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Our Research

We conduct interdisciplinary, community-engaged research that uses implementation science frameworks, social epidemiology theories, and mixed methods to improv eaging and chronic disease outcomes in populations that have been historically underserved in health care research

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Aging in Communities Facing Health Disparities

Aging in Communities Facing Health Disparities

We study cognitive aging, polypharmacy, and caregiving in communities shaped by structural inequities. Our work examines how medications affect cognition in older adults and how social determinants intersect with dementia risk and care.

Funded Projects:

  • Dementia Awareness & Screening in South Asians via Community Health Workers (TARCC)

  • Wellness Needs of Black and South Asian Sandwich Generation Caregivers (UNTHSC CPH Pilot)

  • Cognitive Impairment in Older Asian Indians (UNTHSC ESI Pilot)

  • Deprescribing for Older Latinx Adults with Multimorbidity (NIA, U.S. Deprescribing Research Network)

Immigrant Health

Immigrant Health

We study the health of immigrant communities in the U.S., with a focus on South Asians, examining acculturation stress, social isolation, dementia perceptions, and chronic disease risk.

Funded Projects:

  • South Asian Community Health Ambassador Program for Type II Diabetes (NIH/NHLBI, Texas CEAL)

  • Social Isolation, Acculturation Stress, and Cognitive Function in Older Asian Indians (NIMHD, Texas Center for Health Disparities)

HIV and Aging

HIV and Aging

We study how people aging with HIV experience cognitive decline, cardiovascular risk, multimorbidity, and social isolation, drawing on the Malaysian HIV and Aging (MHIVA) study and U.S.-based collaborations.

Funded Projects:

  • Peer-led Type II Diabetes Self-Management Program for Older Adults Living with HIV (Gilead HIV Scholars Award)

  • South Central AIDS Education and Training Center (HRSA)

  • Neurocognitive Impairment in People Living with HIV in Malaysia (Fogarty/NINDS)

Our Publications

  • Neelamegam, M., Patil, S., Nhpang, R. S., Hwang, J., Yeh, Y. S., Kline, N., & Griner, S. B. (2026). Exploring dementia awareness, beliefs, and attitudes among Asian Indian immigrants in the United States. Ethnicity & Disease. Manuscript accepted for publication.

    Griner, S. B., Digbeu, B., Farris, A. N., Williams, B., Neelamegam, M., Thompson, E. L., & Kuo, Y.-F. (2025). Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers in Texas: Examining incidence rates in dental health professional shortage areas. Cancer Causes & Control, 36, 509-520. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-024-01954-5

    Carrion, I. V., Neelamegam, M., Lewinson, T. D., Polonio, K. I., & Bonano, C. (2022). Words of wisdom from older immigrant Latino/as with cancer. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 9, Article 357. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-022-01375-2

    Carrion, I. V., Neelamegam, M., Estape, T., Doering, T., Snyder, O., Tollinchi, E., & Estape, J. (2022). Cancer prevention and diagnosis knowledge among Spanish-speaking older Latino/as residing in Tampa, Florida. Ethnicity & Disease, 32(3), 185-192. https://doi.org/10.18865/ed.32.3.185

    Estape, T., Carrion, I. V., Estape, J., & Neelamegam, M. (2020). Exploring the knowledge and attitudes about cancer of older adults in Barcelona, Spain. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology Research and Practice, 2(1), Article e16. https://doi.org/10.1097/OR9.0000000000000016

    Yiengprugsawan, V., Healy, J., Kendig, H., Neelamegam, M., Karunapema, P., & Kasemsup, V. (2017). Reorienting health services to people with chronic health conditions: Diabetes and stroke services in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Health Systems & Reform, 3(3), 171-181. https://doi.org/10.1080/23288604.2017.1356428

    Neelamegam, M., Looi, I., Ng, K. S., & Malavade, S. S. (2017). Vitamin E supplementation for preventing recurrent stroke and other vascular events in patients with stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010797

    Neelamegam, M., Looi, I., Cheah, W. K., Narayanan, P., Hamid, A. M. A., & Ong, L. M. (2013). Stroke incidence in the South West District of Penang Island, Malaysia: PEARLs: Penang Acute Stroke Research Longitudinal Study. Preventive Medicine, 57(Suppl.), S77-S79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.12.022

  • Rajasuriar, R., Hisham, S., Lim, J. S., Cheong, J. Y., Ho, W. Y., Yap, S. H., Zulhaimi, N. S., Neelamegam, M., Cheung, C., Wong, V., & Yusof, R. C. (2025). Assessing intrinsic capacity for person-centred HIV care: A cross-sectional study in ageing populations in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Journal of the International AIDS Society, 28(1), e26404. https://doi.org/10.1002/jia2.26404

