Research Statement

Dr. Sanchez-Birkhead's research area of interest focuses on health disparities including the understanding of socio-cultural, psychosocial, and environmental factors that affect the disease burden for ethnically diverse populations, in particular immigrant Hispanic women and their families. Disparities among vulnerable populations continue to exist and have not improved in recent years, particularly in the areas of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Ethnically diverse women, carry a heavy burden of disease and greater community efforts are needed to help alleviate these burdens and create change. Dr. Sanchez-Birkhead has a strong interest in community-based participatory research and in the planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating  health promotion interventions to decrease health disparities and improve short and long-term health outcomes for these women.

Research Keywords

  • Hispanic Health
  • Health Promotion
  • Community-Engaged Research
  • Cancer Prevention and Control
  • Health Inequalities/Disparities
  • Women's Health Issues
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Nurse Coaching

Presentations

  • Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C., Clark, L.C., & Eggers, M. “Barriers to Patient/Provider Communication for Women with Pelvic Floor Disorders”, Western Institute of Nursing Conference. Refereed. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 04/12/2019.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C. (2017). “Transforming Breast Cancer Education for Hispanic Women Across the Cancer Care Continuum”, National Association of Hispanic Nurses Conference, Phoenix, Arizona. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 07/2017.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C.(2017). “Breast Cancer Disparities in the Continuum of Care among Latinas in Utah.” Utah Cancer Action Network Conference, Salt Lake City, UT. Presentation, Presented, 05/2017.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C., Davis, F.A., Mukudente, V., Napia, E., Tavaki-Pasi, O.E., Coulter, H., Stark.L., Allen-Webb, T., & Alder, S. (2016). Community Leaders' Guidance for Researchers on Building and Maintaining Relationships for Successful Community Engaged Research Conference. Refereed. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 11/2016.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C., Simonsen, S., Coulter, H., Eisenman, P., Alder, D., Stark, L., ...Digre,K. (2016).Empowering Latinas through Education and Wellness Coaching: An Impactful Community Partnership and Collaborative Effort. Accepted. American Public Health Association, Denver, CO. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 11/2016.
  • Clark, L., Birkhead, A.S., & Egger, M.J. (2016). Cultural Models for Post-Partum Rest and Activity among Mexican Women. Scholarly Works Conference Brigham Young University, Provo, UT. Refereed, Accepted. Presentation, Presented, 10/2016.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C. & Salisbury-Carbajal, S. (2106). Eliminating Breast Cancer Disparities: The Alliance Breast Cancer Community-Based Program for Hispanic Women. Refereed. Accepted. Utah Action Coalition Conference, Salt Lake City, UT. Presentation, Presented, 05/2016.
  • Clark, L., Birkhead, A.S., & Egger, M.J. (2016, April). Protocols for transcription and translation in qualitative research. Paper presented at the Western Institute for Nursing Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA. Conference Paper, Refereed, Accepted, 04/2016. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 04/2016.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, AC. Surviving Breast Cancer : Physical, Emotional and Health Status of Hispanic Women, International Conference on Cancer Nursing (ICCN), Vancouver, Canada. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 07/11/2015.
  • Frost, C.J., Simonsen, S., Eisenment, P., Davis, F.A., Mukundente, V., Napia, E., Sanchez- Birkhead, Sunada, G., Johnston, L., Stark, L., Alder, S., & Digre, K.B. (2015, April 13-15). "Community Partners Working on Wellness: Gendered Perceptions on Food and Fitness Decisions," poster presented at 2015 Utah Public Health Association Meetings, Layton, Utah. Poster, Presented, 04/13/2015.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C. & Salisbury Carbajal, S. (2014) Triunfadoras: Support for Breast Cancer Survivors, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Annual Conference, Miami, Florida. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 07/2014.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C. (2013). "Sexuality and Breast Cancer" Alliance Community Services, Breast Cancer Support Group Salt Lake City, Utah. Presentation, Presented, 11/2013.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C. (2013). Community-Based Social Support Program for Women Suffering from Postpartum Depression, Poster Presentation. Western Institute of Nursing, Anaheim, CA. Poster, Accepted, 04/2013.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C. (2013). “Managing Stress Before and After Breast Cancer Treatment” Alliance Community Services, Salt Lake City, Utah. Presentation, Presented, 06/2013.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C. (2013). Postpartum Depression & Latinas. Invited Speaker. Utah County Health Department. Provo, UT . Invited Talk/Keynote, Presented, 02/2013.
  • Beck, S. & Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C. (2012).Manejando Los Efectos Secundarios de la Quimioterapia: Énfasis en la Fatiga. Invited Presentation. Alliance Community Services, Salt Lake City,Utah. Invited Talk/Keynote, Presented, 11/2012.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, A. (2012).“The Role of Traditional Health Beliefs & Practices in Migrant Hispanic Women” Podium Presentation. Global Family Health & Development Conference, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 03/2012.
  • Mandleco, B., Callister, L., Lassetter, J., Sanchez-Birkhead, A., Merrill, K., (November, 2011). “Integrating Advanced Writing Content into an Undergraduate Nursing Research Course” Podium Presentation. Sigma Theta Tau International Biannual Meeting, Grapevine, TX. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 11/2011.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C. (October, 2011). “Teaching Physiologic Birth in Maternal/Newborn Nursing Courses in Baccalaureate Nursing Programs: Current Challenges” Podium Presentation. Sigma Theta Tau International Biannual Meeting, Grapevine, TX. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 10/2011.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C. (July, 2011). Social Support Program for Hispanic Women Suffering from Postpartum Depression, Podium Presentation. National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Las Vegas, Nevada. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 07/2011.
  • Lucero, N., Beckstrand, R., Callister, L., & Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C. (April, 2011). “Prevalence of symptoms of postpartum depression in Hispanic immigrant women.” Poster Presentation. Western Institute of Nursing Communicating Nursing Research Conference; Las Vegas, Nevada. Poster, Presented, 01/2011.
  • Birkhead Sanchez, A.C. (July, 2009). “Is it what I say or how I look”: Experiencing discrimination by immigrant Hispanic women. Podium Presentation. National Association of Hispanic Nursing Conference- San Antonio, Texas. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 07/2009.
  • Birkhead Sanchez, A.C. (March, 2008).“Factors that influence health promotion practices among immigrant reproductive-age Hispanic women.” Podium Presentation. National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurses Conference, San Diego, California. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 03/2008.
  • Birkhead, A.C. & Juarbe. T. (2002). “Hormone replacement therapy adherence in Latinas at risk for heart disease.” Podium Presentation. Western Institute of Nursing Conference, Palm Springs, CA. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 04/2002.
  • Asnaani, A., Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C., Majeed, I., & Crowell, S. (November 2020). Community Definitions of Mental Health, Priority Areas, and Barriers to Care Across Five Diverse Communities: Integrated Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Addressing Mental Health Disparities. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 11/2020.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C., Asnaani, A., Brown, H., Stark, L., (10/2020). “Successful utilization of community-based focus groups for the assessment of mental health needs in diverse communities: CFU/CCTS Mental health pilot grant as a case example.” Invited speakers to the University of Utah’s Clinical Research and Methods (CRAM) Monthly seminar. Presentation, Presented, 10/21/2020.
  • Coulter H, Davis FA, Lee D, Mukundente V, Napia E, Sanchez-Birkhead A, Tavake-Pasi OF, Allen-Webb T, Sunada G, Stark L. (2019, April). Familyfying Research: A fresh new approach to health research based on collaboration, equity, equality, and trust. Panel presentation at the 14th Annual Health Services Research Conference. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 04/2019.
  • Napia E, Davis FA, Lee D, Mukundente V, Sanchez-Birkhead A, Tavake-Pasi OF, Allen-Webb T, Alder SC, Sunada G, Stark LA (2018). Developing effective collaborations between community organizations and government agencies or researchers. Panel presentation at the Utah Public Health Association annual conference. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 03/2018.

