Pamela Valera
Biographic Data
| ID | 653080 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Pamela Valera |
| GIVEN NAMES | Pamela |
| FAMILY NAME | Valera |
| SIGNATURE | VALERA P |
| AFFILIATIONS | Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-0095-9209 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 38 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 112 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 38 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2009 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 4 |
Using global positioning systems to explore food insecurity among older adults living with HIV, with and without criminal justice involvement
This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of using global positioning systems (GPS) to evaluate food insecurity among older people living with HIV (PLWH), including those with criminal justice involvement. Approximately 25 PLWH participants were recruited via community engagement from September 2023 to January 2024. Bivariate analyses identified demographic characteristics, and chi-square tests investigated the association between arr…
Covid-19 on Food Insecurity in Hispanic/Latino Essential and Non-essential Workers
Health Is Power, and Health Is Wealth
The digestive health of African American/Black male immigrants in the United States has not been previously studied. Much of what is known about gastrointestinal (GI) concerns in this population is based on studies conducted on the overall Black American population. The purpose of this narrative study was to understand how African American/Black male immigrants with GI concerns navigated their GI condition. Fifteen African American/Black male imm…
Study Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Survey on the Long-Term Impact of Covid-19 on Latino Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the health inequities of Latinos nationwide. Latinos are 1.5 times more likely to get infected by SARS-CoV-2 than any other racial and ethnic groups and are 2.3 times more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19 and 1.8 times to die from COVID-19. This research protocol aims to examine the effects of COVID-19 among a Latino population and identify social determinants of health that may contribute to increased…
Understanding search autocompletes from the perspectives of English and Spanish speakers during the early months of the Covid‐19 pandemic
The purpose of the study was to explore differences in Google search autocompletes between English and Spanish‐speaking users during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Twenty‐nine individuals who were in areas with shelter‐in‐place state orders participated in a virtual focus group meeting to understand the algorithm bias of COVID‐19 Google autocompletes. The three focus group meetings lasted for 90–120 minutes. A…
Social Determinant of Health Framework to Examine the Impact of Covid-19 on Latino Health
Residential Instability and Suicidal Ideation Among Persons on Parole
Parolees experience numerous barriers that may impact successful reintegration into society. Residential instability may further add to these obstacles, as there may be limited opportunities for housing given their criminal history. The present study aimed to examine the impact of residential instability on suicidal ideation among parolees. Results indicated that residentially stable and unstable individuals had similar risk factors which were si…
Covid-19 Public Messaging
The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experience of the Spanish-speaking Latino community during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders. A single remote focus group meeting was conducted with nine Spanish-speaking participants to explore how residents living amidst shelter-in-place orders made informed decisions about health, safety, and security during the early months of the pandemic. The focus group meeting lasted about 60–90 min…
Exploring Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Knowledge in Incarcerated Men
People who are incarcerated have a disproportionately high risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While there is no known cure for HIV, there are biomedical approaches that can successfully manage the virus and prevent its transmission. A total of 267 men who are incarcerated completed a cross-sectional survey focused on cancer health, HIV prevention, and mental health in three state prisons. The mean age was 39 years. The majori…
Spanish Language News Coverage and the Covid-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 continues to disproportionately impact the health of Hispanics/Latinos. While Hispanics/Latinos are considered one of the fastest-growing racial/ethnic groups, media news coverage in Spanish concerning COVID-19 is stunningly low. The Hispanic/Latino population comprises close to 25% of COVID-19 cases and 17% of COVID-19 deaths. Lack of access to Spanish news coverage and limited attention to Spanish-speaking Hispanics/Latinos has created…
