Marya Gwadz
Associate Dean for Research; Professor; Director, Intervention Innovations Team Lab (IIT-Lab)
PhD, MA, BA
Areas of Expertise: Culturally and structurally salient social/behavioral interventions; the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST); optimizing interventions using factorial designs; adaptive interventions; peer-driven intervention; adolescents, emerging adults, and adults living with HIV; African American/Black and Hispanic persons living with HIV poorly engaged along the HIV care continuum; methods to support sustained medication adherence; sexual and gender minority populations; substance use; harm reduction; mental health; stigma; barriers to COVID-19 testing; barriers to COVID-19 vaccination; health equity; health disparities; poverty; behavioral economics; anti-racist/social justice-oriented research methods; PhotoVoice; ecological momentary assessment; mixed methods research; grant writing
Biography
Marya Gwadz is Associate Dean for Research, Professor, and Director of the Intervention Innovations Team Lab (IIT-Lab) at NYU Silver. She also serves as an Associate Director in the Transdisciplinary Research Methods Core in the NIDA-funded Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR) at NYU School of Global Public Health.
The main focus of Dr. Gwadz's research is the development and evaluation of potent, innovative, and culturally salient social/behavioral interventions to address racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and gender inequity in health. Her work with vulnerable adolescent and adult populations spans three decades and focuses on populations such as persons with substance use problems, sexual and gender minorities, heterosexuals in high-risk contexts, populations with high rates of criminal justice involvement, runaway/homeless youth, and people of color living with HIV from low socioeconomic status backgrounds. Dr. Gwadz's program of research has been continually funded by the NIH since 2000.
Dr. Gwadz is an expert on the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST), a framework for developing efficient and cost-effective interventions with no inactive, poorly performing, or counter-productive elements. She is currently Co-Principal Investigator on a NIDA-funded study using MOST to optimize an intervention for vulnerable populations living with HIV (R01DA040480) with Dr. Linda Collins, the original developer of MOST. Their study is the first application of the MOST framework in the field of HIV treatment and prevention. She is also an expert on adaptive trial designs, including sequential multiple assignment randomized trials (SMART).
Prior to joining NYU Silver, Dr. Gwadz was a Senior Research Scientist at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, and Director of CUDHR's Transdisciplinary Research Methods Core. She has played a leadership role in CDUHR since 2005.
A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Gwadz earned her PhD and MA in clinical psychology from NYU and her BA in psychology from the University of Rochester.
Publications
Empirical Development of a Behavioral Intervention for African American/Black and Latino Persons with Unsuppressed HIV Viral Load Levels: An Application of the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) Using Cost-Effectiveness as an Optimization Objective
Feelemyer, J., Braithwaite, R. S., Zhou, Q., Cleland, C. M., Manandhar-Sasaki, P., Wilton, L., Ritchie, A., Collins, L. M. & Gwadz, M. V., Jul 2024,
In : AIDS and Behavior. 28, 7, p. 2378-2390
13 p.
Using Decision Analysis for Intervention Value Efficiency to Select Optimized Interventions in the Multiphase Optimization Strategy
Strayhorn, J. C., Cleland, C. M., Vanness, D. J., Wilton, L., Gwadz, M. & Collins, L. M., 2024,
In : Health Psychology. 43, 2, p. 89-100
12 p.
Protocol for an evaluation of adherence monitoring and support interventions among people initiating antiretroviral therapy in Cape Town, South Africa—a multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) approach using a fractional factorial design
Jennings, L., West, R. L., Halim, N., Kaiser, J. L., Gwadz, M., MacLeod, W. B., Gifford, A. L., Haberer, J. E., Orrell, C. & Sabin, L. L., Dec 2023,
In : Trials. 24, 1, 310.
Suubi + Adherence4Youth: a study protocol to optimize the Suubi Intervention for Adherence to HIV treatment for youth living with HIV in Uganda
Ssewamala, F. M., Sauceda, J. A., Brathwaite, R., Neilands, T. B., Nabunya, P., Brown, D., Sensoy Bahar, O., Namuwonge, F., Nakasujja, N., Mugarura, A., Mwebembezi, A., Nartey, P., Mukasa, B. & Gwadz, M., Dec 2023,
In : BMC public health. 23, 1, 717.
Understanding why racial/ethnic inequities along the HIV care continuum persist in the United States: a qualitative exploration of systemic barriers from the perspectives of African American/Black and Latino persons living with HIV
Filippone, P., Serrano, S., Campos, S., Freeman, R., Cluesman, S. R., Israel, K., Amos, B., Cleland, C. M. & Gwadz, M., Dec 2023,
In : International Journal for Equity in Health. 22, 1, 168.
Effects of Behavioral Intervention Components for African American/Black and Latino Persons Living with HIV with Non-suppressed Viral Load Levels: Results of an Optimization Trial
Cleland, C. M., Gwadz, M., Collins, L. M., Wilton, L., Leonard, N. R., Ritchie, A. S., Martinez, B. Y., Silverman, E., Sherpa, D. & Dorsen, C., Nov 2023,
In : AIDS and Behavior. 27, 11, p. 3695-3712
18 p.
