Dr. Risica is an Associate Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences and of Epidemiology at Brown School of Public Health, and serves as the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Brown School of Public Health. Dr. Risica has a B.S. from the Ohio State University, and MPH and DrPH from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Risica has served as Co-Investigator or Principal Investigator for a number of projects involving nutrition, physical activity and smoking cessation/avoidance, early detection of melanoma, and opioid use. Dr. Risica leads a pilot R01 Healthy Start study (MPI with K. Gans and A. Tovar) that intervenes to improve the nutritional environment in family childcare settings and family homes, thus improving the dietary intake of children. Dr. Risica led the first Healthy Start project (MPI with K. Gans), which aimed to improve the nutrition and physical activity environments of family childcare homes. Dr. Risica was PI of SisterTalk@Home as well as two completed studies, "Baby's Breath: Reducing ETS Exposure of Pregnant Women and Newborns", and "SCRIPT New England: Postpartum Maintenance of Abstinence from Tobacco," all of which were initiated by Dr. Thomas Lasater (deceased).
Dr. Risica is working on several pilot projects to broaden her research with community and academic partners: 1) to combine tobacco smoke avoidance and use with breastfeeding encouragement (funded by the Brown Legoretta Cancer Center) 2) to pilot the use of culturally tailored mindfulness interventions among Black women for healthy eating outcomes (funded by the Brown Mindfulness Center).
Dr. Risica also serves the RI Department of Health (DOH) as the Epidemiologist and Evaluator (2018-2020, 2022-present) for Women's Cancer Screening Program. She previously served in that postition for the WISEWOMAN program (2015-2020) and Initiative for Healthy Weight (IHW) (2009-2014). In these roles Dr. Risica interfaces with many divisions and projects within the DOH as well as the many community partners working on IHW workgroups and projects.
Dr. Risica also serves as the Advocacy Committee Chairperson and is a past President (2018-2020, 2003-04) for the Rhode Island Public Health Association.
| von Ash T, Sanapo L, Bublitz MH, Bourjeily G, Salisbury A, Petrillo S, Risica PM. "A Systematic Review of Studies Examining Associations between Sleep Characteristics with Dietary Intake and Eating Behaviors during Pregnancy." Nutrients, vol. 15, no. 9, 2023. |
| MacKinnon KM, Risica PM, von Ash T, Scharf AL, Lamy EC. "Barriers and motivators to women's cancer screening: A qualitative study of a sample of diverse women." Cancer, vol. 129, no. S19, 2023, pp. 3152-3161. |
| Fox K, Vadiveloo M, McCurdy K, Risica PM, Gans KM, Tovar A. "Control and Chaos: Caregiver's Basic Psychological Need Frustration is Associated With the Socioemotional Climate When Feeding." Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, vol. 55, no. 5, 2023, pp. 363-370. |
| Jiang Q, Risica PM, Tovar A, Stowers KC, Schwartz MB, Lombardi C, Alhassan S, Gans KM. "Effect of Applying Best Practices for Physical Activity and Screen Time to Family Childcare Homes." Preventing Chronic Disease, vol. 20, 2023, pp. E60. |
| Rabb K, Alikhani A, von Ash T, Risica PM. "Examining Black Women's Breastfeeding Experiences in the United States: A Scoping Review of Qualitative Studies." Maternal and Child Health Journal, vol. 27, no. 10, 2023, pp. 1726-1741. |
| Borrelli B, Endrighi R, Dunsiger S, Busch AM, Bock BC, Risica PM, Hughes RB, Lasater T. "Greater engagement in valued activities is associated with less barriers to quitting smoking among smokers with mobility impairments." Disability and Health Journal, vol. 16, no. 4, 2023, pp. 101480. |
| Jiang Q, Risica PM, Tovar A, Cooksey Stowers K, Schwartz MB, Lombardi C, Gans K. "Nutrition Practices of Family Child Care Home Providers and Children's Diet Quality." Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, vol. 55, no. 7, 2023, pp. 480-492. |
| Matthews NH, Kang AW, Weinstock MA, Risica PM. "Discrepancies in Skin Cancer Screening Reporting Among Patients, Primary Care Physicians, and Patient Medical Records." Cutis, vol. 110, no. 2, 2022, pp. 92-97. |
| Risica PM, Karpowicz JM, von Ash T, Gans KM, Cooksey-Stowers K, Tovar A. "Feeding and Activity Environments for Infants and Toddlers in Childcare Centers and Family Childcare Homes in Southeastern New England." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 19, no. 15, 2022, pp. 9702. |
| Gans, Kim M., Jiang, Qianxia, Tovar, Alison, Kang, Augustine, McCardle, Meagan, Risica, Patricia M. "Physical Activity and Screen Time Practices of Family Child Care Providers: Do They Meet Best Practice Guidelines?." Childhood Obesity, vol. 18, no. 4, 2022, pp. 281-290. |
