About

Dr. Farzana Kapadia is a Professor of Epidemiology and Population Health at the NYU School of Global Public Health and at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Population Health. She is also affiliated with the Institute of Human Development and Social Change and the Population Center at NYU. Her research interests focus on understanding the social and structural drivers of HIV/STIs and sexual and reproductive health outcomes in underserved and marginalized populations. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kapadia has designed, developed, and implemented observational studies and HIV/STI intervention and prevention trials in urban settings both in the United States and in Africa, specifically Ghana and Kenya. She is passionate about teaching and mentoring, instructing core epidemiology courses for incoming MPH students, as well as specialized courses such as Intermediate Epidemiology, Outbreak Epidemiology, and an HIV-related course at NYU London. Her overarching goal in teaching is to train students to become critical and creative epidemiologists and public health practitioners who advocate for inclusive solutions to public health challenges. Dr. Kapadia serves as the Deputy Editor for the American Journal of Public Health and has received multiple awards, including the Excellence in Public Health Faculty Award from NYU and the Steinhardt Goddard Award. Her research encompasses behavioral determinants of health, social epidemiology, HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and social behaviors, contributing significantly to the understanding of health disparities and social determinants affecting marginalized populations.

Research topics

• Political Science
• Medicine
• Gerontology
• Demography
• Environmental health
• Family medicine
• Psychiatry
• Internal medicine
• Law
• Psychology
• Immunology

Selected publications

• Cancer Screening Behaviors among People with HIV in the United States and the Role of Multi-Level Social and Economic Factors: A Systematic Review

  Current Epidemiology Reports · 2026-01-17

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• P-323. Examining Preliminary Adherence to Long-Acting Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) among Racial, Sexual, and Gender Minority Populations at NYC Health+Hospitals/Bellevue: The EquiPrEP Study

  Open Forum Infectious Diseases · 2026-01-01

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Background The EquiPrEP study examines the effectiveness of equitable LAI-PrEP implementation in collaboration with community-based organizations (CBO) for populations with low PrEP use and high risk of HIV incidence, including Black/Latine cisgender men who have sex with men (BLMSM), Black/Latine cisgender women (BLCGW), and transgender/nonbinary persons (TGNB). Here, we present 6-month preliminary adherence outcomes and reasons for LAI-PrEP discontinuation.Table 1:Descriptive statistics of EquiPrEP participants comparing fully adherent to not fully adherentTable 1(Continued): Descriptive statistics of EquiPrEP participants comparing fully adherent to not fully adherent Methods Data were collected between 2/2023-12/2024 at Bellevue Hospital Pride clinic within NYC Health+Hospitals, the largest public hospital system in the US. Patients included were:18yo, HIV-seronegative, and identified as BLMSM, BLCGW, or TGNB. Baseline and follow-up surveys collected information on socio-demographics, prior PrEP status, referral source and reason for LAI-PrEP discontinuation. Full adherence was defined as all injections occurring on-time within 6 month follow up. On-time injections were defined as the initial 2 doses occurring 4 weeks apart and follow up injections every 8 weeks (+/- 7 days). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize LAI-PrEP adherence and nonadherence.Table 2:EquiPrEP participants who were not fully adherent by different categories of adherence Results Of 110 participants enrolled who had 6-months of follow-up data, 60.9% (n=67) were fully adherent and 39.1% (n=43) were not fully adherent. Participants who were BLMSM, Black CGW or NB, on Medicaid, employed full/part-time, using any prior form of PrEP, or an existing patient at Bellevue/referred from a community based organization were more likely to be fully adherent (Table 1). Of those not fully adherent, 15.5% (n=17) continued on LAI-PrEP over 6 months, 7.3% (n=8) switched to oral PrEP, 3.6% (n=4) discontinued all PrEP, and 12.7% (n=14) were lost to follow up. Conclusion Over 83% of participants were either fully adherent, continued on LAI-PrEP, or switched to oral PrEP over 6 months, demonstrating the potential for successful implementation of overall PrEP coverage for priority populations to reduce HIV vulnerability in partnership with CBOs. Participants discontinuing all PrEP or lost to follow up likely need enhanced support to decrease structural barriers to adherence. Future studies should focus on long-term sustainability of LAI-PrEP adherence. Disclosures Ofole Mgbako, MD, MS, Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant Emma Kaplan-Lewis, MD, gilead: Grant/Research Support Robert Pitts, MD MPH, Gilead Inc: Advisor/Consultant|ViiV: Advisor/Consultant

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The Mediating Role of Frailty in Healthcare Utilization Among Sexual and Gender Minorities: A Comparison of Generalist, Specialist, and Mental Health Visits

  Journal of Applied Gerontology · 2026-01-24

  articleOpen access

  This study examined whether frailty mediates the relationship between sexual and gender minority (SGM) status and three types of outpatient healthcare utilization among adults aged 50 and older in the All of Us Research Program (2017–2022). We estimated controlled direct effects of SGM status across generalist, specialist, and mental health visits. Healthcare utilization and SGM status were self-reported, and frailty was measured using a survey-based deficit accumulation index. Both SGM status and frailty were independently associated with increased rates of all outpatient visit types. Regarding mediation, our results suggest that if all participants were robust, SGM adults would still have higher healthcare utilization compared to cisgender heterosexual older adults. This indicates that factors beyond frailty influence patterns of healthcare use in this population and highlights the importance of identifying additional determinants to ensure that older SGM adults receive appropriate and responsive care.