The Burden of Not Belonging: A Qualitative Study of the Applicability of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide Constructs of Belongingness and Burdensomeness to Ethnocultural Minoritized Youth
Vélez-Grau, C., Magan, I. M. & Gwadz, M., Sep 2023,
In : Behavior Therapy. 54, 5, p. 777-793
17 p.
Feasibility and Acceptability of the Adherence Connection Counseling, Education, and Support (ACCESS) Proof of Concept: A Peer-Led, Mobile Health (mHealth) Cognitive Behavioral Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Adherence Intervention for HIV-Infected (HIV+) Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA)
Navarra, A. M. D., Rosenberg, M. G., Gormley, M., Bakken, S., Fletcher, J., Whittemore, R., Gwadz, M., Cleland, C. & Melkus, G. D. E., Jun 2023,
In : AIDS and Behavior. 27, 6, p. 1807-1823
17 p.
Study protocol for a multisite randomized controlled trial of a peer navigator intervention for emergency department patients with nonfatal opioid overdose
Doran, K. M., Welch, A. E., Jeffers, A., Kepler, K. L., Chambless, D., Cowan, E., Wittman, I., Regina, A., Chang, T. E., Parraga, S., Tapia, J., Diaz, C., Gwadz, M., Cleland, C. M. & McNeely, J., Mar 2023,
In : Contemporary Clinical Trials. 126, 107111.
A factorial experiment grounded in the multiphase optimization strategy to promote viral suppression among people who inject drugs on the Texas-Mexico border: a study protocol
Sauceda, J. A., Lechuga, J., Ramos, M. E., Puentes, J., Ludwig-Barron, N., Salazar, J., Christopoulos, K. A., Johnson, M. O., Gomez, D., Covarrubias, R., Hernandez, J., Montelongo, D., Ortiz, A., Rojas, J., Ramos, L., Avila, I., Gwadz, M. V. & Neilands, T. B., Feb 2023,
In : BMC public health. 23, 1, 307.
Exploring behavioral intervention components for African American/Black and Latino persons living with HIV with non-suppressed HIV viral load in the United States: a qualitative study
Cluesman, S. R., Gwadz, M., Freeman, R., Collins, L. M., Cleland, C. M., Wilton, L., Hawkins, R. L., Leonard, N. R., Silverman, E., Maslow, C. B., Israel, K., Ritchie, A. & Ory, S., Jan 2023,
In : International Journal for Equity in Health. 22, 1, 22.
A virtual pilot optimization trial for African American/Black and Latino persons with non-suppressed HIV viral load grounded in motivational interviewing and behavioral economics
Filippone, P., Serrano, S., Gwadz, M., Cleland, C. M., Freeman, R., Linnemayr, S., Cluesman, S. R., Campos, S., Rosmarin-DeStefano, C., Amos, B. & Israel, K., 2023,
In : Frontiers in Public Health. 11, 1167104.
Advancing behavioral interventions for African American/Black and Latino persons living with HIV using a new conceptual model that integrates critical race theory, harm reduction, and self-determination theory: a qualitative exploratory study
Gwadz, M., Cluesman, S. R., Freeman, R., Collins, L. M., Dorsen, C., Hawkins, R. L., Cleland, C. M., Wilton, L., Ritchie, A. S., Torbjornsen, K., Leonard, N. R., Martinez, B. Y., Silverman, E., Israel, K. & Kutnick, A., Dec 2022,
In : International Journal for Equity in Health. 21, 1, 97.
Correction: Advancing behavioral interventions for African American/Black and Latino persons living with HIV using a new conceptual model that integrates critical race theory, harm reduction, and self-determination theory: a qualitative exploratory study (International Journal for Equity in Health, (2022), 21, 1, (97), 10.1186/s12939-022-01699-0)
Gwadz, M., Cluesman, S. R., Freeman, R., Collins, L. M., Dorsen, C., Hawkins, R. L., Cleland, C. M., Wilton, L., Ritchie, A. S., Torbjornsen, K., Leonard, N. R., Martinez, B. Y., Silverman, E., Israel, K. & Kutnick, A., Dec 2022,
In : International Journal for Equity in Health. 21, 1, 110.
Using the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) framework to optimize an intervention to increase COVID-19 testing for Black and Latino/Hispanic frontline essential workers: A study protocol
Gwadz, M., Cleland, C. M., Lizardo, M., Hawkins, R. L., Bangser, G., Parameswaran, L., Stanhope, V., Robinson, J. A., Karim, S., Hollaway, T., Ramirez, P. G., Filippone, P. L., Ritchie, A. S., Banfield, A. & Silverman, E., Dec 2022,
In : BMC public health. 22, 1, 1235.
Behavioral intervention grounded in motivational interviewing and behavioral economics shows promise with Black and English-speaking Latino persons living with HIV with unsuppressed HIV viral load in New York City: A mixed methods pilot study
Gwadz, M., Serrano, S., Linnemayr, S., Cleland, C. M., Cluesman, S. R., Freeman, R. M., Kellam, K., De Stefano, C., Israel, K. & Pan, E., Sep 15 2022,
In : Frontiers in Public Health. 10, 916224.
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Education Using a Virtual Environment in Sexual-Minority Men of Color With HIV: Protocol for a Sequential, Mixed Method, Waitlist Randomized Controlled Trial
Ramos, S. R., Johnson, C., Melkus, G., Kershaw, T., Gwadz, M., Reynolds, H. & Vorderstrasse, A., May 1 2022,
In : JMIR Research Protocols. 11, 5, e38348.