    Ho, W. Y., Neelamegam, M., Earnshaw, V. A., Chong, V., Lee, H. G., & Rajasuriar, R. (2024). Poor HIV-related knowledge, perceived risks and attitudes among urban-dwelling Malaysian older adults: Key barriers to zero HIV transmission by 2030. AIDS and Behavior, 28(5), 1601-1611. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04272-8

    Wong, H. Y., Pui Li, W., Abdul Kahar, M. K. B., Chong, M. L., Shenoi, S., Rozanova, J., Syed Omar, S. F., Neelamegam, M., Lee, Y. K., & Rajasuriar, R. (2024). Causes, risks and care circumstances associated with death in older adults diagnosed with HIV in a tertiary centre in Malaysia. International Journal of STD & AIDS, 35(9), 710-720. https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624241250378

    Wong, H. Y., Pui Li, W., Abdul Kahar, M. K. B., Chong, M. L., Shenoi, S., Rozanova, J., Syed Omar, S. F., Neelamegam, M., Lee, Y. K., & Rajasuriar, R. (2024). Causes, risks and care circumstances associated with death in older adults diagnosed with HIV in a tertiary centre in Malaysia. International Journal of STD & AIDS, 35(9), 710-720. https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624241250378

    Neelamegam, M., Nawi, N., Bashah, N. S. A., Hwei, Y. S., Zulhaimi, N. S., Kamarulzaman, A., Kamaruzzaman, S. B., Ramli, N., & Rajasuriar, R. (2023). Significant loss of retinal nerve fibre layer and contrast sensitivity in people with well controlled HIV disease: Implications for aging with HIV. Frontiers in Ophthalmology, 3, 1251126. https://doi.org/10.3389/fopht.2023.1251126

    Wong, H. Y., Wong, P. L., Bador, M. K., Chong, M. L., Shenoi, S., Rozanova, J., Omar, S. F., Neelamegam, M., Lee, Y. K., & Rajasuriar, R. (2023). Poor HIV-related outcomes in older adults newly diagnosed with HIV: A four-year retrospective analysis from a single site in Asia. JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 93(1), 64-72. https://doi.org/10.1097/QAI.0000000000003169

    Ahmad, A., Neelamegam, M., & Rajasuriar, R. (2020). Ageing with HIV: Health implications and evolving care needs. Journal of the International AIDS Society, 23(9), e25621. https://doi.org/10.1002/jia2.25621

  • Neelamegam, M., Espinoza, A. M., Fulda, K. G., Young, R. A., Nhpang, R. S., Patil, S., Gurses, A. P., Hendrix, Z. N., White, A., Pitts, S. I., & Xiao, Y. (2026). Exploring primary care providers' perspectives on medication review and management through telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Patient Safety, 22(1), 31-37. https://doi.org/10.1097/PTS.0000000000001410

    Neelamegam, M., Zgibor, J., Chen, H., O'Rourke, K., Bakour, C., Rajaram, L., & Anstey, K. J. (2021). The effect of opioids on the cognitive function of older adults: Results from the Personality and Total Health through life study. Age and Ageing, 50(5), 1699-1708. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afab048

    Neelamegam, M., Zgibor, J., Chen, H., O'Rourke, K., Bakour, C., Rajaram, L., & Anstey, K. J. (2021). Trends in anticholinergic and opioid dispensing in older adults from 2004 to 2015: Results from the Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life Study. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 40(2), e173-e177. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12915

    Neelamegam, M., Zgibor, J., Chen, H., O'Rourke, K., Bakour, C., Rajaram, L., & Anstey, K. J. (2020). The effect of cumulative anticholinergic use on the cognitive function of older adults: Results from the Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life Study. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 75(9), 1706-1714. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glaa145

  • Smith, M. L., Southerland, J. L., Neelamegam, M., Han, G., Lee, S., Kew, C. L., Bacsu, J. D. R., Couch, E., Kim, S. M., Brown, M. J., Malatyali, A., Wilson, L., Rahemi, Z., Holloway, J., & Ory, M. G. (2025). Caregiving burdens of task time and task difficulty among paid and unpaid caregivers of persons living with dementia. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1615187. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1615187

    Smith, M. L., Lee, S., Neelamegam, M., Vollmer Dahlke, D., Southerland, J. L., Baker, Z. G., Ma, K. P. K., Petrovsky, D. V., Rahemi, Z., Sefcik, J. S., Bacsu, J. D. R., Kew, C. L., & Ory, M. G. (2025). Perceived technology usefulness for caregiving among unpaid caregivers: A national cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1578701. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1578701

    Yoo-Jeong, M., Steinman, L. E., Nguyen, A. L., Neelamegam, M., Merianos, A. L., Boolani, A., Ory, M. G., Udoh, I., & Smith, M. L. (2025). Social disconnectedness and depressive symptoms across age groups: Findings from a non-probability sample of employed U.S. adults. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1716553. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1716553

    Nhpang, R., Patil, S., & Neelamegam, M. (2025). Mental health and well-being among Asian Americans: Insights from a 2023 national survey. BCPHR, Spring 2025(90).