  PublisherDOI

• P-329. Leveraging Hospital-Community Partnerships to Support Equitable Access and Adherence to Long-acting Injectable PrEP (LAI-PrEP) at a NYC Safety-Net Hospital: Findings from the EquiPrEP Study

  Open Forum Infectious Diseases · 2026-01-01

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Background LAI-PrEP requires innovative strategies to increase access to underserved communities and support adherence. EquiPrEP is an implementation science study launched at a NYC municipal hospital in partnership with 4 community-based organizations (CBOs). We developed collaboratively a bi-directional referral process to link CBO clients to LAI-PrEP and to connect patients to CBOs for health-related social needs. We describe the CBO/clinic referral model, 6-month adherence for patients referred from CBOs, and results from interviews with CBO staff to evaluate this partnership. Methods From 02/2023 – 12/2024, referral source, enrollment status, and adherence at 6-months (defined as on-time injections +/- 7 days) were collected among participants at baseline and follow up. In-depth interviews were conducted among 9 CBO staff (case managers, navigators, and director of client services) involved in referral processes and analyzed by 2 qualitative experts for barriers and facilitators to LAI-PrEP access and adherence. Results Figure 1 illustrates the bidirectional referral process. CBOs referred 28 individuals, 61% (n=17) enrolled into EquiPrEP and initiated LAI-PrEP, the 11 individuals referred but not enrolled were offered routine clinical care. Of those enrolled, 71% (n=12) were fully adherent to LAI-PrEP at 6-months. CBO staff identified the following factors as key to facilitating LAI-PrEP initiation and adherence: (1) provision of comprehensive primary and sexual health services in addition to LAI-PrEP for HIV prevention, (2) provision of services in Spanish, and (3) a welcoming and proactive clinic staff that creates an environment fostering trust and inclusion. Major barriers identified by CBO staff include: (1) lack of proximity of the hospital to CBOs, (2) cost of LAI-PrEP, (3) CBO staff turnover, (4) communication challenges, and (5) prolonged wait-time for initial appointment (Table 1 & 2). Conclusion The support to patients/clients is strengthened by availability of bi-directional referrals to clinical and support services through a coordinated, mutually beneficial partnership. Healthcare systems should continue to invest resources to improve the ability for CBOs and clinics to collaborate and support HIV prevention as part of comprehensive sexual health care. Disclosures Robert Pitts, MD MPH, Gilead Inc: Advisor/Consultant|ViiV: Advisor/Consultant Ofole Mgbako, MD, MS, Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant Emma Kaplan-Lewis, MD, gilead: Grant/Research Support

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• P-308. Understanding Recruitment into a Long-acting Injectable Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Trial: Lessons Learned to Enhance Equity and Optimize Engagement of Underserved Groups

  Open Forum Infectious Diseases · 2026-01-01

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Background Inequitable uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), including long-acting injectable PrEP (LAI-PrEP), persists among Black or Hispanic/Latine cisgender men who have sex with men (BLMSM) and cisgender women (BLCGW), and transgender or non-binary (TGNB) persons. Here we describe recruitment efforts and evaluate their success at optimizing representation of these groups in a LAI-PrEP implementation study.Figure 1:Comparison Patients Eligible for PrEP and Those Recruited for EquiPrEP, an Equity-based, LAI-PrEP Implementation project, NYC, NY, 2023-2024. Methods EquiPrEP is an implementation study of uptake and adherence to LAI-PrEP in BLMSM, BLCGW, and TGNB who were >/= 18yo and HIV-seronegative conducted at a municipal hospital in New York City. Hospital-based recruitment and enrollment was conducted between 2/2023-6/2024. Descriptive statistics were employed to compare EquiPrEP recruitment and enrollment to patients who were identified as PrEP-eligible during the same period, using CDC criteria for PrEP eligibility. Results During the EquiPrEP study period, n=205 patients were screened for eligibility and n=129 were enrolled with the goal of equally enrolling one-third of participants in each group. A total of n=2856 patients were identified as PrEP-eligible during the same time-period. Comparisons of these eligible to those screened and enrolled in EquiPrEP identified differences by sexual orientation and gender identity. Specifically, participants screened for EquiPrEP consisted of a greater proportion of persons who identified as L/G/B (46.8% vs 5.6%), bisexual (18% vs. 2.2%), cisgender men (55.1% vs. 20.2%), TG (9.8% and 3.4% vs. 0.6% and 0.1%). Further, compared to those eligible (72.6%), only 26.8% of cisgender women were screened for EquiPrEP. Finally, the proportions of patients PrEP eligible compared to those enrolled were comparable across all race/ethnicities. Comparisons between those screened vs. enrolled indicate similar reach. Conclusion EquiPrEP enrollment goals for recruitment and enrollment by race/ethnicity were achieved, reflecting local demographic characteristics of this hospital setting. However, additional work to eliminate barriers to enrollment among female/cisgender and TG/NB are still required in order to optimize equitable engagement in LAI-PrEP for all people who can benefit from this HIV prevention strategy. Disclosures Emma Kaplan-Lewis, MD, gilead: Grant/Research Support Ofole Mgbako, MD, MS, Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant Robert Pitts, MD MPH, Gilead Inc: Advisor/Consultant|ViiV: Advisor/Consultant