Stopping, starting, and sustaining HIV antiretroviral therapy: a mixed-methods exploration among African American/Black and Latino long-term survivors of HIV in an urban context
Gwadz, M., Cleland, C. M., Freeman, R., Wilton, L., Collins, L. M., L. Hawkins, R., Ritchie, A. S., Leonard, N. R., Jonas, D. F., Korman, A., Cluesman, S., He, N. & Sherpa, D., Dec 2021,
In : BMC public health. 21, 1, 419.
Understanding Medical Distrust Among African American/Black and Latino Persons Living With HIV With Sub-Optimal Engagement Along the HIV Care Continuum: A Machine Learning Approach
He, N., Cleland, C. M., Gwadz, M., Sherpa, D., Ritchie, A. S., Martinez, B. Y. & Collins, L. M., Dec 2021,
In : SAGE Open. 11, 4.
Enhancing behavioral intervention science: Using community-based participatory research principles with the multiphase optimization strategy
Windsor, L. C., Benoit, E., Pinto, R. M., Gwadz, M. & Thompson, W., Aug 1 2021,
In : Translational Behavioral Medicine. 11, 8, p. 1596-1605
10 p.
African American/Black and Latino Adults with Detectable HIV Viral Load Evidence Substantial Risk for Polysubstance Substance Use and Co-occurring Problems: A Latent Class Analysis
Cleland, C. M., Gwadz, M., Collins, L. M., Wilton, L., Sherpa, D., Dorsen, C., Leonard, N. R., Cluesman, S. R., Martinez, B. Y., Ritchie, A. S. & Ayvazyan, M., Aug 2021,
In : AIDS and Behavior. 25, 8, p. 2501-2516
16 p.
Black and Latino Persons Living with HIV Evidence Risk and Resilience in the Context of COVID-19: A Mixed-Methods Study of the Early Phase of the Pandemic
Gwadz, M., Campos, S., Freeman, R., Cleland, C. M., Wilton, L., Sherpa, D., Ritchie, A. S., Hawkins, R. L., Allen, J. Y., Martinez, B. Y., Dorsen, C., Collins, L. M., Hroncich, T., Cluesman, S. R. & Leonard, N. R., May 2021,
In : AIDS and Behavior. 25, 5, p. 1340-1360
21 p.
The Treatment Ambassador Program: A Highly Acceptable and Feasible Community-Based Peer Intervention for South Africans Living with HIV Who Delay or Discontinue Antiretroviral Therapy
Katz, I. T., Bogart, L. M., Fitzmaurice, G. M., Staggs, V. S., Gwadz, M. V., Bassett, I. V., Cross, A., Courtney, I., Tsolekile, L., Panda, R., Steck, S., Bangsberg, D. R., Orrell, C. & Goggin, K., Apr 2021,
In : AIDS and Behavior. 25, 4, p. 1129-1143
15 p.
TRUST: Assessing the Efficacy of an Intervention to Increase HIV Self-Testing Among Young Black Men Who have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transwomen
for the TRUST Study Team, Apr 2021,
In : AIDS and Behavior. 25, 4, p. 1219-1235
17 p.
Forgetting to take HIV antiretroviral therapy: a qualitative exploration of medication adherence in the third decade of the HIV epidemic in the United States
Freeman, R., Gwadz, M., Francis, K. & Hoffeld, E., 2021,
In : Sahara J. 18, 1, p. 113-130
18 p.
Understanding long-term HIV survivorship among African American/Black and Latinx persons living with HIV in the United States: A qualitative exploration through the lens of symbolic violence
Freeman, R., Gwadz, M., Wilton, L., Collins, L. M., Dorsen, C., Hawkins, R. L., Silverman, E., Martinez, B. Y., Leonard, N. R., Applegate, A. & Cluesman, S., Aug 28 2020,
In : International Journal for Equity in Health. 19, 1, 146.
A panel discussion of the COVID-19 crisis with
Lewis, M. W., Grab, W., Gwadz, M., Kepler, A. B. & Krentzman, A. R., Jul 2 2020,
In : Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions. 20, 3, p. 240-247
8 p.
Methodological strategies to engage young black and Latino heterosexual couples in sexual and reproductive health research
Lanier, Y., Campo, A., Lavarin, C., Toussaint, A., Gwadz, M. & Guilamo-Ramos, V., May 4 2020,
In : BMC health services research. 20, 1, 375.
Adherence Self-Management and the Influence of Contextual Factors Among Emerging Adults With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Dunn Navarra, A. M., Whittemore, R., Bakken, S., Rosenberg, M. J., Gormley, M., Bethea, J., Gwadz, M., Cleland, C., Liang, E. & D'Eramo Melkus, G., May 1 2020,
In : Nursing research. 69, 3, p. 197-209
13 p.
Understanding Organizations Serving Runaway and Homeless Youth: A Multi-setting, Multi-perspective Qualitative Exploration
Gwadz, M., Freeman, R., Leonard, N. R., Kutnick, A., Silverman, E., Ritchie, A., Bolas, J., Cleland, C. M., Tabac, L., Hirsch, M. & Powlovich, J., Apr 15 2019,
In : Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal. 36, 2, p. 201-217
17 p.
