Crista Johnson-Agbakwu
Biographic Data
| ID | 908378 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Crista Johnson-Agbakwu |
| GIVEN NAMES | Crista |
| FAMILY NAME | Johnson-Agbakwu |
| SIGNATURE | JOHNSON-AGBAKWU C |
| AFFILIATIONS | Arizona State University |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-1408-6453 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 26 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 29 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 26 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2013 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Reimagining Reproductive Health Care for Refugee Women: Integrating Cultural Health Navigators into a Clinical Model
Background: Refugee women face barriers to reproductive health care, including limited English proficiency, transportation challenges, inconsistent insurance coverage, socioeconomic instability, and prevalence of trauma-related mental health conditions. This study describes the characteristics, diagnoses, and health care utilization of refugee women receiving care at the Refugee Women’s Health Clinic (RWHC) of Valleywise Health (VH), a safety net…
Dyspareunia and Functioning Among Somali Women Who Have Experienced Female Genital Cutting
Female genital cutting (FGC) results in a higher risk for sexual issues in impacted women. This study examined this impact in a sample of 300 women identifying as Somali and living in the United States. FGC is highly prevalent in Somalia, with rates as high as 98%. Bilingual community researchers recruited participants from community and clinic spaces. Participants completed a survey using standardized measures and team-created questionnaires, in…
Covid-19 vaccine barriers among pregnant and lactating refugee women: A case study
Introduction: Pregnant and lactating refugee women rank among the groups least likely to vaccinate against COVID-19. This qualitative study explores their reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Methods: Between June 2023 and January 2024, cultural health navigators (CHNs) employed by one hospital system conducted in- depth interviews with COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant pregnant and lactating refugee women from five language groups (Arabic, Burmese, K…
Discerning Deinfibulation: Impact of Personal, Professional, and Familial Influences on Decision-Making
The past decades have seen large numbers of Somali women migrate across the globe. It is critical for healthcare workers in host countries to understand healthcare needs of Somali women. The majority of Somali female migrants experience female genital cutting (FGC). The most common type in Somalia is Type 3 or infibulation, the narrowing of the vaginal introitus. Deinfibulation opens the introitus to reduce poor health outcomes and/or allow for v…
“I promised them I would be there”: A qualitative study of the changing roles of cultural health navigators who serve refugees during the Covid-19 pandemic
Cultural health navigators (CHNs) are one type of community health worker (CHW), a front-line cadre critical to mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic among marginalized communities. Yet little is documented about the roles of CHNs serving resettled refugees both before and during the pandemic. The objective of this study was to examine shifts in how CHNs carried out their work with refugee patients at a particular time point in the COVID-19 pandemic. …
“If You Don’t Have the Heart to Help, You Cannot Do This Job”: The Multidimensional Wellbeing of Community Health Workers Serving Refugees During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Community health workers are members of two groups whose short- and long-term health has been uniquely shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic: health workers and the oft-marginalized populations that they serve. Yet, their wellbeing, particularly of those serving resettled refugees, before and during the pandemic has been largely overlooked. Drawing from a holistic conceptualization of wellness, this study examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic o…
The Need for Standardized Nomenclature in Electronic Documentation of Female Genital Cutting in Health Records
Female genital mutilation/cutting and psychological distress among Somali women in the United States
Influence of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting on Health Morbidity, Health Service Utilization and Satisfaction with Care among Somali Women and Teenage Girls in the United States
Racism, Covid-19, and Health Inequity in the USA: A Call to Action
A Scoping Review of Social Support Research among Refugees in Resettlement: Implications for Conceptual and Empirical Research
This study reviewed social support research with refugees in resettlement by assessing the scope of scholarship and examining methodological approaches, definitions, theoretical frameworks, domains, and sources of support. The scoping review followed a systematic approach that retained 41 articles for analysis. The findings indicate that refugee resettlement studies seldom conceptualizes social support as a central focus, defines the concept, dra…
A cross‐sectional analysis of factors associated with stress, burnout and turnover intention among healthcare workers during the Covid‐19 pandemic in the United States
In 2020, healthcare workers faced the COVID-19 pandemic amidst other salient sociopolitical stressors. This study, therefore, set out to examine associations between personal, work-related and contextual factors and three outcomes - stress, burnout and turnover intention - at a critical juncture in the pandemic. In December 2020, we recruited a broad array of healthcare workers (n = 985) in a public safety net healthcare system serving socially a…
The Impact of Racism and the Sociopolitical Climate on the Birth Outcomes of Migrant Women, Mothers, and Birthing People in the United States
Arizona State University, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center †Creighton University School of Medicine ‡District Medical Group, Phoenix, AZ The author declares no conflict of interest. Correspondence to: Crista E. Johnson-Agbakwu, MD, MSc, FACOG, Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, MC 5120, Arizona State University, 400 East Van Buren, Suite 800, Phoenix, AZ 85004. E-mail: …
Whatever you hide, also hides you: A discourse analysis on mental health and service use in an American community of Somalis