Understanding attachment styles, adverse childhood events, alcohol use, and trauma in Black and Latino Men with criminal justice histories
Black and Latino men experience high rates of trauma before and during incarceration and upon release to the community. This study examines the association between trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and alcohol use on the adult attachment styles in a sample of 248 Black and Latino men with incarceration experiences. Most of the respondents indicated that they were single and never married (61.3%), earned less than $10,000 annually (84.3%), an…
Barriers and Facilitators of Smoking Cessation among Latinos Living with HIV
The purpose of this study was to identify the perspectives from key leaders of community-based organizations (CBOs) and clinics serving people living with HIV on barriers and facilitators of smoking cessation among Latino smokers living with HIV. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in English and Spanish with 10 key leaders. Using a social ecological model, qualitative theoretical analysis was used to analyze the results. Participants ident…
Exploring Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use among Queer Adults during the Early Days of the Covid-19 Pandemic
The purpose of this narrative study is to describe the vaping and smoking characteristics of Queer people ages 18-34 before March of 2020 and to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted those behaviors since March of 2020. In total, 31 participants were screened. Thirteen participants were screened prior to the emergence of COVID-19, and 18 were screened when study protocols transitioned to a remote setting (pre and during). Of th…
The Burden of Covid-19 in People Living with HIV
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Culturally- and Linguistically-Adapted Smoking Cessation Text Messaging Intervention for Latino Smokers
Objective: Assess the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally- and linguistically-adapted smoking cessation text messaging intervention for Latino smokers. Methods: Using a community-based strategy, 50 Latino smokers were recruited to participate in a smoking cessation pilot study. Participants received a 12-week text messaging intervention and were offered Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) at no cost. We assessed biochemically verified ab…
The Preliminary Efficacy and Feasibility of Group-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment Program for Incarcerated Smokers
Group-based tobacco dependence treatment has been known to help smokers to quit in general adult populations, but the feasibility and efficacy of this type of smoking cessation treatment in correctional settings remain uncertain. A 6-week group-based smoking cessation treatment with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the form of nicotine patches was implemented in seven male prison facilities, in the Northeast, among smokers who were born biol…
The Only Thing New is the Cameras
The present study explored the impact of publicized incidents of police violence on racially underrepresented college students in the U.S. Approximately 134 college students at various colleges and universities in the U.S. completed a questionnaire that examined their engagement with police brutality videos, reactions about police killings of unarmed Black men (and boys), their encounters with police, and perceptions toward the issue of police vi…
A Pilot Study of Cancer 101 for Incarcerated Male Smokers
Incarcerated men in the United States, an understudied population, have not been the focus of cancer prevention research. This pilot study explored the impact of Cancer 101 for imprisoned male smokers to increase cancer knowledge and promote cancer prevention activities in the prison population. Cancer 101 was pilot tested for adoption with representatives from the target audience in three prison facilities located in the northeastern region of t…
Deterioration in social and economic conditions in Greece impact the health of LGBT populations
Understanding Attachment Transitions Through the Lived Experiences of Young Black Gay and Bisexual Men
We conducted a mixed-methods study to identify factors that influence transitions in attachment style between childhood and adulthood among 28 young Black gay and bisexual men (YBGBM) in the United States. We used a phenomenological approach to data integration, with the major component to the results being garnered from the qualitative interviews. We organized our results by four attachment transition groups: stable secure (secure attachment in …
HIV risk inside U.S. prisons
Tin, Aluminum, and Diamonds
The purpose of this article is to articulate the incoming Co-Editors’ plan, mission, and vision to preserve and enhance the quality and reputation of the Journal of Social Action in Counseling and Psychology. Further, it provides some background about each editor, and offers words of appreciation to the individuals and the academic institutions that support them as Co-Editors
A Pilot Trial Examining African American and White Responses to Algorithm-Guided Smoking Cessation Medication Selection in Persons Living with HIV