“Like I Have No Choice”: A Qualitative Exploration of HIV Diagnosis and Medical Care Experiences While Incarcerated and Their Effects
Kutnick, A. H., Leonard, N. R. & Gwadz, M. V., Apr 3 2019,
In : Behavioral Medicine. 45, 2, p. 153-165
13 p.
Adherence connection for counseling, education, and support: Research protocol for a proof-of-concept study
Navarra, A. M. D., Gwadz, M. V., Bakken, S., Whittemore, R., Cleland, C. M. & Melkus, G. D. E., Mar 2019,
In : JMIR Research Protocols. 8, 3, e12543.
Perspectives on supervised injection facilities among service industry employees in New York City: A qualitative exploration
Wolfson-Stofko, B., Elliott, L., Bennett, A. S., Curtis, R. & Gwadz, M., Dec 2018,
In : International Journal of Drug Policy. 62, p. 67-73
7 p.
“Feeling confident and equipped”: Evaluating the acceptability and efficacy of an overdose response and naloxone administration intervention to service industry employees in New York City
Wolfson-Stofko, B., Gwadz, M. V., Elliott, L., Bennett, A. S. & Curtis, R., Nov 1 2018,
In : Drug and alcohol dependence. 192, p. 362-370
9 p.
Doing battle with "the monster:" How high-risk heterosexuals experience and successfully manage HIV stigma as a barrier to HIV testing
Gwadz, M., Leonard, N. R., Honig, S., Freeman, R., Kutnick, A. & Ritchie, A. S., Apr 20 2018,
In : International Journal for Equity in Health. 17, 1, 46.
Do Programs for Runaway and Homeless Youth Work? A Qualitative Exploration From the Perspectives of Youth Clients in Diverse Settings
Gwadz, M., Freeman, R. M., Kutnick, A. H., Silverman, E., Ritchie, A. S., Cleland, C. M., Leonard, N. R., Srinagesh, A., Powlovich, J. & Bolas, J., Apr 19 2018,
In : Frontiers in Public Health. 6, 112.
Perceived access and barriers to care among illicit drug users and hazardous drinkers: Findings from the Seek, Test, Treat, and Retain data harmonization initiative (STTR)
Matsuzaki, M., Vu, Q. M., Gwadz, M., Delaney, J. A. C., Kuo, I., Trejo, M. E. P., Cunningham, W. E., Cunningham, C. O. & Christopoulos, K., Mar 20 2018,
In : BMC public health. 18, 1, 366.
Cost-Effectiveness of Peer- Versus Venue-Based Approaches for Detecting Undiagnosed HIV Among Heterosexuals in High-Risk New York City Neighborhoods
Stevens, E. R., Nucifora, K. A., Zhou, Q., Braithwaite, R. S., Cleland, C. M., Ritchie, A. S., Kutnick, A. H. & Gwadz, M. V., Feb 1 2018,
In : Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 77, 2, p. 183-192
10 p.
Theoretically-based emotion regulation strategies using a mobile app and wearable sensor among homeless adolescent mothers: Acceptability and feasibility study
Leonard, N. R., Casarjian, B., Fletcher, R. R., Prata, C., Sherpa, D., Kelemen, A., Rajan, S., Salaam, R., Cleland, C. M. & Gwadz, M. V., Jan 2018,
In : JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting. 1, 1, e1.
Health Technology-Enabled Interventions for Adherence Support and Retention in Care Among US HIV-Infected Adolescents and Young Adults: An Integrative Review
Navarra, A. M. D., Gwadz, M. V., Whittemore, R., Bakken, S. R., Cleland, C. M., Burleson, W., Jacobs, S. K. & Melkus, G. D. E., Nov 1 2017,
In : AIDS and Behavior. 21, 11, p. 3154-3171
18 p.
“Coming From the Place of Walking with the Youth—that Feeds Everything”: A Mixed Methods Case Study of a Runaway and Homeless Youth Organization
Leonard, N. R., Freeman, R., Ritchie, A. S., Gwadz, M. V., Tabac, L., Dickson, V. V., Cleland, C. M., Bolas, J. & Hirsh, M., Oct 1 2017,
In : Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal. 34, 5, p. 443-459
17 p.
Syndemic Risk Classes and Substance Use Problems among Adults in High-Risk Urban Areas: A Latent Class Analysis
Cleland, C. M., Lanza, S. T., Vasilenko, S. A. & Gwadz, M., Sep 7 2017,
In : Frontiers in Public Health. 5, 237.
Staff Perspectives on a Tablet-Based Intervention to Increase HIV Testing in a High Volume, Urban Emergency Department
Aronson, I. D., Guarino, H., Bennett, A. S., Marsch, L. A., Gwadz, M., Cleland, C. M., Damschroder, L. & Bania, T. C., Jul 11 2017,
In : Frontiers in Public Health. 5, 170.
It’s a Process: Reactions to HIV Diagnosis and Engagement in HIV Care among High-Risk Heterosexuals
The BCAP Collaborative Research Team, May 10 2017,
In : Frontiers in Public Health. 5, 100.