| Kang AW, Gans KM, Minkel J, Risica PM. "Correlates of Objectively Measured Sleep and Physical Activity Among Latinx 3-To-5-Year Old Children." Journal of Pediatric Nursing, vol. 60, 2021, pp. 40-45. |
| Cioe PA, Merrill JE, Gordon REF, Guthrie KM, Freiberg M, Williams DM, Risica PM, Kahler CW. "Personalized feedback improves cardiovascular risk perception and physical activity levels in persons with HIV: results of a pilot randomized clinical trial." AIDS Care, vol. 33, no. 6, 2021, pp. 786-794. |
| Kang AW, Gans KM, von Ash T, Castagneri D, Dionne L, Tovar A, Risica PM. "Physical Activity Levels among Preschool-Aged Children in Family Child Care Homes: A Comparison between Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Children Using Accelerometry." Children, vol. 8, no. 5, 2021, pp. 349. |
| Ash T, Kang A, Hom C, Risica PM. "Association between sleep duration and differences between weekday and weekend sleep with body mass index & waist circumference among Black women in Sistertalk II." Sleep Health, vol. 6, no. 6, 2020, pp. 797-803. |
| Kang AW, Gans KM, Minkel J, Risica PM. "Effects of Coparenting Quality, Stress, and Sleep Parenting on Sleep and Obesity Among Latinx Children: A Path Analysis." Journal of pediatric health care : official publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners, vol. 34, no. 6, 2020, pp. e77-e90. |
| Kang AW, Ash TR, Tovar A, Gans KM, Minkel J, Mena NZ, Risica PM. "Exploring parenting contexts of Latinx 2-to-5-year old children's sleep: Qualitative evidence informing intervention development." Journal of Pediatric Nursing, vol. 54, 2020, pp. 93-100. |
| Kang AW, Bostom AG, Kim H, Eaton CB, Gohh R, Kusek JW, Pfeffer MA, Risica PM, Garber CE. "Physical activity and risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality among kidney transplant recipients." Nephrol. Dial. Transplant., vol. 35, no. 8, 2020, pp. 1436-1443. |
| Kang, Augustine, Kim, Hongseok, Garber, Carol E, Eaton, Charles, Risica, Patricia M, Bostom, Andrew G. "Abstract MP35: Physical Activity and Risk of Cardiovascular Events and All-Cause Mortality Among Kidney Transplant Recipients." Circulation, vol. 139, no. Suppl_1, 2019. |
| Bourjeily G, Chambers A, Salameh M, Bublitz MH, Kaur A, Coppa A, Risica P, Lambert-Messerlian G. "Anthropometric Measures and Prediction of Maternal Sleep-Disordered Breathing." Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, vol. 15, no. 6, 2019, pp. 849-856. |
| Risica PM, Tovar A, Palomo V, Dionne L, Mena N, Magid K, Ward DS, Gans KM. "Improving nutrition and physical activity environments of family child care homes: the rationale, design and study protocol of the 'Healthy Start/Comienzos Sanos' cluster randomized trial." BMC Public Health, vol. 19, no. 1, 2019, pp. 419. |
| Gans, Kim M., Tovar, Alison, Jiang, Qianxia, Mello, Jennifer, Dionne, Laura, Kang, Augustine, Mena, Noereem Z., Palomo, Vanessa, Risica, Patricia Markham. "Nutrition-Related Practices of Family Child Care Providers and Differences by Ethnicity." Childhood Obesity, vol. 15, no. 3, 2019, pp. 167-184. |
| KANG, AUGUSTINE W., GARBER, CAROL EWING, EATON, CHARLES B., RISICA, PATRICIA M., BOSTOM, ANDREW G. "Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Risk among Kidney Transplant Patients." Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 51, no. 6, 2019, pp. 1154-1161. |
| Magid KH, Ranney ML, Risica PM. "Using the theory of planned behavior to understand intentions to perform bystander CPR among college students." Journal of American College Health, vol. 69, no. 1, 2019, pp. 1-6. |
| Risica PM, Gorham G, Dionne L, Nardi W, Ng D, Middler R, Mello J, Akpolat R, Gettens K, Gans KM. "A multi-level intervention in worksites to increase fruit and vegetable access and intake: Rationale, design and methods of the ‘Good to Go’ cluster randomized trial." Contemporary Clinical Trials, vol. 65, 2018, pp. 87-98. |
| Risica PM, McCarthy M, Barry K, Oliverio SP, De Groot AS. "Community clinic-based lifestyle change for prevention of metabolic syndrome: Rationale, design and methods of the 'Vida Sana/healthy life' program." Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, vol. 12, 2018, pp. 123-128. |
| Lanis, Aviya, Kerns, Eric, Hu, Susie L., Bublitz, Margaret H., Risica, Patricia, Martin, Susan, Parker, Jeffrey, Millman, Richard, Dworkin, Lance D., Bourjeily, Ghada. "Correction to: Residual Renal Function and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Peritoneal Dialysis: A Pilot Study." Lung, vol. 196, no. 4, 2018, pp. 433. |
