Amy Wagler
Mid-career Tenured Researcher, University of Texas at El Paso
2 active projects
SDoH Analysis Jan 2023
Scientific Questions Being Studied
Health disparities are critical factors that negatively impact the health of Hispanics in the United States. Health Disparities have been defined as inequities that exist between various groups that pertain to health outcomes or access to healthcare when compared to the general population (Healthy People 2020). According to the Institute of Medicine (2003), disparities exist among Hispanics in preventive healthcare for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and mental health, and Hispanics lack access to healthcare (Quinn et al., 2011). This study will document differences in COVID-19 infection among Hispanic and non-Hispanic participants and investigating the mediating effect of infection on income, job, and health access measures. The results will demonstrate whether COVID-19 infection increased economic, job, and health access disparities among Hispanic participants.
Project Purpose(s)
- Population Health
- Social / Behavioral
Scientific Approaches
We will define a cohort on All of Us that includes Hispanic and non-Hispanic participants who self-report COVID-19 infection, have record of a positive PCR test for COVID-19, or have COVID-19 antigens. We will produce data visualization of key results and build logistic regression models predicting ethnicity build using the selected variables of COVID-19 infection and related social determinants of health. Appropriate interactions will be included to produce a model with explanatory power and parsimonious fit.
Anticipated Findings
1) The Hispanic group lacks access to health care resources
2) There weren’t as many job losses among the Hispanic group, and this could be a result of many working essential jobs where work-from-home was not possible
3) Low income among Hispanic group, in comparison to other race & ethnic groups. As a result, access to health care is low, but exposure to the COVID-19 virus is high due to essential jobs.
4) The following variables are associated with ethnicity: access to a doctor, having a positive COVID test, having a lower annual income, not having access to health insurance, is less likely to access a COVID vaccination, is less likely to have a person to take them to the doctor, having reduced pay, and are less likely to own a home.
Demographic Categories of Interest
- Race / Ethnicity
Data Set Used
Registered TierResearch Team
Owner:
- Amy Wagler - Mid-career Tenured Researcher, University of Texas at El Paso
Collaborators:
- William Agyapong - Project Personnel, University of Texas at El Paso
SARS-CoV-2 infection Project
Scientific Questions Being Studied
The proposed study seeks to investigate the associations between SARS-CoV-2 and the development of diabetes. The primary hypothesis is SARS-CoV-2 will be a risk factor for the onset of diabetes. The secondary hypothesis is that SARS-CoV-2 is a predisposing factor for other chronic diseases. Additionally, the proposed study will explore if SARS-CoV-2 is associated with other hormone/endocrine conditions (e.g., hyperthyroidism), mental health or substance use of conditions (e.g., alcohol use disorder), and cancer (e.g., kidney cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer). Findings have clinical implications for prevention (e.g., vaccines), screenings, and treatments, post SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 will disproportionately impact underserved populations whom are at an increased risk for chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular, pulmonary).
Project Purpose(s)
- Disease Focused Research (SARS-CoV-2)
Scientific Approaches
We will explore associations between SARS-CoV-2 infections and the incidence of diabetes with a focus on underserved patient populations. This study will also explore other associations affecting the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections and co-morbidities. The analysis will employ exploratory methods of data analysis such as association plots, heatmaps, and descriptive statistics. Following the exploratory analysis, generalized linear models will explore the associations further while controlling for patient characteristics and other factors. Multiplicity corrections will control the incidence of type I errors and ensure replicability of research results. The data will include information on past SARS-CoV-2 infections, type I and II diabetes, demographic characteristics, and other hormone/endocrine conditions, mental health or substance use conditions, and cancer. Data will be stratified to assess the change in risk of these conditions for underserved patient populations.
Anticipated Findings
The primary hypothesis is SARS-CoV-2 will be a risk factor for the onset of diabetes. The secondary hypothesis is that SARS-CoV-2 is a predisposing factor for other chronic diseases. Additionally, the proposed study will explore if SARS-CoV-2 is associated with other hormone/endocrine conditions (e.g., hyperthyroidism), mental health or substance use of conditions (e.g., alcohol use disorder), and cancer (e.g., kidney cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer). Findings have clinical implications for prevention (e.g., vaccines), screenings, and treatments, post SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Demographic Categories of Interest
- Race / Ethnicity
- Income Level
Data Set Used
Registered TierResearch Team
Owner:
- Leslie Flaco - Graduate Trainee, University of Texas at El Paso
- Eric Diaz - Undergraduate Student, University of Texas at El Paso
- Denisse Urenda - Graduate Trainee, University of Texas at El Paso
- Amy Wagler - Mid-career Tenured Researcher, University of Texas at El Paso
Collaborators:
- ATIQUR CHOWDHURY - Graduate Trainee, University of Texas at El Paso
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