Using the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) to optimize an HIV care continuum intervention for vulnerable populations: A study protocol
Gwadz, M. V., Collins, L. M., Cleland, C. M., Leonard, N. R., Wilton, L., Gandhi, M., Scott Braithwaite, R., Perlman, D. C., Kutnick, A. & Ritchie, A. S., May 4 2017,
In : BMC public health. 17, 1, 383.
Public health benefit of peer-referral strategies for detecting undiagnosed HIV infection among high-risk heterosexuals in New York City
Gwadz, M., Cleland, C. M., Perlman, D. C., Hagan, H., Jenness, S. M., Leonard, N. R., Ritchie, A. S. & Kutnick, A., Apr 15 2017,
In : Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 74, 5, p. 499-507
9 p.
Critical race theory as a tool for understanding poor engagement along the HIV care continuum among African American/Black and Hispanic persons living with HIV in the United States: A qualitative exploration
Freeman, R., Gwadz, M. V., Silverman, E., Kutnick, A., Leonard, N. R., Ritchie, A. S., Reed, J. & Martinez, B. Y., Mar 24 2017,
In : International Journal for Equity in Health. 16, 1, 54.
Understanding organizations for runaway and homeless youth: A multi-setting quantitative study of their characteristics and effects
Gwadz, M. V., Cleland, C. M., Leonard, N. R., Bolas, J., Ritchie, A. S., Tabac, L., Freeman, R., Silverman, E., Kutnick, A., Dickson, V. V., Hirsh, M. & Powlovich, J., Feb 1 2017,
In : Children and Youth Services Review. 73, p. 398-410
13 p.
Eliminating racial/ethnic disparities in AIDS clinical trials in the United States: A qualitative exploration of an efficacious social/behavioral intervention
Gwadz, M., Ritchie, A. S., Leonard, N., Cleland, C. M., de Guzman, R. & Perlman, D. C., 2017,
In : Journal of AIDS and Clinical Research. 8, 1.
Eliminating racial/ethnic disparities in HIV/AIDS clinical trials in the United States
Gwadz, M. & Ritchie, A. S., 2017.
Oxford Encyclopedia of Health and Risk Message Design and Processing.
Moving from crisis to independence: The characteristics, quality, and impact of specialized settings for runaway and homeless youth
Gwadz, M., Freeman, R., Cleland, C. M., Ritchie, A. S., Leonard, N., Hughes, C., Powlovich, J. & Schoenberg, J., 2017.
Factors Associated with Recent HIV Testing among Heterosexuals at High Risk for HIV Infection in New York City
Gwadz, M., Cleland, C. M., Kutnick, A., Leonard, N. R., Ritchie, A. S., Lynch, L., Banfield, A., McCright-Gill, T., del Olmo, M. & Martinez, B., Apr 27 2016,
In : Frontiers in Public Health. 4, 76.
Exploring How Substance Use Impedes Engagement along the HIV Care Continuum: A Qualitative Study
Gwadz, M., de Guzman, R., Freeman, R., Kutnick, A., Silverman, E., Leonard, N. R., Ritchie, A. S., Muñoz-Plaza, C., Salomon, N., Wolfe, H., Hilliard, C., Cleland, C. M. & Honig, S., Apr 8 2016,
In : Frontiers in Public Health. 4, 62.
Optimization of Multicomponent Behavioral and Biobehavioral Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS
Collins, L. M., Kugler, K. C. & Gwadz, M. V., Jan 1 2016,
In : AIDS and Behavior. 20, p. 197-214
18 p.
Exploring factors associated with recent HIV testing among heterosexuals at high risk for HIV infection recruited with venue-based sampling
Gwadz, M., Cleland, C. M., Jenness, S., Silverman, E., Hagan, H., Ritchie, A. S., Leonard, N., McCright-Gill, T., Martinez, B. Y., Swain, Q. L., Kutnick, A. & Sherpa, D., 2016,
In : Journal of AIDS and Clinical Research. 7, 2, p. 544
Strategies to uncover undiagnosed HIV infection among heterosexuals at high risk and link them to HIV care with high retention: A "seek, test, treat, and retain" study
BCAP Collaborative Research Team, Dec 12 2015,
In : BMC public health. 15, 1, 481.
Hybrid STTR intervention for heterosexuals using anonymous HIV testing and confidential linkage to care: A single arm exploratory trial using respondent-driven sampling
Gwadz, M., Cleland, C. M., Leonard, N. R., Kutnick, A., Ritchie, A. S., Banfield, A., Hagan, H., Perlman, D. C., McCright-Gill, T., Sherpa, D. & Martinez, B. Y., Nov 16 2015,
In : BMC public health. 15, 1, 1133.
Behavioral Intervention Improves Treatment Outcomes Among HIV-Infected Individuals Who Have Delayed, Declined, or Discontinued Antiretroviral Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Novel Intervention
Gwadz, M., Cleland, C. M., Applegate, E., Belkin, M., Gandhi, M., Salomon, N., Banfield, A., Leonard, N., Riedel, M., Wolfe, H., Pickens, I., Bolger, K., Bowens, D. S., Perlman, D. & Mildvan, D., Oct 14 2015,
In : AIDS and Behavior. 19, 10, p. 1801-1817
17 p.
Assertive communication in condom negotiation: Insights from late adolescent couples' subjective ratings of self and partner
Schmid, A., Leonard, N. R., Ritchie, A. S. & Gwadz, M. V., Jul 1 2015,
In : Journal of Adolescent Health. 57, 1, p. 94-99
6 p.