| Dulin, Akilah, Risica, Patricia M., Mello, Jennifer, Ahmed, Rashid, Carey, Kate B., Cardel, Michelle, Howe, Chanelle J., Nadimpalli, Sarah, Gans, Kim M. "Examining neighborhood and interpersonal norms and social support on fruit and vegetable intake in low-income communities." BMC Public Health, vol. 18, no. 1, 2018, pp. 455. |
| Gans, Kim M., Risica, Patricia Markham, Keita, Akilah Dulin, Dionne, Laura, Mello, Jennifer, Stowers, Kristen Cooksey, Papandonatos, George, Whittaker, Shannon, Gorham, Gemma. "Multilevel approaches to increase fruit and vegetable intake in low-income housing communities: final results of the ‘Live Well, Viva Bien’ cluster-randomized trial." International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, vol. 15, no. 1, 2018, pp. 80. |
| Risica PM, Matthews NH, Dionne L, Mello J, Ferris LK, Saul M, Geller AC, Solano F, Kirkwood JM, Weinstock MA. "Psychosocial consequences of skin cancer screening." Preventive Medicine Reports, vol. 10, 2018, pp. 310-316. |
| Matthews NH, Risica PM, Ferris LK, Beatson M, Saul M, Geller AC, Solano F, Kirkwood JM, Weinstock MA. "Psychosocial impact of skin biopsies in the setting of melanoma screening: a cross-sectional survey." Br J Dermatol, 2018. |
| Lanis, Aviya, Kerns, Eric, Hu, Susie L., Bublitz, Margaret H., Risica, Patricia, Martin, Susan, Parker, Jeffrey, Millman, Richard, Dworkin, Lance D., Bourjeily, Ghada. "Residual Renal Function Affects Severity of Sleep Apnea in Peritoneal Dialysis: A Pilot Study." Lung, vol. 196, no. 4, 2018, pp. 425-431. |
| Gavarkovs, Adam, Risica, Patricia, Parker, Donna, Jennings, Ernestine, Mello, Jennifer, Phipps, Maureen. "Self-Reported Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Avoidance Compared with Cotinine Confirmed Tobacco Smoke Exposure among Pregnant Women and Their Infants." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 15, no. 5, 2018, pp. 871. |
| Kang AW, Dulin A, Nadimpalli S, Risica PM. "Stress, adherence, and blood pressure control: A baseline examination of Black women with hypertension participating in the SisterTalk II intervention." Preventive Medicine Reports, vol. 12, 2018, pp. 25-32. |
| Risica, Patricia Markham, Gavarkovs, Adam, Parker, Donna R., Jennings, Ernestine, Phipps, Maureen. "A tailored video intervention to reduce smoking and environmental tobacco exposure during and after pregnancy: Rationale, design and methods of Baby's Breath." Contemporary Clinical Trials, vol. 52, 2017, pp. 1-9. |
| Risica PM, McCausland K. "Infant feeding decisions and behaviours among low-income smoke-exposed women: timing and change during pregnancy." Public Health Nutrition, vol. 20, no. 15, 2017, pp. 2796-2805. |
| 52. Kim M. Gans; Gemma Gorham; Patricia Markham Risica; Akilah Dulin-Keita; Laura Dionne; Tina Gao; Sarah Peters; Ludovica Principato. "A multi-level intervention in subsidized housing sites to increase fruit and vegetable access and intake: Rationale, design and methods of the 'Live Well, Viva Bien' cluster randomized trial." BMC Public Health, vol. 16, 2016, pp. 521. |
| Gans KM, Gorham G, Risica PM, Dulin-Keita A, Dionne L, Gao T, Peters S, Principato L. "A multi-level intervention in subsidized housing sites to increase fruit and vegetable access and intake: Rationale, design and methods of the 'Live Well, Viva Bien' cluster randomized trial." BMC Public Health, vol. 16, 2016, pp. 521. |
| Eaton C, Hartman S, Schindler E, Pan G, Roberts Mary, Risica PM, Gans K, Jakicic J, Marcus B. "A Randomized Clinical Translational Trial of a Tailored Lifestyle Intervention for Obese." Annals of Family Medicine, vol. 14, no. 4, 2016, pp. 311-319. |
| Eaton CB, Hartman SJ, Perzanowski E, Pan G, Roberts MB, Risica PM, Gans KM, Jakicic JM, Marcus BH. "A Randomized Clinical Trial of a Tailored Lifestyle Intervention for Obese, Sedentary, Primary Care Patients." The Annals of Family Medicine, vol. 14, no. 4, 2016, pp. 311-9. |
| Weinstock, Martin A., Ferris, Laura K., Saul, Melissa I., Geller, Alan C., Risica, Patricia M., Siegel, Julia A., Solano, Francis X., Kirkwood, John M. "Downstream consequences of melanoma screening in a community practice setting: First results." Cancer, vol. 122, no. 20, 2016, pp. 3152-3156. |
| Assaf, Annlouise R., Beresford, Shirley A.A., Risica, Patricia Markham, Aragaki, Aaron, Brunner, Robert L., Bowen, Deborah J., Naughton, Michelle, Rosal, Milagros C., Snetselaar, Linda, Wenger, Nanette. "Low-Fat Dietary Pattern Intervention and Health-Related Quality of Life: The Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Dietary Modification Trial." Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vol. 116, no. 2, 2016, pp. 259-271. |
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Risica PM, Parker DR, Hardy N, Salkeld J.
