Gachupin, F. C. (2017, Oct/Fall). Diabetes and Brain Health. Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community Senior Services. Scottsdale, AZ: Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community.
• Solomon, T. G., Gachupin, F. C., Bea, J. W., & Koithan, M. S. (2015, March). Cancer care disparities among Native American populations. UA College of Nursing Health Equity Research Seminar Series..

Poster Presentations

• Lee, B. R., Gachupin, F. C., Harb de la Rosa, A., & Batai, K. (2019, May). Renal cell carcinoma disparities: Younger age at diagnosis and increased clear cell renal cell carcinoma incidence in American Indians and Hispanics. American Urological Association Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL: American Urological Association.
• Lee, B. R., Seligmann, B., Bracamonte, E. R., Imler, E., Gachupin, F. C., Harb de la Rosa, A., & Batai, K. (2018, November). Clinical and molecular profile of renal cell carcinoma in Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and European Americans. The 11th American Association of Cancer Research Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved. New Orleans, LA: American Association of Cancer Research.
• Gachupin, F. C., Bergier, N., DeBoer, L., & Thomson, C. A. (2017, Oct/Fall). Healthy 2B Me (H2BM) Summer Camp Evaluation. INBRE Conference.
• Gachupin, F. C., Joe, J. R., Steger-May, K., & Racette, S. B. (2017, Oct/Fall). American Indian Youth Wellness Initiative. INBRE Conference.
• Gachupin, F. C., Romero, M. D., Ortega, W., Jojola, R., Hendrie, H., Torres, E., Lujan, F., Lente, M., Sanchez, B., Teller, V., Beita, F., Abeita, U., Lente, B., & Gustafson, D. (2017, Oct/Fall). Cognition, Depressive Symptoms, and Vascular Factors among Southwest Tribal Elders. INBRE Conference.
• Gachupin, F. C., Racette, S. B., & Steger-May, K. (2016, March). American Indian Youth Wellness Initiative. American Heart Association Epi/Lifestyle 2016. Phoenix, AZ: AHA.

Others

• Gachupin, F. C., & Joe, J. R. (2016, January). Leveraging Cultural Capital in Diabetes Prevention for Youth: Medical Wellness Model. Advancements in Diabetes.
• Hardy, D., Stallings, D., Garvin, J., Xu, H., Gachupin, F., & Racette, S. (2015, JUN). Anthropometric Predictors of Type 2 Diabetes among White and Black Adults. DIABETES.