Academic Health Center–Community Justice Program Partnerships
We conclude with a discussion of some challenges we encountered and lessons we learned about establishing and sustaining partnerships with court, probation, parole, reentry, and diversion programs while educating the next generation of public health leaders
Podcast Interview Transcript
Race-Based Sexual Stereotyping and Sexual Partnering Among Men Who Use the Internet to Identify Other Men for Bareback Sex
This qualitative study used sexual scripting theory to explore sexual stereotyping and sexual partnering practices among a racially diverse sample of men who use the Internet to engage in "bareback" sex with other men. The sample included 81 (73%) HIV-negative and 30 (27%) HIV-positive men who were recruited on Web sites where men seek other men to have bareback sex. Participants completed a semi-structured interview that included topics on their…
Trying to Eat Healthy’’
Photovoice is a participatory action approach in which individuals use photographs to identify and address issues in their community. The objective of this study was to document the challenges that low-income women face in accessing healthy food in New York city. Data were drawn from focus-group interviews with nine low-income women aged 20—45. The findings indicated that low-income women who live in homeless shelters have less access to healthy …
The Only Thing New is the Cameras
The present study explored the impact of publicized incidents of police violence on racially underrepresented college students in the U.S. Approximately 134 college students at various colleges and universities in the U.S. completed a questionnaire that examined their engagement with police brutality videos, reactions about police killings of unarmed Black men (and boys), their encounters with police, and perceptions toward the issue of police vi…
Contributions of Qualitative Research in Informing HIV/Aids Interventions Targeting Black MSM in the United States
This article presents a systematic review of qualitative studies focusing on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in the United States. We reviewed studies that were published between 1980 and 2014. Qualitative methods employed in the studies reviewed include in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and ethnography. We searched several dat…
Using the Interactive Systems Framework to Support a Quality Improvement Approach to Dissemination of Evidence‐Based Strategies to Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Dissemination efforts must optimize interventions for new settings and populations. As such, dissemination research should incorporate principles of quality improvement. Comprehensive Dynamic Trial (CDT) designs examine how information gained during dissemination may be used to modify interventions and improve performance. Although CDT may offer distinct advantages over static designs, organizing the many necessary roles and activities is a signi…
Understanding Attachment Transitions Through the Lived Experiences of Young Black Gay and Bisexual Men
We conducted a mixed-methods study to identify factors that influence transitions in attachment style between childhood and adulthood among 28 young Black gay and bisexual men (YBGBM) in the United States. We used a phenomenological approach to data integration, with the major component to the results being garnered from the qualitative interviews. We organized our results by four attachment transition groups: stable secure (secure attachment in …
Fear, Trust, and Negotiating Safety
Through in-depth interviews, this study examined the relational context of sexual HIV risk for 10 Black women aged 18-30 who were defendants in a community court setting. A qualitative data analysis identified themes of actual and feared intimate partner violence (IPV) and the expectations of demonstrating trust in a relationship as obstacles to negotiating the use of condoms. The findings speak to the broader structural factors and consequences …
Spanish Language News Coverage and the Covid-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 continues to disproportionately impact the health of Hispanics/Latinos. While Hispanics/Latinos are considered one of the fastest-growing racial/ethnic groups, media news coverage in Spanish concerning COVID-19 is stunningly low. The Hispanic/Latino population comprises close to 25% of COVID-19 cases and 17% of COVID-19 deaths. Lack of access to Spanish news coverage and limited attention to Spanish-speaking Hispanics/Latinos has created…
Deterioration in social and economic conditions in Greece impact the health of LGBT populations
Academic Health Center–Community Justice Program Partnerships
We conclude with a discussion of some challenges we encountered and lessons we learned about establishing and sustaining partnerships with court, probation, parole, reentry, and diversion programs while educating the next generation of public health leaders
Fear, Trust, and Negotiating Safety