"Smoking Cessation during Pregnancy: Thoughts Expressed during Motivational Interviewing." Journal of Family Medicine, vol. 3, no. 9, 2016, pp. 1087.
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| Risica PM, Amin S, Ankoma A, Lawson E. "The food and activity environments of childcare centers in Rhode Island: A directors’ survey." BMC Nutrition, 2016. |
| Tovar, Alison, Risica, Patricia, Mena, Noereem, Lawson, Eliza, Ankoma, Angela, Gans, Kim M. "An Assessment of Nutrition Practices and Attitudes in Family Child-Care Homes: Implications for Policy Implementation." Preventing Chronic Disease, vol. 12, 2015. |
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Risica PM, DeMeester RH, Weinstock MA, Gans KM, Markova A, Shaikh W, Chambers C, Kabongo M, Kallail K, Post D.
"Effect of a Weight Web Course on Primary Care Practice: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Journal of Family Medicine and Community Health, vol. 2, no. 4, 2015, pp. 1039.
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| Gorham G, Dulin-Keita A, Risica PM, Mello J, Papandonatos G, Nunn A, Gorham S, Roberson M, Gans KM. "Effectiveness and acceptability of ‘Fresh To You’— an innovative, discount fresh fruit and vegetable market program in low-income neighborhoods." Preventing Chronic Disease, vol. Oct 25, 2015, pp. 12. |
| Gorham G, Dulin-Keita A, Risica PM, Mello J, Papandonatos G, Nunn A, Gorham S, Roberson M, Gans KM. "Effectiveness of Fresh to You, a Discount Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Market in Low-Income Neighborhoods, on Children's Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, Rhode Island, 2010-2011." Preventing Chronic Disease, vol. 12, 2015, pp. E176. |
| Gans KM, Risica PM, Dulin-Keita A, Mello J, Dawood M, Strolla LO, Harel O. "Innovative video tailoring for dietary change: final results of the Good for you! cluster randomized trial." The international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity, vol. 12, no. 1, 2015, pp. 130. |
| Tovar A, Mena N, Risica PM, Goram G, Gans KM. "Nutrition and Physical Activity Environments of Home-Based Child Care: What Hispanic Providers Have to Say." Childhood Obesity, vol. 11, no. 5, 2015, pp. 521. |
| Tovar A, Mena NZ, Risica P, Gorham G, Gans KM. "Nutrition and Physical Activity Environments of Home-Based Child Care: What Hispanic Providers Have to Say." Childhood Obesity, vol. 11, no. 5, 2015, pp. 521-9. |
| Gans, Kim M., Salkeld, Judith, Risica, Patricia Markham, Lenz, Erin, Burton, Deborah, Mello, Jennifer, Bell, Johanna P. "Occupation Is Related to Weight and Lifestyle Factors Among Employees at Worksites Involved in a Weight Gain Prevention Study." Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, vol. 57, no. 10, 2015, pp. e114-e120. |
| Keita AD, Risica PM, Drenner KL, Adams I, Gorham G, Gans KM. "Feasibility and Acceptability of an Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Intervention: Results from the Healthy Homes, Healthy Families Pilot Study." Journal of Obesity, vol. 2014, 2014, pp. 1-16. |
| Hartman SJ, Risica PM, Gans KM, Marcus BH, Eaton CB. "Tailored weight loss intervention in obese adults within primary care practice: rationale, design, and methods of Choose to Lose." Contemporary Clinical Trials, vol. 38, no. 2, 2014, pp. 409-19. |
| Markova A, Weinstock MA, Risica P, Kirtania U, Shaikh W, Ombao H, Chambers CV, Kabango ML, Kallail JK, Post D. "Effect of a web-based curriculum on primary care practice: basic skin cancer triage trial." Family Medicine, vol. 45, no. 8, 2013, pp. 558-68. |
| Risica PM, Gans KM, Kumanyika S, Kirtania U, Lasater TM. "SisterTalk: final results of a culturally tailored cable television delivered weight control program for Black women." The international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity, vol. 10, no. 1, 2013, pp. 141. |
| Johnson P, Risica PM, Gans KM, Kirtania U, Kumanyika SK. "Association of perceived racial discrimination with eating behaviors and obesity among participants of the SisterTalk study." Journal of National Black Nurses' Association : JNBNA, vol. 23, no. 1, 2012, pp. 34-40. |
| Lasky, Tamar, Kogut, Stephen, Campbell, Scott, Risica, Patricia Markham. "Computer Kiosks to Deliver Medication Information in the Pharmacy." Journal of Consumer Health On the Internet, vol. 15, no. 4, 2011, pp. 347-360. |
| Jiang, Yongwen, Risica, Patricia Markham, Arias, William, Perry, Donald, Viner-Brown, Samara. "Perceived Weight Status Effect on Adolescent Health-Risk Behaviors: Findings from 2007 and 2009 Rhode Island Youth Risk Behavioral Survey." School Mental Health, vol. 4, no. 1, 2011, pp. 46-55. |
