Research
Since 2000, Nueva Vida has collaborated with academic researchers on the implementation and publication of critical studies that have helped to fill the gap on much needed research related to cancer disparities among Latinos. Nueva Vida’s core research component provides a strong systematic research and evaluation element that has significantly made a difference in the ways we measure and evaluate program effectiveness. To learn more about our research or discuss ways in which we can collaborate, please email: [email protected].
U.S. demographic snapshot, cancer incidence, and mortality in the Latino population
Facts Sheet on Breast Cancer Among Latina/Hispanic Women
Studies and Publications undertaken by Nueva Vida in Partnership with Researchers
Past and Present
Utilizing Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) allows researchers and engaged community participants to really investigate key issues that will encourage behavioral changes that could eventually expand the knowledge base about Latinas with breast cancer and what interventions are the most effective. The more researchers work in the community environment, the more precise their research will be to find the realities and the needs of the population.
Avon Breast Cancer Crusade/Pfizer Oncology (2016-2017)
Nueva Vida, Nueva Esperanza (New Life, New Hope)
Research dedicated to our program Nueva Vida, Nueva Esperanza (New Life, New Hope) the first program of its kind to support a medically underserved heterogeneous Latina immigrant group with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The overall goal of Nueva Vida, Nueva Esperanza is to provide a more detailed understanding of the specific psychosocial, logistic and health care system barriers to treatment and improve quality of life for Latinas with MBC and their caregivers through a program designed with and for this medically underserved population.
Georgetown University
PI: Kristi D. Graves, PhD (2013-2017)
Nueva Vida Intervention: Improving QOL in Latina Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Caregivers
Less is known about ways to improve Latinas’ QOL. Family members/friends who serve as caregivers to Latina survivors are also impacted by the diagnosis. Many caregivers feel they do not have the coping skills to support the survivor or care for themselves. They also experience family stress. A randomized controlled trial with 200 people (100 survivor-caregiver pairs) to improve QOL for survivors and caregivers was conducted. The intervention was developed by Latina survivors and has been used successfully at Nueva Vida for more than two years. Survivor caregiver pairs were assigned by chance to the intervention or usual care. Latina breast cancer survivors and caregivers assigned to the intervention will attended eight group sessions, held twice a month. Each session covered a different topic such as communication, stress management, treatment side effects, or impact of cancer on family. See more about the study here: http://www.pcori.org/research-results/2013/nueva-vida-intervention-improving-qol-latina-breast-cancer-survivors-and-their
American University
PI: Maria de Jesus, PhD (2014-2016)
Using a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach, American University (AU) and Nueva Vida (NV), designed an educational intervention study that develops, implements and evaluates a mobile health (m-Health) strategy using mobile phone communication technology to deliver personalized, culturally and linguistically tailored educational messages that will resonate with Hispanic women. This educational intervention compared text messages versus voice messages to determine which strategy is more likely to enhance knowledge of breast cancer and mammography and increase adherence to mammography screening. Data is currently being analyzed for dissemination and publication.