Through in-depth interviews, this study examined the relational context of sexual HIV risk for 10 Black women aged 18-30 who were defendants in a community court setting. A qualitative data analysis identified themes of actual and feared intimate partner violence (IPV) and the expectations of demonstrating trust in a relationship as obstacles to negotiating the use of condoms. The findings speak to the broader structural factors and consequences …
Trying to Eat Healthy’’
Photovoice is a participatory action approach in which individuals use photographs to identify and address issues in their community. The objective of this study was to document the challenges that low-income women face in accessing healthy food in New York city. Data were drawn from focus-group interviews with nine low-income women aged 20—45. The findings indicated that low-income women who live in homeless shelters have less access to healthy …
Race-Based Sexual Stereotyping and Sexual Partnering Among Men Who Use the Internet to Identify Other Men for Bareback Sex
This qualitative study used sexual scripting theory to explore sexual stereotyping and sexual partnering practices among a racially diverse sample of men who use the Internet to engage in "bareback" sex with other men. The sample included 81 (73%) HIV-negative and 30 (27%) HIV-positive men who were recruited on Web sites where men seek other men to have bareback sex. Participants completed a semi-structured interview that included topics on their…
Exploring group dynamics for integrating scientific and experiential knowledge in Community Advisory Boards for HIV research
To demonstrate how Community Advisory Boards (CABs) can best integrate community perspectives with scientific knowledge and involve community in disseminating HIV knowledge, this paper provides a case study exploring the structure and dynamic process of a "Community Collaborative Board" (CCB). We use the term CCB to emphasize collaboration over advisement. The CCB membership, structure, and dynamics are informed by theory and research. The CCB is…
“Hating the Sin but not the Sinner”
This article explored the religious experiences of nine Black men who are married (to a woman) and have sex with men (BMMSM). These men do not refer to themselves as men on the down low but self-identify as heterosexual. Using data collected in 2005 in South Carolina, the authors examined the complex relationship of homosexuality and the Black Church. Specifically, they examined the notion of coping with same-sex behavior, concealment, and its im…
The Internet profiles of men who have sex with men within bareback websites
The Internet has become a venue for men who have sex with men to search for sexual partners. Some of these men intentionally seek unprotected anal intercourse with other men ('bareback' sex). This paper focuses on the creation, use, and content of Internet personal profiles of men who have sex with men in the greater New York City metropolitan area who use bareback sites for sexual networking. We used a mixed-methods approach to examine data from…
Using the Interactive Systems Framework to Support a Quality Improvement Approach to Dissemination of Evidence‐Based Strategies to Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Dissemination efforts must optimize interventions for new settings and populations. As such, dissemination research should incorporate principles of quality improvement. Comprehensive Dynamic Trial (CDT) designs examine how information gained during dissemination may be used to modify interventions and improve performance. Although CDT may offer distinct advantages over static designs, organizing the many necessary roles and activities is a signi…
Exploring Cancer Screening in the Context of Unmet Mental Health Needs
Findings highlight how unmet mental health needs can affect cancer screening in impoverished urban contexts. Participants recommended improving linkages across healthcare and social service providers to address mental health and cancer screening needs simultaneously. Study results are being used to plan a collaborative intervention in the Bronx through the MHC Connection partnership
Exploring Cancer Screening in the Context of Unmet Mental Health Needs
Exploring Cancer Screening in the Context of Unmet Mental Health Needs:A Participatory Pilot Study Abigail Williams, MPH, Jennifer Erb-Downward, MPH, Emilie Bruzelius, MPH, Ellen O'Hara-Cicero, LCSW-R, Alison Maling, LCSW, Lauren Machin, Meiling Viera-Delgado, Pamela Valera, PhD, Nicole Maysonet, BS, and Elisa S. Weiss, PhD What Is the Purpose of the Study? • We wanted to interview a wide range of service providers in the Bronx to better understa…
Incarceration, Maternal Hardship, and Perinatal Health Behaviors
The Psychometric Properties of the Brief Symptom Inventory in Men under Criminal Justice Involvement
The purpose of this study was to assess the factor structure and psychometric properties of the original and a revised modification of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) in 259 black and Latino males, aged thirty-five to sixty-seven, who had been released from a New York state prison or a New York City jail. The data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis, principal axis factoring and confirmatory factor analysis. Standardised factor load…