| Markova A, Weinstock MA, Risica P, Kirtania U, Ombao H. "The role of gender in examination and counseling for melanoma in primary care." Arch Intern Med, vol. 171, no. 22, 2011, pp. 2061-3. |
| Mello JA, Gans KM, Risica PM, Kirtania U, Strolla LO, Fournier L. "How is food insecurity associated with dietary behaviors? An analysis with low-income, ethnically diverse participants in a nutrition intervention study." Journal of the American Dietetic Association, vol. 110, no. 12, 2010, pp. 1906-11. |
| Lamont, Linda S., Markham Risica, Patricia. "Weight Gain and Weight Management Concerns for Patients on β-Blockers." Nutrition Today, vol. 45, no. 6, 2010, pp. 250-252. |
| Gans KM, Risica PM, Kirtania U, Jennings A, Strolla LO, Steiner-Asiedu M, Hardy N, Lasater TM. "Dietary behaviors and portion sizes of black women who enrolled in SisterTalk and variation by demographic characteristics." Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, vol. 41, no. 1, 2009, pp. 32-40. |
| Gans KM, Risica PM, Strolla LO, Fournier L, Kirtania U, Upegui D, Zhao J, George T, Acharyya S. "Effectiveness of different methods for delivering tailored nutrition education to low income, ethnically diverse adults." The international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity, vol. 6, no. 1, 2009, pp. 24. |
| Risica PM, Hesser J, Jiang Y, Taylor K. "Patterns of obesity among men and women in Rhode Island in 2007." Medicine and health, Rhode Island, vol. 92, no. 12, 2009, pp. 420-2. |
| Risica PM, Kerr S, Lawson E, Belhumeur R, Ankoma A. "Self-report of sugar-sweetened beverage and fast food consumption by annual household income." Medicine and health, Rhode Island, vol. 92, no. 2, 2009, pp. 63-4. |
| Taylor JS, Geller L, Risica PM, Kirtania U, Cabral HJ. "Birth order and breastfeeding initiation: results of a national survey." Breastfeeding medicine : the official journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, vol. 3, no. 1, 2008, pp. 20-7. |
| Risica PM, Weinstock MA, Rakowski W, Kirtania U, Martin RA, Smith KJ. "Body satisfaction effect on thorough skin self-examination." American Journal of Preventive Medicine, vol. 35, no. 1, 2008, pp. 68-72. |
| Lee KB, Weinstock MA, Risica PM. "Components of a successful intervention for monthly skin self-examination for early detection of melanoma: the "Check It Out" trial." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 58, no. 6, 2008, pp. 1006-12. |
| Anderson CA, Kumanyika SK, Shults J, Kallan MJ, Gans KM, Risica PM. "Assessing change in dietary-fat behaviors in a weight-loss program for African Americans: a potential short method." Journal of the American Dietetic Association, vol. 107, no. 5, 2007, pp. 838-42. |
| Risica PM, Burkholder G, Gans KM, Lasater TM, Acharyya S, Davis C, Kirtania U. "Assessing fat-related dietary behaviors among black women: reliability and validity of a new Food Habits Questionnaire." Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, vol. 39, no. 4, 2007, pp. 197-204. |
| Martin, RA, Weinstock, MA, Risica, PM, Smith, K, Rakowski, W. "Factors associated with thorough skin self-examination for the early detection of melanoma." Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, vol. 21, no. 8, 2007, pp. 1074-1081. |
| Weinstock MA, Risica PM, Martin RA, Rakowski W, Dubé C, Berwick M, Goldstein MG, Acharyya S, Lasater T. "Melanoma early detection with thorough skin self-examination: the "Check It Out" randomized trial." American Journal of Preventive Medicine, vol. 32, no. 6, 2007, pp. 517-24. |
| Young TK, Bjerregaard P, Dewailly E, Risica PM, Jørgensen ME, Ebbesson SE. "Prevalence of obesity and its metabolic correlates among the circumpolar inuit in 3 countries." American Journal of Public Health, vol. 97, no. 4, 2007, pp. 691-5. |
| Gans KM, Burkholder GJ Jr, Risica PM, Harrow B, Lasater TM. "Cost-effectiveness of minimal contact education strategies for cholesterol change." Ethnicity & disease, vol. 16, no. 2, 2006, pp. 443-51. |
| Gans KM, Risica PM, Wylie-Rosett J, Ross EM, Strolla LO, McMurray J, Eaton CB. "Development and evaluation of the nutrition component of the Rapid Eating and Activity Assessment for Patients (REAP): a new tool for primary care providers." Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, vol. 38, no. 5, 2006, pp. 286-92. |
| Taylor JS, Risica PM, Geller L, Kirtania U, Cabral HJ. "Duration of breastfeeding among first-time mothers in the United States: results of a national survey." Acta Paediatrica, vol. 95, no. 8, 2006, pp. 980-4. |
| Risica PM, Viner-Brown S, Hesser J. "Obesity and overweight among adults in Rhode Island." Medicine and health, Rhode Island, vol. 89, no. 7, 2006, pp. 257-8. |