Research Groups

  • Women's Health Research Affinity Group, Other. 08/2012 - 08/2016.

Grants, Contracts & Research Gifts

  • Salud Juntos!: A Promotora-Led Home-Based Cancer Care Support Solution CO-I. PI: Yang, DerShung. Co-PI(s): Lopez, AM. NIMHD SBIR, 07/28/2016 - 02/28/2018. Total project budget to date: $200,000.00
  • Community Partnership for Patient Centered Outcomes Research in Hispanics with Type 2 Diabetes- Collaborator. PI: Dr. Nancy Allen. Co-PI(s): Jeannette Villalta. PCORI- Patient-Centered Outcomes Institute , 07/16/2016 - 06/30/2017. Total project budget to date: $50,000.00
  • Hispanic Women’s Breast Cancer Disparities in the Continuum of Care: A Pilot Study. PI: Dr. Ana C. Sanchez-Birkhead. University of Utah Office of Health Equity and Inclusion Supplement Award , 02/2016 - 12/2016. Total project budget to date: $17,137.00
  • Hispanic Women’s Breast Cancer Disparities in the Continuum of Care: A Pilot Study. PI: Dr. Ana C. Sanchez-Birkhead. Dick and Timmy Burton Grant Award, 01/2016 - 12/2016. Total project budget to date: $17,137.00
  • Bridging physical and cultural determinants of postpartum pelvic floor support and symptoms following vaginal delivery CO-I. PI: Dr. Ingrid Nygaard. Co-PI(s): Project 3 Marlene Eggers, Lauren Clark. NIH/NICHD, 07/27/2015 - 06/30/2020. Total project budget to date: $415,468.00

Languages

  • English, fluent.
  • Spanish, fluent.
    Spanish is my native language.