A Pilot Trial Examining African American and White Responses to Algorithm-Guided Smoking Cessation Medication Selection in Persons Living with HIV
Academic Health Center–Community Justice Program Partnerships
We conclude with a discussion of some challenges we encountered and lessons we learned about establishing and sustaining partnerships with court, probation, parole, reentry, and diversion programs while educating the next generation of public health leaders
Podcast Interview Transcript
Adult attachment as a moderator of the association between childhood traumatic experiences and depression symptoms among young Black gay and bisexual men
The findings suggest that it may be important to utilize an attachment perspective that is sensitive to age of traumatic experience when creating mental health and trauma interventions for YBGBM. (PsycINFO Database Record
Contributions of Qualitative Research in Informing HIV/Aids Interventions Targeting Black MSM in the United States
This article presents a systematic review of qualitative studies focusing on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in the United States. We reviewed studies that were published between 1980 and 2014. Qualitative methods employed in the studies reviewed include in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and ethnography. We searched several dat…
HIV risk inside U.S. prisons
Tin, Aluminum, and Diamonds
The purpose of this article is to articulate the incoming Co-Editors’ plan, mission, and vision to preserve and enhance the quality and reputation of the Journal of Social Action in Counseling and Psychology. Further, it provides some background about each editor, and offers words of appreciation to the individuals and the academic institutions that support them as Co-Editors
Deterioration in social and economic conditions in Greece impact the health of LGBT populations
Understanding Attachment Transitions Through the Lived Experiences of Young Black Gay and Bisexual Men
We conducted a mixed-methods study to identify factors that influence transitions in attachment style between childhood and adulthood among 28 young Black gay and bisexual men (YBGBM) in the United States. We used a phenomenological approach to data integration, with the major component to the results being garnered from the qualitative interviews. We organized our results by four attachment transition groups: stable secure (secure attachment in …
A Pilot Study of Cancer 101 for Incarcerated Male Smokers
Incarcerated men in the United States, an understudied population, have not been the focus of cancer prevention research. This pilot study explored the impact of Cancer 101 for imprisoned male smokers to increase cancer knowledge and promote cancer prevention activities in the prison population. Cancer 101 was pilot tested for adoption with representatives from the target audience in three prison facilities located in the northeastern region of t…
The Burden of Covid-19 in People Living with HIV
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Culturally- and Linguistically-Adapted Smoking Cessation Text Messaging Intervention for Latino Smokers
Objective: Assess the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally- and linguistically-adapted smoking cessation text messaging intervention for Latino smokers. Methods: Using a community-based strategy, 50 Latino smokers were recruited to participate in a smoking cessation pilot study. Participants received a 12-week text messaging intervention and were offered Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) at no cost. We assessed biochemically verified ab…
The Preliminary Efficacy and Feasibility of Group-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment Program for Incarcerated Smokers
Group-based tobacco dependence treatment has been known to help smokers to quit in general adult populations, but the feasibility and efficacy of this type of smoking cessation treatment in correctional settings remain uncertain. A 6-week group-based smoking cessation treatment with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the form of nicotine patches was implemented in seven male prison facilities, in the Northeast, among smokers who were born biol…
The Only Thing New is the Cameras
The present study explored the impact of publicized incidents of police violence on racially underrepresented college students in the U.S. Approximately 134 college students at various colleges and universities in the U.S. completed a questionnaire that examined their engagement with police brutality videos, reactions about police killings of unarmed Black men (and boys), their encounters with police, and perceptions toward the issue of police vi…
Medicine (28 works) · Psychology (27 works) · Sociology (17 works) · Psychiatry (15 works) · Gerontology (14 works) · Environmental health (11 works) · Nursing (11 works) · Social Psychology (11 works) · Population (10 works) · Demography (8 works)