| Strolla LO, Gans KM, Risica PM. "Using qualitative and quantitative formative research to develop tailored nutrition intervention materials for a diverse low-income audience." Health education research, vol. 21, no. 4, 2006, pp. 465-76. |
| Ebbesson, Sven O. E., Adler, Amanda I., Risica, Patricia M., Ebbesson, Lars O. E., Yeh, Jeun-Liang, Go, Oskar T., Doolittle, William, Ehlert, Gary, Swenson, Michael, Robbins, David C. "Cardiovascular disease and risk factors in three Alaskan Eskimo populations: the Alaska-Siberia project." International Journal of Circumpolar Health, vol. 64, no. 4, 2005. |
| Ebbesson SO, Adler AI, Risica PM, Ebbesson LO, Yeh JL, Go OT, Doolittle W, Ehlert G, Swenson M, Robbins DC. "Cardiovascular disease and risk factors in three Alaskan Eskimo populations: the Alaska-Siberia project." International Journal of Circumpolar Health, vol. 64, no. 4, 2005, pp. 365-86. |
| Weinstock, MA, Risica, P M, Martin, R A, Smith, K J, Rakowski, W, Berwick, M, Goldstein, MG, Lasater, T. "EFFICACY OF INTERVENTION TO INCREASE THOROUGH SKIN SELF-EXAMINATION AND EFFECT ON SURGERY ON THE SKIN: RESULTS OF THE CHECK-IT-OUT PROJECT." Journal of Investigative Dermatology, vol. 125, no. 4, 2005, pp. 855-855. |
| Ebbesson, Sven O. E., Risica, Patricia M., Ebbesson, Lars O. E., Kennish, John M. "Eskimos have CHD despite high consumption of omega-3 fatty acids: the Alaska Siberia project." International Journal of Circumpolar Health, vol. 64, no. 4, 2005. |
| Ebbesson SO, Risica PM, Ebbesson LO, Kennish JM. "Eskimos have CHD despite high consumption of omega-3 fatty acids: the Alaska Siberia project." International Journal of Circumpolar Health, vol. 64, no. 4, 2005, pp. 387-95. |
| Ebbesson, Sven O. E., Risica, Patricia M., Ebbesson, Lars O. E., Kennish, John M., Tejero, M. Elizabeth. "Omega-3 fatty acids improve glucose tolerance and components of the metabolic syndrome in Alaskan Eskimos: the Alaska Siberia project." International Journal of Circumpolar Health, vol. 64, no. 4, 2005. |
| Ebbesson SO, Risica PM, Ebbesson LO, Kennish JM, Tejero ME. "Omega-3 fatty acids improve glucose tolerance and components of the metabolic syndrome in Alaskan Eskimos: the Alaska Siberia project." International Journal of Circumpolar Health, vol. 64, no. 4, 2005, pp. 396-408. |
| Eide MJ, Weinstock MA, Dufresne RG Jr, Neelagaru S, Risica P, Burkholder GJ, Upegui D, Phillips KA, Armstrong BK, Robinson-Bostom L. "Relationship of treatment delay with surgical defect size from keratinocyte carcinoma (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin)." Journal of Investigative Dermatology, vol. 124, no. 2, 2005, pp. 308-14. |
| Risica, Patricia M., Nobmann, Elizabeth D., Caulfield, Laura E., Schraer, Cynthia, Ebbesson, Sven O. E. "Springtime macronutrient intake of Alaska natives of the Bering Straits Region: the Alaska Siberia Project." International Journal of Circumpolar Health, vol. 64, no. 3, 2005. |
| Risica PM, Nobmann ED, Caulfield LE, Schraer C, Ebbesson SO. "Springtime macronutrient intake of Alaska natives of the Bering Straits Region: the Alaska Siberia Project." International Journal of Circumpolar Health, vol. 64, no. 3, 2005, pp. 222-33. |
| Goldman RE, Risica PM. "Perceptions of breast and cervical cancer risk and screening among Dominicans and Puerto Ricans in Rhode Island." Ethnicity & disease, vol. 14, no. 1, 2004, pp. 32-42. |
| Weinstock MA, Risica PM, Martin RA, Rakowski W, Smith KJ, Berwick M, Goldstein MG, Upegui D, Lasater T. "Reliability of assessment and circumstances of performance of thorough skin self-examination for the early detection of melanoma in the Check-It-Out Project." Preventive Medicine, vol. 38, no. 6, 2004, pp. 761-5. |
| Gans KM, Burkholder GJ, Risica PM, Lasater TM. "Baseline fat-related dietary behaviors of white, Hispanic, and black participants in a cholesterol screening and education project in New England." Journal of the American Dietetic Association, vol. 103, no. 6, 2003, pp. 699-706; discussion 706. |
| Bjerregaard P, Dewailly E, Young TK, Blanchet C, Hegele RA, Ebbesson SE, Risica PM, Mulvad G. "Blood pressure among the Inuit (Eskimo) populations in the Arctic." Scandinavian journal of public health, vol. 31, no. 2, 2003, pp. 92-9. |
| Gans KM, Kumanyika SK, Lovell HJ, Risica PM, Goldman R, Odoms-Young A, Strolla LO, Decaille DO, Caron C, Lasater TM. "The development of SisterTalk: a cable TV-delivered weight control program for black women." Preventive Medicine, vol. 37, no. 6 Pt 1, 2003, pp. 654-67. |
| Taylor JS, Risica PM, Cabral HJ. "Why primiparous mothers do not breastfeed in the United States: a national survey." Acta Paediatrica, vol. 92, no. 11, 2003, pp. 1308-13. |
