Azizi Seixas
Biographic Data
| ID | 117315 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Azizi Seixas |
| GIVEN NAMES | Azizi |
| FAMILY NAME | Seixas |
| SIGNATURE | SEIXAS A |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Miami |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-0843-2679 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 26 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 6 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 26 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2014 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
Reintegrating the Human in Health
Modern healthcare remains structurally and conceptually fragmented, with profound clinical and policy implications. At its root lies an ontological fracture: the prevailing biomedical model reduces patients to discrete biological systems (organs, biomarkers, and symptoms) detached from the psychological, social, and ecological contexts in which health and illness are experienced. This is compounded by epistemological fragmentation, where medical …
Rural health research in the 21st century
Rural health research, fundamental to US public health, has faced significant challenges including inconsistencies in defining rural areas, methodological constraints in studying dispersed populations, and complex social and cultural factors.1, 2 This commentary reexamines these enduring issues and proposes innovative solutions leveraging digital technologies. While acknowledging the potential of these technological approaches, we also address ba…
Cardiovascular disease risk
Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Despite the complexity of cardiovascular disease etiology, we do not fully comprehend the interactions between non-modifiable factors (e.g., age, sex, and race) and modifiable risk factors (e.g., health behaviors and occupational exposures). Objective: We examined proximal and distal drivers of cardiovascular disease and elucidated the inter…
Photovoice for leveraging traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine amongst black adults to improve sleep health and overall health
Introduction: Average adults are recommended to have 7-8 h of sleep. However insufficient sleep (IS defined as <7 h/nightly) is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM), a burgeoning area of research and practice, leverages both modern and traditional approaches to improve health. Despite TCIM's recogniti…
I am Lifted Above the World
This study sheds light on the diverse struggles and obstacles faced by women of color during and after pregnancy, with potential repercussions for their mental and sleep health. It underscores the need for mental health screening and analysis of maternal stress-related sleep issues, in addition to the facilitation of social support in maternal health programs. Additionally, it highlights the promise of culturally responsive behavioral treatments,…
Evaluating the effect of a virtual reality digital therapeutic on maternal stress among expectant and postpartum Black and Latina mothers
The Nurturing Moms study seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape, demonstrating that digital interventions like NurtureVR are essential for providing high-quality maternal care. By democratizing access to clinical research and healthcare, this decentralized trial promotes equity, improves the generalizability of findings, and accelerates the development of new treatments. The study's innovative approach has the potenti…
Ethical and Policy Implications of Racial and Ethnic Healthcare Disparities in Sleep Health
Precision Recruitment and Engagement of Individuals at Risk for Diabetes and Hypertension in Clinical Trials (PREDHICT)
The primary objective of this randomized trial was to test the effectiveness of the PREDHiCT digital application, which provides educational and supportive navigation to increase willingness to participate in a future clinical trial. The second objective was to test whether PREDHiCT increased clinical trial literacy or enhanced psychological facilitators of clinical trial participation, such as altruism. To test these two objectives, we conducted…
Predicting the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths in USA
BACKGROUND: Uncertainties surrounding the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) remain a major global health challenge and requires attention. Researchers and medical experts have made remarkable efforts to reduce the number of cases and prevent future outbreaks through vaccines and other measures. However, there is little evidence on how severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection entropy can be applied in predicting the p…
Associations of digital neuro-signatures with molecular and neuroimaging measures of brain resilience
Our findings highlight that a digital biomarker predicted cognitive functioning and change, which established biomarkers are unable to reliably do. Our findings also offer possible etiologies of MCI and AD, where education did not protect against cognitive decline
Development and Initial Validation of the Assessment of Sleep Environment (ASE)
The purpose of this study was to develop and test the reliability and validity of a 13-item self-report Assessment of Sleep Environment (ASE). This study investigates the relationship between subjective experiences of environmental factors (light, temperature, safety, noise, comfort, humidity, and smell) and sleep-related parameters (insomnia symptoms, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and control over sleep). The ASE was developed using an iter…
Development and Evaluation of the Clinical Trial HEalth Knowledge and Beliefs Scale (CHEKS)