A multi-method exploration of chronic stress, coping and substance use among high school youth in private schools
Gwadz, M., Leonard, N., Ritchie, A. S., Linick, J., Cleland, C. M., Elliott, L. & Grethel, M., 2015,
In : Frontiers in Physiology. 6, 1028, p. 1-16
HIV Testing Patterns Among Urban YMSM of Color
Leonard, N. R., Rajan, S., Gwadz, M. V. & Aregbesola, T., Dec 24 2014,
In : Health Education and Behavior. 41, 6, p. 673-681
9 p.
ACT2 Peer-Driven Intervention Increases Enrollment into HIV/AIDS Medical Studies Among African Americans/Blacks and Hispanics: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Gwadz, M., Cleland, C. M., Belkin, M., Ritchie, A., Leonard, N., Riedel, M., Banfield, A., Colon, P., Elharrar, V., Kagan, J. & Mildvan, D., Dec 1 2014,
In : AIDS and Behavior. 18, 12, p. 2409-2422
14 p.
HIV-infected individuals who delay, decline, or discontinue antiretroviral therapy: Comparing clinic- and peer-recruited cohorts
The Heart to Heart Collaborative ResearchTeam, Jul 16 2014,
In : Frontiers in Public Health. 2, JUL, 81.
Mindfulness training improves attentional task performance in incarcerated youth: a group randomized controlled intervention trial
Leonard, N., Jha, A. P., Casarjian, B., Goolsarran, M., Garcia, C., Cleland, C. M., Gwadz, M. V. & Massey, Z., Nov 8 2013,
In : Frontiers in Psychology. 4.
Description of an efficacious behavioral peer-driven intervention to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in AIDS clinical trials
Leonard, N. R., Banfield, A., Riedel, M., Ritchie, A. S., Mildvan, D., Arredondo, G., Cleland, C. M. & Gwadz, M. V., Aug 2013,
In : Health Education Research. 28, 4, p. 574-590
17 p.
Theory, measurement and hard times: Some issues for HIV/AIDS research
Friedman, S. R., Sandoval, M., Mateu-Gelabert, P., Rossi, D., Gwadz, M., Dombrowski, K., Smyrnov, P., Vasylyeva, T., Pouget, E. R. & Perlman, D., Jul 2013,
In : AIDS and Behavior. 17, 6, p. 1915-1925
11 p.
Predictors of screening for AIDS clinical trials among African-Americans and Latino/Hispanics enrolled in an efficacious peer-driven intervention: Uncovering socio-demographic, health, and substance use-related factors that promote or impede screening
Gwadz, M., Cleland, C. M., Leonard, N. R., Ritchie, A. S., Banfield, A., Riedel, M., Colon, P. & Mildvan, D., Feb 2013,
In : AIDS and Behavior. 17, 2, p. 801-812
12 p.
The experience of screening for HIV/AIDS medical studies among African-American/black and latino/hispanic persons living with HIV/ AIDS: A mixed-methods exploration
Engel, S., Gwadz, M. V. & Cleland, C. M., 2013,
In : Journal of AIDS and Clinical Research. 4, 7, 223.
Ambulatory autonomic activity monitoring among at-risk adolescent mothers
Rajan, S., Leonard, N., Fletcher, R., Casarjian, B., Casarjian, R., Cisse, C. & Gwadz, M., Sep 2012,
In : Journal of Mobile Technology in Medicine., p. 25-31
Barriers and Facilitators in Implementing " Prevention for Positives" Alcohol-Reduction Support: The Perspectives of Directors and Providers in Hospital-Based HIV Care Centers
Strauss, S. M., Munoz-Plaza, C. E., Tiburcio, N. J. & Gwadz, M., Jan 2012,
In : Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. 23, 1, p. 30-40
11 p.
Pathways to substance use and abuse among homeless youth: Risk, resilience and implications for treatment
Gwadz, M., Gostnell, K., Leonard, N. & Ritchie, A. S., 2012.
Understanding and treating adolescent substance use disorders.
Kingston, NJ: Civic Research Institute, Inc.
Erratum: The effect of peer-driven intervention on rates of screening for AIDS clinical trials among African Americans and Hispanics (American Journal of Public Health (2011) 101:6 (1096-1102) DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2010.196048)
Gwadz, M. V., Leonard, N. R., Cleland, C. M., Riedel, M., Banfield, A. & Mildvan, D., Oct 1 2011,
In : American journal of public health. 101, 10, p. 1815
1 p.
The effect of peer-driven intervention on rates of screening for AIDS clinical trials among African Americans and Hispanics
Gwadz, M. V., Leonard, N. R., Cleland, C. M., Riedel, M., Banfield, A. & Mildvan, D., Jun 1 2011,
In : American journal of public health. 101, 6, p. 1096-1102
7 p.
Current and emerging research needs in studying the NYC HIV-drug Use epidemic
Deren, S., Hagan, H., Friedman, S., Des Jarlais, D. C., Perlman, D., Gwadz, M., Cleland, C., Osborne, A. & Lunievicz, J., Jan 10 2011,
In : Substance Use and Misuse. 46, 2-3, p. 316-319
4 p.
