ISP's Krista Perreira awarded R01 project grant

Tonia Poteat, PhD, MPH, PA-C, Assistant Professor of Social Medicine, and Krista M. Perreira PhD, Professor of Social Medicine, have received an R01 from the National, Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) titled, Cardiovascular Health of Sexual and Gender Minorities in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (SGM HCHS/SOL). The cardiovascular health of Hispanic/Latino sexual and gender minorities has been understudied. The goal of this study is to examine relationships between sexual/gender minority stress, coping, social support, and heart disease - a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Hispanic/Latinos in the U.S. Findings will inform development of culturally-appropriate interventions to address psychosocial factors that may contribute to cardiovascular health disparities by sexual orientation and gender identity.

In addition to her work with ISP, Krista Perreira is a professor of Social Medicine as well as a faculty fellow in the Carolina Population Center. Her research has typically focused on family relationships, migration, and social policy, with an emphasis on improving health equity and eliminating racial, gender, and socio-economic disparities in health. Integrating economic, psychological, sociological theory, her research is highly interdisciplinary involving collaborations with scholars in public health, medicine, nursing, psychology, sociology and other disciplines. Her research also emphasizes partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, and local and state government committees in North Carolina