Patient health literacy is vital to clinical trial engagement. Knowledge and beliefs about clinical trials may contribute to patient literacy of clinical trials, influencing engagement, enrollment and retention. We developed and assessed a survey that measures clinical trial health knowledge and beliefs, known as the Clinical trial HEalth Knowledge and belief Scale (CHEKS). The 31 survey items in CHEKS represent knowledge and beliefs about clinic…
Out Like a Light
Our study examines the acceptability and feasibility of Moshi, an audio-based mobile application, among children 3-8 years old using a parent-child dyadic approach. Our 10-day within-subject pre-post study design consisted of five nights of a normal bedtime routine and a subsequent five nights exposed to one story on the Moshi application during the intervention. Each five-night period spanned three weeknights and two weekend nights. The Short-Fo…
Optimizing Healthcare Through Digital Health and Wellness Solutions to Meet the Needs of Patients With Chronic Disease During the Covid-19 Era
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated longstanding inefficiencies and deficiencies in chronic disease management and treatment in the United States, such as a fragmented healthcare experience and system, narrowly focused services, limited resources beyond office visits, expensive yet low quality care, and poor access to comprehensive prevention and non-pharmacological resources. It is feared that the addition of COVID-19 survivors to the …
Lessons Learned From a Low-Income Country to Address Mental Health Needs During Covid-19
OPINION article Front. Psychiatry, 10 June 2021Sec. Public Mental Health Volume 12 - 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.576352
The Moderating Effect of Physical Activity on the Relationship between Sleep and Emotional Distress and the Difference between Blacks and Whites
(1) Background: Unhealthy sleep durations (short and long sleep) are associated with emotional distress (ED). Minority populations, specifically Blacks, are more burdened with unhealthy sleep durations and ED. The ameliorative effect of physical activity (PA) on ED and sleep duration may provide insight into how to reduce the burden among Blacks and other minorities. However, it is unclear whether PA attenuates the relationship between sleep and …
Assessment of Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Hospitalization and Mortality in Patients With Covid-19 in New York City
Importance: Black and Hispanic populations have higher rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalization and mortality than White populations but lower in-hospital case-fatality rates. The extent to which neighborhood characteristics and comorbidity explain these disparities is unclear. Outcomes in Asian American populations have not been explored. Objective: To compare COVID-19 outcomes based on race and ethnicity and assess the assoc…
Epidemiologic Methods to Estimate Insufficient Sleep in the US Population
This study explored the divergence in population-level estimates of insufficient sleep (<6 h) by examining the explanatory role of race/ethnicity and contrasting values derived from logistic and Poisson regression modeling techniques. We utilized National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to test our hypotheses among 20-85 year-old non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White adults. We estimated the odds ratios using the transformed logi…
Acculturation Associated with Sleep Duration, Sleep Quality, and Sleep Disorders at the US–Mexico Border
Sleep disparities exist among Hispanics/Latinos, although little work has characterized individuals at the United States (US)-Mexico border, particularly as it relates to acculturation. This study examined the association of Anglo and Mexican acculturation to various facets of sleep health among those of Mexican descent at the US-Mexico border. Data were collected from N = 100 adults of Mexican descent in the city of Nogales, Arizona (AZ). Survey…
Sleep Duration and Health Care Expenditures in the United States
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the average incremental health care expenditures associated with habitual long and short duration of sleep as compared with healthy/average sleep duration. DATA SOURCE: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (2012; N=6476) linked to the 2010-2011 National Health Interview Survey. STUDY DESIGN: Annual differences in health care expenditures are estimated for habitual long and short duration sleepers as compared with average d…
Differences in Insomnia Symptoms between Immigrants and Non-Immigrants in Switzerland attributed to Emotional Distress
Migration can be a stressful experience and may lead to poor health and behavioral changes. The immigrant population in Switzerland is disproportionately burdened by several negative health outcomes, chief among these is mental health issues. The aim of the study was to investigate whether sleep disturbances are more prevalent among immigrants compared to non-immigrants and whether emotional distress might explain sleep differences. Based on the …
Sleep Disorders and Symptoms in Blacks with Metabolic Syndrome
Blacks with MetS reported insomnia symptoms and insomnia disorder, use of sleep aids, feeling sleepy during the day, and inadequate sleep durations. The presence of these sleep characteristics suggests that patients with MetS should be referred for further sleep assessment
Gender and Race Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among New York City Adults
Place of Birth and Sleep Duration
While sleep disturbance has been related to a number of negative health outcomes, few studies have examined the relationship between place of birth and sleep duration among individuals living in the US. Data for 416,152 adult participants in the 2000-2013 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), who provided self-reported hours of sleep and place of birth were examined. Associations were explored between healthy sleep (7-8 h), referenced to unhea…