Increasing and supporting the participation of persons of color living with HIV/AIDS in AIDS clinical trials
Gwadz, M. V., Colon, P., Ritchie, A. S., Leonard, N. R., Cleland, C. M., Riedel, M., Bowens, D., Banfield, A. D., Chang, P., Quiles, R. & Mildvan, D., Nov 2010,
In : Current HIV/AIDS Reports. 7, 4, p. 194-200
7 p.
CDC HIV testing guidelines and the rapid and conventional testing practices of homeless youth
Gwadz, M. V., Cleland, C. M., Quiles, R., Nish, D., Welch, J., Michaels, L. S., Gonzalez, J. L., Ritchie, A. S. & Leonard, N. R., Aug 2010,
In : AIDS Education and Prevention. 22, 4, p. 312-327
16 p.
An exploratory behavioral intervention trial to improve rates of screening for AIDS clinical trials among racial/ethnic minority and female persons living with HIV/AIDS
Gwadz, M. V., Cylar, K., Leonard, N. R., Riedel, M., Herzog, N., Arredondo, G. N., Cleland, C. M., Aguirre, M., Marshak, A. & Mildvan, D., Jun 2010,
In : AIDS and Behavior. 14, 3, p. 639-648
10 p.
Application of the social action theory to understand factors associated with risky sexual behavior among individuals in residential substance abuse treatment
Reynolds, E. K., Magidson, J. F., Bornovalova, M. A., Gwadz, M., Ewart, C. K., Daughters, S. B. & Lejuez, C. W., Jun 2010,
In : Psychology of Addictive Behaviors. 24, 2, p. 311-321
11 p.
Increasing HIV prevention and care for injecting drug users
Jarlais, D. C. D., Arasteh, K. & Gwadz, M., 2010,
In : The Lancet. 375, 9719, p. 961-963
3 p.
Research note: Perspectives on the hierarchy of HIV and hepatitis C disease: Consequences for drug treatment program patients
Munoz-Plaza, C., Strauss, S. M., Tiburcio, N., Astone-Twerell, J. M., Des Jarlais, D. C., Gwadz, M., Hagan, H., Osborne, A. & Rosenblum, A., 2010,
In : Journal of Drug Issues. 40, 2, p. 517-536
20 p.
The initiation of homeless youth into the street economy
Gwadz, M. V., Gostnell, K., Smolenski, C., Willis, B., Nish, D., Nolan, T. C., Tharaken, M. & Ritchie, A. S., Apr 2009,
In : Journal of Adolescence. 32, 2, p. 357-377
21 p.
HIV care providers' implementation of routine alcohol reduction support for their patients
Strauss, S. M., Tiburcio, N. J., Munoz-Plaza, C., Gwadz, M., Lunievicz, J., Osborne, A., Padilla, D., Arias, M. M. C. & Norman, R., Mar 1 2009,
In : AIDS patient care and STDs. 23, 3, p. 211-218
8 p.
HIV care providers' role legitimacy as supporters of their patients' alcohol reduction
Strauss, S. M., Munoz-Plaza, C., Tiburcio, N. J., Maisto, S. A., Conigliaro, J., Gwadz, M., Lunievicz, J. & Norman, R., 2009,
In : Open Infectious Diseases Journal. 3, 1, p. 13-20
8 p.
Maternal substance use and HIV status: Adolescent risk and resilience
Leonard, N. R., Gwadz, M. V., Cleland, C. M., Vekaria, P. C. & Ferns, B., Jun 2008,
In : Journal of Adolescence. 31, 3, p. 389-405
17 p.
Behavioral interventions for HIV infected and uninfected mothers with problem drinking
Gwadz, M. V., Leonard, N. R., Cleland, C. M., Riedel, M., Arredondo, G. N., Wolfe, H., Hardcastle, E. & Morris, J., Feb 2008,
In : Addiction Research and Theory. 16, 1, p. 47-65
19 p.
Exploring drug users' attitudes and decisions regarding hepatitis C (HCV) treatment in the U.S.
Munoz-Plaza, C. E., Strauss, S., Astone-Twerell, J., Jarlais, D. D., Gwadz, M., Hagan, H., Osborne, A. & Rosenblum, A., Feb 2008,
In : International Journal of Drug Policy. 19, 1, p. 71-78
8 p.
Sensation seeking and risk-taking propensity as mediators in the relationship between childhood abuse and HIV-related risk behavior
Bornovalova, M. A., Gwadz, M. A., Kahler, C., Aklin, W. M. & Lejuez, C. W., Jan 2008,
In : Child Abuse and Neglect. 32, 1, p. 99-109
11 p.
Barriers and facilitators to undergoing hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing through drug treatment programs
Strauss, S. M., Munoz-Plaza, C., Tiburcio, N. J., Astone-Twerell, J., Des Jarlais, D. C., Gwadz, M., Hagan, H., Osborne, A. & Rosenblum, A., 2008,
In : Journal of Drug Issues. 38, 4, p. 1161-1185
25 p.
Description of a behavioral intervention to reduce substance use and related risk and increase positive parenting among urban mothers with alcohol and other drug problems
Leonard, N. R., Gwadz, M. V., Arredondo, G. N., Riedel, M., Rotko, L., Hardcastle, E. J. & Potere, J. C., Aug 2007,
In : Journal of Child and Family Studies. 16, 4, p. 531-544
14 p.