| Gans KM, Burkholder GJ, Upegui DI, Risica PM, Lasater TM, Fortunet R. "Comparison of baseline fat-related eating behaviors of Puerto Rican, Dominican, Colombian, and Guatemalan participants who joined a cholesterol education project." Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, vol. 34, no. 4, 2002, pp. 202-10. |
| Weinstock MA, Nguyen FQ, Risica PM. "Patient and referring provider satisfaction with teledermatology." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 47, no. 1, 2002, pp. 68-72. |
| Risica PM, Ebbesson SO, Schraer CD, Nobmann ED, Caballero BH. "Body fat distribution in Alaskan Eskimos of the Bering Straits region: the Alaskan Siberia Project." International journal of obesity and related metabolic disorders : journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, vol. 24, no. 2, 2000, pp. 171-9. |
| Risica PM, Schraer C, Ebbesson SO, Nobmann ED, Caballero B. "Overweight and obesity among Alaskan Eskimos of the Bering Straits Region: the Alaska Siberia project." International journal of obesity and related metabolic disorders : journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, vol. 24, no. 8, 2000, pp. 939-44. |
| Schraer CD, Risica PM, Ebbesson SO, Go OT, Howard BV, Mayer AM. "Low fasting insulin levels in Eskimos compared to American Indians: are Eskimos less insulin resistant?." International Journal of Circumpolar Health, vol. 58, no. 4, 1999, pp. 272-80. |
| Weinstock MA, Martin RA, Risica PM, Berwick M, Lasater T, Rakowski W, Goldstein MG, Dubé CE. "Thorough skin examination for the early detection of melanoma." American Journal of Preventive Medicine, vol. 17, no. 3, 1999, pp. 169-75. |
| Ebbesson SO, Schraer CD, Risica PM, Adler AI, Ebbesson L, Mayer AM, Shubnikof EV, Yeh J, Go OT, Robbins DC. "Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in three Alaskan Eskimo populations. The Alaska-Siberia Project." Diabetes Care, vol. 21, no. 4, 1998, pp. 563-9. |
Professor Risica's research interests include nutritional epidemiology, breastfeeding, obesity and eating behaviors; body fat distribution with disease risk; breastfeeding; and diabetes, smoking cessation and avoidance of environmental tobacco smoke, heart disease and obesity, early detection of melanoma, and opioid use and disposal after surgery. Dr. Risica's work has particularly focused on pregnant women, young children and African American women, in addition to Alaska Natives and other native peoples around the polar parts of the globe.
Professor Risica's research interests encompass many aspects of intervention development, and assessment of interventions in practical, community settings across many populations, focusing on topics and target groups of highest need.
1R01CA134903-01A1 (Gans) 6/1/09 – 4/30/15
NIH/NCI Fresh to you: Multilevel approaches in low income housing to increase F&V intake
The purpose of the proposed research is to conduct a group-randomized study with 16 affordable housing projects to study the effectiveness of educational interventions and a delivery system to offer fresh fruits and vegetables (F&V) at discount prices for purchase at housing projects on increasing residents’ F&V consumption.
1R01CA133396-01A1 (Gans) 5/7/09 – 2/28/15
NIH-NCI Innovative approaches to increase F&V intake thru worksites: The Fresh Initiative
The purpose of this study is to study the effectiveness of educational interventions and a delivery system to offer fresh fruits and vegetables (F&V) at discount prices for purchase at worksites on increasing employees’ F&V consumption.
Healthy Aging Communities (Gans/Besdine) 1/1/14 – 12/31/14
Tufts Health Plan Foundation
Healthy Aging Communities will improve quality of life for RI seniors through nutrition education and healthier meal options (increased fruits and vegetables) and by enhancing mobility with a PA program. Brown’s medical and public health schools, together with SEC, will provide nutrition and PA interventions to residents at SEC’s assisted living program.
1R01HL123016-01A1 (Gans/Risica) 8/1/14 – 5/30/20
NIH/NHLBI Improving nutrition and physical activity environments in home-based child care
New and innovative interventions will be created for Family Home Childcare Providers to improve food and PA environments. The interventions will integrate: a) support from peer counselors; b) tailored print and video materials. A cluster-randomized trial with will evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.
| Year | Degree | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | DrPH | The Johns Hopkins University |
| 1993 | MPH | The Johns Hopkins University |
Deans Award for Excellence in Mentoring, Brown University School of Public Health, 2020.