Effects of assisted outpatient treatment and health care services on psychotic symptoms
Gender and Race Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among New York City Adults
Effects of assisted outpatient treatment and health care services on psychotic symptoms
Ethical and Policy Implications of Racial and Ethnic Healthcare Disparities in Sleep Health
Stressful Childhood Experiences and Clinical Outcomes in People with Serious Mental Illness
Stressful Childhood Experiences and Clinical Outcomes in People with Serious Mental Illness
Place of Birth and Sleep Duration
While sleep disturbance has been related to a number of negative health outcomes, few studies have examined the relationship between place of birth and sleep duration among individuals living in the US. Data for 416,152 adult participants in the 2000-2013 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), who provided self-reported hours of sleep and place of birth were examined. Associations were explored between healthy sleep (7-8 h), referenced to unhea…
Effects of assisted outpatient treatment and health care services on psychotic symptoms
Sleep Disorders and Symptoms in Blacks with Metabolic Syndrome
Blacks with MetS reported insomnia symptoms and insomnia disorder, use of sleep aids, feeling sleepy during the day, and inadequate sleep durations. The presence of these sleep characteristics suggests that patients with MetS should be referred for further sleep assessment
Gender and Race Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among New York City Adults
Differences in Insomnia Symptoms between Immigrants and Non-Immigrants in Switzerland attributed to Emotional Distress
Migration can be a stressful experience and may lead to poor health and behavioral changes. The immigrant population in Switzerland is disproportionately burdened by several negative health outcomes, chief among these is mental health issues. The aim of the study was to investigate whether sleep disturbances are more prevalent among immigrants compared to non-immigrants and whether emotional distress might explain sleep differences. Based on the …
Assessment of Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Hospitalization and Mortality in Patients With Covid-19 in New York City
Importance: Black and Hispanic populations have higher rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalization and mortality than White populations but lower in-hospital case-fatality rates. The extent to which neighborhood characteristics and comorbidity explain these disparities is unclear. Outcomes in Asian American populations have not been explored. Objective: To compare COVID-19 outcomes based on race and ethnicity and assess the assoc…
Epidemiologic Methods to Estimate Insufficient Sleep in the US Population
This study explored the divergence in population-level estimates of insufficient sleep (<6 h) by examining the explanatory role of race/ethnicity and contrasting values derived from logistic and Poisson regression modeling techniques. We utilized National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to test our hypotheses among 20-85 year-old non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White adults. We estimated the odds ratios using the transformed logi…
Acculturation Associated with Sleep Duration, Sleep Quality, and Sleep Disorders at the US–Mexico Border
Sleep disparities exist among Hispanics/Latinos, although little work has characterized individuals at the United States (US)-Mexico border, particularly as it relates to acculturation. This study examined the association of Anglo and Mexican acculturation to various facets of sleep health among those of Mexican descent at the US-Mexico border. Data were collected from N = 100 adults of Mexican descent in the city of Nogales, Arizona (AZ). Survey…
Sleep Duration and Health Care Expenditures in the United States
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the average incremental health care expenditures associated with habitual long and short duration of sleep as compared with healthy/average sleep duration. DATA SOURCE: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (2012; N=6476) linked to the 2010-2011 National Health Interview Survey. STUDY DESIGN: Annual differences in health care expenditures are estimated for habitual long and short duration sleepers as compared with average d…
Optimizing Healthcare Through Digital Health and Wellness Solutions to Meet the Needs of Patients With Chronic Disease During the Covid-19 Era
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated longstanding inefficiencies and deficiencies in chronic disease management and treatment in the United States, such as a fragmented healthcare experience and system, narrowly focused services, limited resources beyond office visits, expensive yet low quality care, and poor access to comprehensive prevention and non-pharmacological resources. It is feared that the addition of COVID-19 survivors to the …
Lessons Learned From a Low-Income Country to Address Mental Health Needs During Covid-19
OPINION article Front. Psychiatry, 10 June 2021Sec. Public Mental Health Volume 12 - 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.576352
The Moderating Effect of Physical Activity on the Relationship between Sleep and Emotional Distress and the Difference between Blacks and Whites
(1) Background: Unhealthy sleep durations (short and long sleep) are associated with emotional distress (ED). Minority populations, specifically Blacks, are more burdened with unhealthy sleep durations and ED. The ameliorative effect of physical activity (PA) on ED and sleep duration may provide insight into how to reduce the burden among Blacks and other minorities. However, it is unclear whether PA attenuates the relationship between sleep and …