Physical and mental health functioning of urban HIV-infected and uninfected mothers with problem drinking
Leonard, N. R., Gwadz, M. V., Cleland, C. M., Rotko, L. & Gostnell, K., May 2007,
In : American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. 33, 3, p. 419-427
9 p.
Correlates of drug treatment program staff's self efficacy to support their clients' hepatitis C virus (HCV) related needs
Strauss, S. M., Astone-Twerell, J. M., Munoz-Plaza, C., Jarlais, D. C. D., Gwadz, M., Hagan, H., Osborne, A. & Rosenblum, A., Mar 2007,
In : American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. 33, 2, p. 245-251
7 p.
Reliability and validity of the youth version of the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART-Y) in the assessment of risk-taking behavior among inner-city adolescents
Lejuez, C. W., Aklin, W., Daughters, S., Zvolensky, M., Kahler, C. & Gwadz, M., Mar 2007,
In : Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. 36, 1, p. 106-111
6 p.
Gender differences in traumatic events and rates of post-traumatic stress disorder among homeless youth
Gwadz, M. V., Nish, D., Leonard, N. R. & Strauss, S. M., Feb 2007,
In : Journal of Adolescence. 30, 1, p. 117-129
13 p.
Drug treatment program patients' hepatitis C virus (HCV) education needs and their use of available HCV education services
Strauss, S. M., Astone-Twerell, J., Munoz-Plaza, C. E., Des Jarlais, D. C., Gwadz, M., Hagan, H., Osborne, A. & Rosenblum, A., 2007,
In : BMC health services research. 7, 39.
"I thought there was no hope for me": A behavioral intervention for urban mothers with problem drinking
de Guzman, R., Leonard, N. R., Gwadz, M. V., Young, R., Ritchie, A. S., Arredondo, G. & Riedel, M., Nov 2006,
In : Qualitative Health Research. 16, 9, p. 1252-1266
15 p.
Gender differences in attitudes toward AIDS clinical trials among urban HIV-infected individuals from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds
Gwadz, M. V., Leonard, N. R., Nakagawa, A., Cylar, K., Finkelstein, M., Herzog, N., Tharaken, M. & Mildvan, D., Oct 1 2006,
In : AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV. 18, 7, p. 786-794
9 p.
Hepatitis C knowledge among staff in U.S. drug treatment programs
Strauss, S. M., Astone-Twerell, J. M., Munoz-Plaza, C., Des Jarlais, D. C., Gwadz, M., Hagan, H., Osborne, A. & Rosenblum, A., 2006,
In : Journal of drug education. 36, 2, p. 141-158
18 p.
Religion and health among gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth: An empirical investigation and theoretical explanation
Gwadz, M., Rosario, M., Hunter, J. & Yali, A., 2006,
Sexual orientation and mental health: Examining identity and development in lesbian, gay, and bisexual people.
Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, p. 117-140
Resilience among urban young men who have sex with men
Gwadz, M., Clatts, M.C., Yi, H., Leonard, N.R., Goldsamt, L. & Lankenau, S., 2006,
In : Sexuality Research and Social Policy. 3, 1, p. 13-21
Homelessness and drug abuse among young men who have sex with men in New York city: A preliminary epidemiological trajectory
Clatts, M. C., Goldsamt, L., Yi, H. & Gwadz, M. V., Apr 2005,
In : Journal of Adolescence. 28, 2 SPEC. ISSS., p. 201-214
14 p.
Featured Research Project
The Heart to Heart 2 Project
As noted above, Dr. Gwadz is Co-Principal Investigator on a $5.8 million National Institute of Drug Abuse-funded study (R01DA040480) using the multiphase optimization strategy framework (MOST) to optimize an intervention for vulnerable populations living with HIV. The five-year study aims to develop a highly efficacious, efficient, scalable, and cost-effective intervention to foster engagement along the HIV care continuum for Black and Latino PLWH who rarely attend HIV primary care appointments and are not taking HIV antiretroviral therapy.
Funded Projects
Using the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) to optimize an intervention to increase COVID-19 testing for Black and Latino/Hispanic frontline essential workers
The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities has awarded Dr. Marya Gwadz a two-year, $2.3 million grant to use the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) framework to optimize an intervention to address the challenge of insufficient COVID-19 testing among Black and Latino/Hispanic (BLH) frontline essential workers (FEW). The project is a multidisciplinary research collaboration between NYU Silver, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC), a large community-based organization founded in 1979 that operates under a settlement house model to address the needs of vulnerable and under-served communities.
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Advancing knowledge on factors that promote or impede engagement along the HIV care continuum over time: A longitudinal mixed methods study of Black and Latinx youth/emerging adults living with HIV
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has awarded Dr. Marya Gwadz and Binghamton University Professor Dr. Leo Wilton a four-year, $3.1 million, Multiple Principal Investigator grant for “Advancing knowledge on factors that promote or impede engagement along the HIV care continuum over time: A longitudinal mixed methods study of Black and Latinx youth/emerging adults living with HIV”. The study seeks to understand specific factors that promote or impede behaviors that comprise engagement along the HIV care continuum (HCC) and how they operate and interplay over time among African American/Black and Latinx (AABL) youth and emerging adults living with HIV (YEA-LWH).
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