    Patil, S., Balasundaram, R., Nhpang, R., & Neelamegam, M. (2025). Mindfulness and healthcare spending among non-Hispanic Black older adults: A stratified analysis of the Health and Retirement Study. BCPHR, Spring 2025(90).

  • Ali, S., Neelamegam, M., Griner, S. B., Webb, N., & Kline, N. (2025). Understanding COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy in Latinx sexual and gender minority people in North Texas. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-025-10395-6

    Griner, S. B., Farris, A. N., Kline, N., Neelamegam, M., Cotter, J. C., Nhpang, R. S., Dickinson, C., & Thompson, E. L. (2025). An analysis of dental hygienists' practices and perceptions toward HPV vaccination. Journal of Cancer Education. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-025-02702-2

    Griner, S. B., Farris, A. N., Johnson, K. C., Akpan, I. N., Alkhatib, S., Chirayil, A. T., Dewitt, H. N., & Neelamegam, M. (2024). Confidence in sexual health communication by gender identity and sexual orientation among college students. Harvard Public Health Review, 82. https://doi.org/10.54111/0001/DDDD7

    Griner, S. B., Barnett, T. E., Johnson, K. C., Kinard, A., Brosnan, A., & Neelamegam, M. (2024). Direct-to-consumer STI screening information: Mental health providers as a dissemination channel. Harvard Public Health Review, 84. https://doi.org/10.54111/0001/DDDD1

    Griner, S. B., Johnson, K., Kinard, A., Kline, N., Lemuz, T., & Neelamegam, M. (2024). Chlamydia and gonorrhea vaccines: Acceptability and barriers among sexual and gender minority young adults. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Advance online publication.

    Griner, S. B., Neelamegam, M., Kline, N., Cotter, J. C., Dickinson, C., Farris, A. N., & Thompson, E. L. (2025). Assessing a continuing education course for dental hygienists to improve HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge and self-efficacy. Journal of Cancer Education, 40(1), 23-29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-024-02462-5

    Mendez, A. D., Neelamegam, M., & Griner, S. B. (2023). Health care provider discussions regarding HIV/sexually transmitted infection risk factors and associations with HIV/sexually transmitted infection screening among men. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 52(5), 2111-2121. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02629-z

    Griner, S. B., Johnson, K. C., Neelamegam, M., Webb, N. J., Kinard, A., & Kline, N. (2023). Direct-to-consumer sexually transmitted infection screening methods: Preferred communication sources and channels among young adult women. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 50(9), 619-624. https://doi.org/10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001829

    Estrada, A., Mendez, A. D., Webb, N., Boateng, S., Balasundaram, R., Neelamegam, M., & Griner, S. B. (2023). Reducing sexually transmitted infections in Texas by improving sex education in Texas public schools. Texas Public Health Journal, 75(1), 16-19.

    Kline, N. S., Griner, S. B., Neelamegam, M., Webb, N. J., Morales, J. J., & Rhodes, S. D. (2022). Responding to "Don't Say Gay" laws in the U.S.: Research priorities and considerations for health equity. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 19(4), 1397-1402. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-022-00773-0

    Rapkin, R. B., Griner, S. B., Godcharles, C. L., Vamos, C. A., Neelamegam, M., Thompson, E. L., & Daley, E. M. (2019). Obstetrics and gynecology and family medicine residents' training and knowledge on emergency contraception. Journal of Women's Health, 28(6), 794-801. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2018.7297

    Walker, K. K., Jackson, R. D., Sommariva, S., Neelamegam, M., & Desch, J. (2019). USA dental health providers' role in HPV vaccine communication and HPV-OPC protection: A systematic review. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 15(7-8), 1863-1869. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2018.1558690

  • Griner, S. B., Neelamegam, M., Kinard, A., Johnson, K., Lemuz, T., & Brosnan, A. (2026). Prenatal chlamydia screening guidelines: Awareness, adoption, and acceptability. Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice, 34(2), e1593. https://doi.org/10.1097/IPC.0000000000001533

    Griner, S. B., Neelamegam, M., Johnson, K., Kinard, A., Farris, A. N., Brosnan, A., & Nelsen, M. (2025). Awareness, acceptability, and adoption of prenatal syphilis screening guidelines. Journal of Women's Health, 34(11), 1357-1364. https://doi.org/10.1177/15409996251382057

    Kline, N., Griner, S. B., Neelamegam, M., Webb, N., Veeramachaneni, S., Morris-Harris, D., Carlo, J., Guadian, J., & Dunlap, B. (2025). Academic institutional barriers and facilitators to community-based participatory research. Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action, 19(2), 213-218. https://doi.org/10.1353/cpr.2025.a965358

    Ali, S., Griner, S. B., Neelamegam, M., Fogle, S., & Kline, N. (2025). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Latinx individuals in North Texas: Understandings from a community study. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 21(1), 2597107. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2025.2597107

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