Food and Nutrition Section, Chair Award, American Public Health Association, 2005.
Deans award for Excellence in Teaching, Brown University School of Medicine, August 2003.
Elsa Orent Keiles Fellowship in Biochemistry and Human Nutrition in International Health, Johns Hopkins University, School of Hygiene and Public Health, 1997.
Lydia J. Roberts Fellowship in Public Health Nutrition, The American Dietetic Association and the American Dietetic Association Foundation, 1992.
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Bourjeily, Ghada | Professor of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Professor of Medicine |
| Brewer, Judson | Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior |
| Dulin, Akilah | Adjunct Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences |
| Dunsiger, Shira | Associate Professor of Biostatistics (Research), Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (Research), Associate Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences (Research) |
| Eaton, Charles | Professor of Family Medicine, Director of Primary Care and Prevention, Professor of Epidemiology |
| Gans, Kim | Adjunct Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences |
| Grigsby, Diana | Associate Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Associate Professor of Epidemiology |
| Jennings, Ernestine | Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior |
| Kang, Augustine | Investigator in Behavioral and Social Sciences |
| Marshall, Brandon | Professor of Epidemiology |
| Matteson, Kristen | Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Nunn, Amy | Professor of Medicine, Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences |
| Papandonatos, George | Professor of Biostatistics (Research) |
| Parker, Donna | Associate Professor of Family Medicine (Research), Associate Professor of Epidemiology (Research) |
| Phipps, Maureen | Professor Emerita of Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Sharkey, Katherine | Associate Dean for Gender Equity, Associate Professor of Medicine, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior |
| Shireman, Theresa | Director of the Center for Gerontology and Health Care Research, Professor of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Professor of Epidemiology |
| Taylor, Julie | Adjunct Professor of Family Medicine |
| Tyrka, Audrey | Mary E. Zucker Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Chair of Psychiatry and Human Behavior |
| Vivier, Patrick | Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics |
| von Ash, Tayla | Assistant Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences |
| Weinstock, Martin | Professor of Dermatology |
| Williams, David | Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Associate Dean of School of Public Health |
1999 - Rhode Island Public Health Association
2000 - 2002 Membership Committee Chairperson
2002 President Elect
2003 President
2004 - present Communications Committee Chairperson, Nominations Chairperson
2005 - present Advocacy Committee Chairperson
2007 - present Board Member
2017 - 2019 President
1998 - Society for Epidemiologic Research
2001 - North American Association for the Study of Obesity
2005 - Fellow of the North American Association for the Study of Obesity
1993 - American Public Health Association
1999 - 2001 Newsletter Editor, Food and Nutrition Section
2001 - 2002 Secretary Elect, Food and Nutrition Section
2002 - 2003 Secretary, Food and Nutrition Section
2004 - 2005 Section Council, Affiliate / Section Liaison, Food and Nutrition Section
Food and Nutrition Section Chair Award
2006 Chairperson Elect
2007 Chairperson
2010 Communications Chairperson
2010 - 2015 present Action Board
2010, 2017-2018 Joint Policy Committee
1987 - present Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (previously American Dietetic Association)
1998 - Rhode Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (previously RI Dietetic Association)
1993 - 1998 Alaska Dietetic Association
1987 - 1993 Maryland Dietetic Association
1994 - 1998 American Society for Circumpolar Health
1988 - 1993 American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
1988 - 1993 Maryland Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
1989 - 1990 Secretary
1990 - 1992 Board Member
2023- Course Instructor PHP 1101 World of Food: Personal to Global Perspectives on Nutrition, Agriculture and Policy (Spring)
2018-2022 Course Instructor PHP 2355 Designing and Evaluating Public Health Interventions
2015-2019 Course Instructor PHP 1101 World of Food: Personal to Global Perspectives on Nutrition, Agriculture and Policy (Online - Summer)
2018-2021 Course Instructor PHP1001 Introduction to Public Health
2015 -2018 Course Instructor PHP101 Introduction to Public Health
2015-2017 Course Instructor PHP1740 Principles of Human Behavior and Intervention Development
2015 Course Instructor PHP2360 Designing and Evaluating Public Health Interventions
2010-2014 - Guest Lecturer, PHP 2360 Designing and Evaluating Public Health Interventions
2005-Guest Lecturer, Epidemiology, Research Design and Methods, Department of Nutrition, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
2004-Lecturer, Pathophysiology/Nutrition 281 (Medical Students) Brown University Medical School, Providence, RI
2000-Small Group Facilitator, Pathophysiology/Nutrition 281 (Medical Students) Brown University Medical School, Providence, RI
| PHP 1101 - World of Food: Personal to Global Perspectives on Nutrition, Agriculture and Policy |
| PHP 1740 - Principles of Health Behavior and Health Promotion Interventions |
| PHP 2355 - Designing and Evaluating Public Health Interventions |
