Research
- Research. Populations. Prevention.
- Research Foci
- Current Research Projects
- Past Research Projects
- List of All Grants Sorted by PI or Grant Name
Research. Populations. Prevention.
Research by faculty in the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine (SPM) includes work on the epidemiology of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, diarrheal disease and eye diseases. Factors such as nutrition, physical activity, environment, genetics, stress, occupation, hand washing and socioeconomic factors are examined. This research is conducted in specific populations including women, children, occupational cohorts and residents of geographic regions as well as in general population samples. Studies focus on wellness, clinical trials of disease prevention and on biologic and environmental factors that may modify disease incidence. The Department's active research program and existing data sets and biologic specimen repository serve as a rich source for research investigation and collaboration. Integrated within this research environment is the education of future generations of research scientists and public health officials in epidemiology, prevention and population health.
Research Foci
Understanding Disease Epidemiology
SPM faculty are involved in exciting and innovative research on a wide array of topics. Studies in the department are focused on a better understanding of factors related to the causation and prevention of major sources of disease and mortality in the U.S. and around the world. For example, studies of diet, alcohol and genetic factors in relation to breast cancer and breast tumor characteristics will help provide insight into previously observed associations between alcohol and breast cancer risk. A study of African American families with a history of breast cancer will add to our understanding of the genetics of this disease and potentially lead to preventive measures. Ongoing studies are looking at the major causes of morbidity and mortality in postmenopausal women, work that has led to major shifts in the way clinical care is approached for this group. Other research includes examination of possible links between osteoporosis and periodontal disease, and determinants of oxidative stress among premenopausal women. Using imaging techniques to detect early signs of cardiovascular changes, the etiology of that disease is being investigated. Other studies involve exposure to pesticides and other environmental exposures in relation to morbidity and mortality, looking at both individuals who are occupationally exposed and other in the general population. Work on diet, especially vitamin D, will provide insight regarding the role of nutrition in the etiology of cancer, eye disease and other chronic disease. Work on understanding of risk factors related to pregnancy outcomes includes examination of factors in the environment as well as physical activity as possibly playing a role.
Disease Prevention
Once there is an understanding of the causes of disease, it is important to evaluate the implementation of measures to prevent diseases and to disseminate information regarding prevention. Faculty in the department are also involved in a number of studies investigating disease prevention. Diarrheal disease, a major source of death of infants and children in developing economies, may be preventable. Department faculty are doing research on how best to implement preventive measures could have enormous impact on health in those populations. Several studies involve improving the health and wellness of workers in Western New York, evaluating measures to promote preventive measures in the workplace. Others are working on evaluation of intensive medical treatments for severe obesity, and on breast cancer prevention among high risk postmenopausal women. Other studies include investigations of an intervention to prevent pregnancy loss, prevention of influenza and evaluation of information given to new mothers regarding hygiene.
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revised 8/14/09