Geographical Regions of Interest

  • Central America
    I was born in Costa Rica. I lived there as a child and have returned frequently thoughout the years for personal and professional reasons.
  • South America
    I have worked with women from several countries in South America. I have studied their various cultural traditions, beliefs, and health practices.

Publications

  • Eggers, M.A. & Sanchez-Birkhead, A. C., Clark, L., Curiel, R., Garcia, G., Fernandez, C., Nygaard, I. E., (2021). Pelvic Floor Sensations After the First Vaginal Delivery: A Qualitative Study. Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery. Vol. 27, e234-e246. Published, 01/2021.
  • Kepka, D & Bodson, J., Lai, D., Sanchez-Birkhead, A. Villalta, J., Mukundente, V., Tavake-Pasi, F., Davis, F.A., Lee, D., Napia, E., Mooney, R., Coulter, H., & Stark, L. A (2018). Factors associated with HPV vaccination among diverse adolescents in a region with low human Papillomavirus vaccination rates. Healthy Equity. Vol. 2(1), 223-232. Published, 09/2018.
  • Clark, L. & Sanchez-Birkhead, A, Fernandez, C. & Eggers, M. (2017). A Transcription and Translation Protocol for Sensitive Cross-Cultural Team Research. Qualitative Health Research. Vol. 27, 1751-1764. Published, 10/2017.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28936930/
  • Walton, A.L., LePrevost, C., Wong, B., Linnan, L., Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C., & Mooney K. (2017). Pesticides: Perceived threat and protective behaviors among Latino farmworkers. Journal of Agromedicine. published online 27Jan 2017. doi.org/10.1080/10599224X.2017.128.3278. Published, 01/2017.
  • Nygaard, I., Clark, E, Clark, L., Eggers, M., Hitchcock, R., Hsu, Y., Norton, P., Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C., Shaw, J., Sheng, S., & Varner, M. (2017). Physical and cultural determinants of postpartum pelvic floor support and symptoms following vaginal delivery: A protocol for a mixed-methods prospective cohort study. BMJ Open. 7(1). dx.doi.org/10.113/bmjopen-2016-014252. Published, 01/2017.
  • AnnMarie Walton & LePrevost, C. E., Linnan, L., Sanchez-Birkhead, A., & Mooney, K. (2017). Benefits, Facilitators, Barriers, and Strategies to Improve Pesticide Protective Behaviors: Insights from Farmworkers in North Carolina Tobacco Fields. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,. Vol. (14)7, 677. doi:10.3390/ijerph14070677. Published, 06/23/2017.
  • Walton, AM, LeProvost, C. Wong, B., Linnan, L., Sanchez-Birkhead, AC., Mooney, K. Observed and self-reported pesticide protective behaviors of Latino migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Environmental Research, Volume 147, May 2016, Pages 275-283. Published, 06/2016.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead, AC., Carbajal-Salisbury, S., Larreta, JA., Hendrick, H., Beck, S. Addressing Breast Cancer Disparities: The Alliance Breast Cancer Community-Based Program for Hispanic Women. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. 20(5), 481-486. doi: 10.1188/16.CJON.20-05AP. Published, 10/2016.
  • Lai, D., Bodson, J., Davis, F. A., Lee, D., Tavake-Pasi, F., Napia, E., Villalta, J., Mukundente, V., Mooney, R., Coulter, H., Stark, L. A., Sanchez-Birkhead, A. C., & Kepka, D. (2016). Engaging diverse communities in assessing HPV information needs: A university-community collaboration. Journal of Community Health, 1-13. doi:10.1007/s10900-016-0269-4. Published, 10/2016.
  • Dunn, G. E., Egger, M.J., Nygaard, I., Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C., Norton, P., Hsu, Y., Clark, L. (2014). Changed women: The long-term impact of vaginal mesh complications. Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery Decision. May/June, 20, 131-136. Published, 05/2014.
  • Vincent, A. & Sanchez-Birkhead, A. (2013). Evaluation of the effectiveness of nurse coaching in improving health outcomes in chronic conditions. Holistic Nursing Practice, 27 (3) 148-161. DOI:10.1097/HNP.0b013e31828a095c. Published, 06/2013.
  • Lucero, N.: Beckstrand, R.; Callister, L; & Sanchez Birkhead, A.C. (2012). Prevalence of postpartum depression among Hispanic immigrant women. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. 24(12):726-34. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2012.00744.x. Published, 12/2012.