  PublisherDOI

• Defining methodologic and other core competencies for PhD-level training in epidemiology

  American Journal of Epidemiology · 2025-04-07

  article

  In this manuscript, we present the results of a series of workshops convened in conjunction with the 2023 Society for Epidemiologic Research annual meeting. The overall objective of the workshops was to develop a set of core competencies for PhD students in epidemiology. The topics presented in the list of competencies are organized using a framework similar to many graduate programs in epidemiology, proceeding from basic to advanced topics. Given the breadth of substantive topics in the fields of epidemiology and public health, this list of competencies focuses on methodologic topics that are relevant to all students, regardless of research interest. The final topic lists were developed based on discussions including a large and diverse group of epidemiologists with different areas of expertise. By creating this resource, we aim to facilitate training of future generations of epidemiologists.

  PublisherDOI

• Expanding PrEP Access by Embedding Unannounced SNAPS Navigators in High STI Testing Clinical Sites

  AIDS and Behavior · 2025-09-08

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Sex-Based Disparities in Health Outcomes and Pandemic-Related Stressors Among Persons with Substance Use Disorders: Findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2021

  Substance Use & Misuse · 2025-08-04

  articleSenior author

  The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare access and exacerbated health disparities, particularly among persons with a substance use disorder (SUD). Research on gender and sex-based disparities in health outcomes among people with SUDs is warranted, especially following periods of economic and social shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study is to examine sex-based differences in health outcomes and pandemic-related stressors among US adults with past-year SUD following the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were used to examine past-year sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnoses, emergency department visits, overnight hospital stays, serious psychological distress, and unmet mental health needs among those with SUDs. Pandemic-related stressors included frequency of serious financial worries, mental health impacts, changes to substance use, and health care access challenges. Weighted prevalence estimates for sociodemographics, SUD-type, and outcomes were calculated by sex. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted prevalence odds ratios. Female persons with SUDs had higher odds of adverse health outcomes-including past-year STI diagnosis (AOR = 2.00; 95%CI:1.25-3.20) and serious psychological distress (AOR = 2.06; 95%CI:1.72-2.47)-as well as higher odds of experiencing pandemic-related stressors including frequent, serious financial worries (AOR = 1.31; 95%CI:1.09-1.57) and increased alcohol use due to the pandemic (AOR = 1.51; 95%CI:1.23-1.85) compared to male persons. Following the initial waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, female persons with SUDs experienced disproportionate adverse health and pandemic-related impacts. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address health and social vulnerabilities exacerbated by large-scale crises.

  PublisherDOI

• The Escalating War on Immigrants Is a Public Health Crisis

  American Journal of Public Health · 2025-07-09 · 1 citations

  editorialOpen accessSenior author
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Tracking Sexually Transmitted Infections among Cisgender Women Seeking Care at an Urban Safety-Net Hospital to Identify HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Candidates

  Journal of Urban Health · 2025-12-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Recent grants

• Application of a syndemic framework to HPV and HSV infection in emergent adult men

  NIH · $584k · 2015–2017

• Application of a syndemic framework to HPV and HSV infection in emergent adult men

  NIH · $2.3M · 2017–2022

Frequent coauthors

• Perry N. Halkitis

  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  158 shared

• Richard E. Greene

  New York University

  45 shared

• Paul A. D’Avanzo

  Temple University

  40 shared

• Kristen D. Krause

  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  33 shared

• Antonio Urbina

  Universidad Publica de Navarra

  31 shared

• Kalvin Yu

  Becton Dickinson (United States)

  29 shared

• Danielle C. Ompad

  27 shared

• Leigh Nesheiwat

  NYU Langone Health

  25 shared

Awards & honors

• Excellence in Public Health Faculty Award, New York Universi…
• Goddard Award, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and H…
• Community Collaborative Award, Steinhardt School of Culture,…
• Elected Member, American College of Epidemiology (2007)