HPV, vaccination, contraception, Women’s health

https://www.unthsc.edu/school-of-public-health/dr-erika-l-thompson/

https://www.unthsc.edu/school-of-public-health/hpv-chat/

My research interests address sexual and reproductive health, and maternal and child health issues. Most of my research is centered on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and prevention. HPV prevention is critical for reducing cancer morbidity and mortality, specifically cervical, anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. Using mixed-methods approaches, I have examined HPV vaccine decision-making among adults, reasons for non-vaccination among parents, school-entry policies, and alternative health care providers and settings for HPV prevention. Similarly, I study reproductive health issues, such as contraceptive needs and access among women experiencing homelessness. Finally, my work involves examining social determinants for maternal and child health issues in our community, such as housing insecurity, early childhood education and violence.

In addition to my primary areas of research, I am involved in interdisciplinary national initiatives through HSC’s Institute for Health Disparities. I am the Multiple PI for the NIH-funded Texas Community Engaged Alliance (CEAL) Consortium. I am also a Co-Investigator for NIH-funded National Research Mentoring Network Resource Center and the AIM-AHEAD Consortium. My collaboration in this space aims to promote health equity through diversifying the biomedical workforce and engaging the community in developing sustainable solutions.

Social Behavioral Sciences, Mixed methods, Evaluation