Predicting the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths in USA
BACKGROUND: Uncertainties surrounding the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) remain a major global health challenge and requires attention. Researchers and medical experts have made remarkable efforts to reduce the number of cases and prevent future outbreaks through vaccines and other measures. However, there is little evidence on how severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection entropy can be applied in predicting the p…
Associations of digital neuro-signatures with molecular and neuroimaging measures of brain resilience
Our findings highlight that a digital biomarker predicted cognitive functioning and change, which established biomarkers are unable to reliably do. Our findings also offer possible etiologies of MCI and AD, where education did not protect against cognitive decline
Development and Initial Validation of the Assessment of Sleep Environment (ASE)
The purpose of this study was to develop and test the reliability and validity of a 13-item self-report Assessment of Sleep Environment (ASE). This study investigates the relationship between subjective experiences of environmental factors (light, temperature, safety, noise, comfort, humidity, and smell) and sleep-related parameters (insomnia symptoms, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and control over sleep). The ASE was developed using an iter…
Development and Evaluation of the Clinical Trial HEalth Knowledge and Beliefs Scale (CHEKS)
Patient health literacy is vital to clinical trial engagement. Knowledge and beliefs about clinical trials may contribute to patient literacy of clinical trials, influencing engagement, enrollment and retention. We developed and assessed a survey that measures clinical trial health knowledge and beliefs, known as the Clinical trial HEalth Knowledge and belief Scale (CHEKS). The 31 survey items in CHEKS represent knowledge and beliefs about clinic…
Out Like a Light
Our study examines the acceptability and feasibility of Moshi, an audio-based mobile application, among children 3-8 years old using a parent-child dyadic approach. Our 10-day within-subject pre-post study design consisted of five nights of a normal bedtime routine and a subsequent five nights exposed to one story on the Moshi application during the intervention. Each five-night period spanned three weeknights and two weekend nights. The Short-Fo…
Precision Recruitment and Engagement of Individuals at Risk for Diabetes and Hypertension in Clinical Trials (PREDHICT)
The primary objective of this randomized trial was to test the effectiveness of the PREDHiCT digital application, which provides educational and supportive navigation to increase willingness to participate in a future clinical trial. The second objective was to test whether PREDHiCT increased clinical trial literacy or enhanced psychological facilitators of clinical trial participation, such as altruism. To test these two objectives, we conducted…
Cardiovascular disease risk
Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Despite the complexity of cardiovascular disease etiology, we do not fully comprehend the interactions between non-modifiable factors (e.g., age, sex, and race) and modifiable risk factors (e.g., health behaviors and occupational exposures). Objective: We examined proximal and distal drivers of cardiovascular disease and elucidated the inter…
Photovoice for leveraging traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine amongst black adults to improve sleep health and overall health
Introduction: Average adults are recommended to have 7-8 h of sleep. However insufficient sleep (IS defined as <7 h/nightly) is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM), a burgeoning area of research and practice, leverages both modern and traditional approaches to improve health. Despite TCIM's recogniti…
I am Lifted Above the World
This study sheds light on the diverse struggles and obstacles faced by women of color during and after pregnancy, with potential repercussions for their mental and sleep health. It underscores the need for mental health screening and analysis of maternal stress-related sleep issues, in addition to the facilitation of social support in maternal health programs. Additionally, it highlights the promise of culturally responsive behavioral treatments,…
Evaluating the effect of a virtual reality digital therapeutic on maternal stress among expectant and postpartum Black and Latina mothers
The Nurturing Moms study seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape, demonstrating that digital interventions like NurtureVR are essential for providing high-quality maternal care. By democratizing access to clinical research and healthcare, this decentralized trial promotes equity, improves the generalizability of findings, and accelerates the development of new treatments. The study's innovative approach has the potenti…
Ethical and Policy Implications of Racial and Ethnic Healthcare Disparities in Sleep Health
Rural health research in the 21st century
Rural health research, fundamental to US public health, has faced significant challenges including inconsistencies in defining rural areas, methodological constraints in studying dispersed populations, and complex social and cultural factors.1, 2 This commentary reexamines these enduring issues and proposes innovative solutions leveraging digital technologies. While acknowledging the potential of these technological approaches, we also address ba…
Medicine (24 works) · Psychology (13 works) · Environmental health (11 works) · Sleep and related disorders (11 works) · Population (10 works) · Internal Medicine (9 works) · Psychiatry (9 works) · Clinical Psychology (8 works) · Clinical Psychology (8 works) · Demography (8 works)