  • Sanchez Birkhead A. C., Callister, L.C., Fletcher, N., Holt, A., Curtis, S. (2012). Teaching Physiologic Birth in Maternal/Newborn Nursing Courses in Baccalaureate Nursing Programs: Current Challenges. Journal of Perinatal Education, 21(3), 169-177, DOI :10.1891/1058-1243.21.3.169. Published, 06/2012.
  • Sanchez Birkhead, Ana C., Kennedy, H.P., & Callister, L.C. (2011). Navigating a new health culture: Experiences of immigrant Hispanic women. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 13(6), 1168-1174, DOI: 10. 1007/s 10903-010-9369-x (Dissertation Findings). Published, 12/2011.
  • Hazard Jones, C., Callister, L.C., Birkhead, A, & Nichols, L. (2009). Hispanic Labor Friends Initiative: Supporting vulnerable women. MCN: The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 34 (2), 115-121. Published, 03/2009.
  • Callister, L.C. & Birkhead, A. (2008). Mexican immigrant childbearing women: Social support and perinatal outcomes. In D.R. Crane & E. Marshall (Eds). Families in Poverty: An Interdisciplinary Approach. (pp. 181-197). Thousand Oaks California: Sage Publications. Published, 03/2008.
  • Sanchez Birkhead, Ana C. & Vincent, Anne E. (2013). Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Nurse Coaching in Improving Health Outcomes in Chronic Conditions. Holistic Nursing Practice. Vol. 27(3), 148-161. Published, 05/2013.
  • Asnaani, A., Sanchez-Birkhead, A.C., Kaur, K., Mukundente, V., Napia, E., Pasi, F., Villalta, J., Lee, D., Stark, L., Brown, H., & Crowell, S. (2022). Utilizing community partnerships to devise a framework for cultural adaptations to evidence-based mental health practice in diverse communities. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice. (29), 831-845. Published, 11/01/2022.
  • Gutierrez Chavez, M., Kaur, K., Baucom, K. J. W., Sanchez-Birkhead, A., Sunada, G., Mukundente, V., Tavake-Pasi, F., Napia, E., Villalta, J., & Asnaani, A. (2022). Developing an equitable intervention approach for communities of color: Mental health and co-occurring physical health concerns in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Translational Behavioral Medicine (12), 919-926.. Published, 10/07/2022.
  • Kaur, K., Gutierrez Chavez, M., Tacana, T., Sanchez-Birkhead, A., Mukundente, V., Napia, E. E., Tavake-Pasi, F., Villalta, J., Lee, D., Sunada, G., Stark, L., Crowell, S. E., & Asnaani, A. (2022). Applying best practices for health disparities work to create a treatment adaptation framework for culturally diverse communities: A mixed-methods approach. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 90(10), 734–746. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000742. Published, 10/01/2022.
  • Litchman, M.L & N.A., Sanchez-Birkhead, A., Ng, A., Rodriquez-Gonzales, B., Iacob, E. and Greenwood, D (2022). A Continuous Glucose Monitor + Online Peer Support Community Reinforces Healthy Behaviors in Hispanic Adults with T2D. Diabetes Spectrum. Vol. 35(4), 452-460 doi:10.2337/ds21-0067. Published, 03/28/2022.
  • Patterson B & Clark L (2021). Developing a web-based toolkit for new mothers about postpartum pelvic floor health in collaboration with a professional medical association. Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA. Vol. 109, 667671667-671. Published, 12/01/2021.
  • Egger MJ, Sanchez-Birkhead AC & Clark L (2021). Pelvic Floor Sensations After the First Vaginal Delivery: A Qualitative Study. Female pelvic medicine & reconstructive surgery. Vol. 27, e234e246e234-e246. Published, 12/01/2021.
  • Allen NA, Colicchio VD, Litchman ML, Gibson B, Villalta J & Sanchez-Birkhead AC (2020). Hispanic Community-Engaged Research: Community Partners as Our Teachers to Improve Diabetes Self-Management. Hispanic health care international : the official journal of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. Vol. 17, 125-132. Published, 09/01/2020.
  • Sanchez-Birkhead AC, Carbajal-Salisbury S, Larreta JA, Lovlien L, Hendricks H, Dingley C & Beck SL (2018). A Community-Based Approach to Assessing the Physical, Emotional, and Health Status of Hispanic Breast Cancer Survivors. Hispanic health care international : the official journal of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. Vol. 15, 166-172. Published, 08/01/2018.
  • Lai D, Bodson J, Davis FA, Lee D, Tavake-Pasi F, Napia E, Villalta J, Mukundente V, Mooney R, Coulter H, Stark LA, Sanchez-Birkhead AC & Kepka D (2018). Diverse Families' Experiences with HPV Vaccine Information Sources: A Community-Based Participatory Approach. Journal of Community Health. Vol. 42, 400-412. Published, 01/01/2018.