Sculptors of African Women’s Bodies: Forces Reshaping the Embodiment of Female Genital Cutting in the West
entertainment with exaggerated facial features, language, movement, character and deportment; codifying blackness as primitive, hypersexual, and comedic. https ://www. youtu be.com
Factors Associated with Health Care Provider Attitudes, and Confidence for the Care of Women and Girls Affected by Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a cultural practice that includes procedures that intentionally alter or cause harm to female genital organs for nonmedical reasons, affecting ∼200 million women and girls globally. Health care providers in the United States often lack confidence to provide appropriate FGM/C-related care, and experience attitudes that may negatively impact quality of care for FGM/C. Methods: We conducted a …
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting among Somali Women in the U.S. State of Arizona: Evidence of Treatment Access, Health Service Use and Care Experiences
Achieving respectful care and outreach to women affected by FGM/C has contextual complexity. However, the clinical implications and insights provided may have broader impacts on advancing health equity for FGM/C-affected women
Assessing the reliability and validity of attitudes and confidence scales for the care of women and girls affected by female genital mutilation/cutting
ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03249649 . Registered on 15 August 2017. Retrospectively registered
Crime Victimization, Health, and Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting Among Somali Women and Adolescent Girls in the United States, 2017
Objectives. To examine if exposure to victimization (e.g., homicide, violence, sexual assault, arson, kidnapping) is related to health problems, health care access and barriers, and health needs—beyond the effects of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C)—among Somali women and adolescent girls. Methods. We collected original survey data in 2017 from 879 female Somalis in Arizona. Results. Compared with nonvictims, victims experienced signi…
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting—Pediatric Physician Knowledge, Training, and General Practice Approach
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is outlawed in much of the world but still mainly occurs from infancy-age 15. Many at-risk and FGM/C-affected girls live in the US. No standard pediatric training exists. A questionnaire assessing FGM/C education, knowledge, diagnostic confidence and external genital examination (EGE) approach was sent to pediatric listservs at 3 hospitals and a child abuse pediatrician (CAP) network. Analysis used χ 2 an…
Avoiding obstetrical interventions among US-based Somali migrant women: A qualitative study
Objective: Somali refugee women are known to have poor health-seeking behavior with a higher proportion of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to US-born women. Yet unknown is how they avoid obstetrical interventions. This study sought to identify perceived protective mechanisms used to avoid obstetric interventions as well as the underpinning factors that influence aversion to obstetrical interventions by Somali refugee women. Design: A descript…
Factors Associated with Access to Maternal and Reproductive Health Care among Somali Refugee Women Resettled in Ohio, United States: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Female Genital Cutting: Clinical knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices from a Provider survey in the US
Before the war we had it all”: Family planning among couples in a post-conflict setting
There is little evidence about family planning knowledge, attitudes, and use among couples in post-conflict Democratic Republic of the Congo. We used qualitative descriptions to analyze data from 75 participants. Intimate partner violence (IPV) was common among participants. They were aware of family planning methods; however, IPV and fears of side effects were barriers to use. Although participants were concerned about the cost of large families…
Adaptation of an Acculturation Scale for African Refugee Women
A cross‐sectional analysis of factors associated with stress, burnout and turnover intention among healthcare workers during the Covid‐19 pandemic in the United States
In 2020, healthcare workers faced the COVID-19 pandemic amidst other salient sociopolitical stressors. This study, therefore, set out to examine associations between personal, work-related and contextual factors and three outcomes - stress, burnout and turnover intention - at a critical juncture in the pandemic. In December 2020, we recruited a broad array of healthcare workers (n = 985) in a public safety net healthcare system serving socially a…
Perceptions of obstetrical interventions and female genital cutting: Insights of men in a Somali refugee community
Our work yields new insights into Somali reproductive healthcare through Somali men, namely: strong matriarchal support of FGC, discomfort in men's presence during delivery, and a strong aversion to cesarean delivery. Our findings support the need for advocacy to engage Somali women, their partners/spouses, and health-care providers in facilitating greater continuity of care, building greater trust as men become engaged throughout the spectrum of…
Avoiding obstetrical interventions among US-based Somali migrant women: A qualitative study
Objective: Somali refugee women are known to have poor health-seeking behavior with a higher proportion of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to US-born women. Yet unknown is how they avoid obstetrical interventions. This study sought to identify perceived protective mechanisms used to avoid obstetric interventions as well as the underpinning factors that influence aversion to obstetrical interventions by Somali refugee women. Design: A descript…
Whatever you hide, also hides you: A discourse analysis on mental health and service use in an American community of Somalis
Discerning Deinfibulation: Impact of Personal, Professional, and Familial Influences on Decision-Making
The past decades have seen large numbers of Somali women migrate across the globe. It is critical for healthcare workers in host countries to understand healthcare needs of Somali women. The majority of Somali female migrants experience female genital cutting (FGC). The most common type in Somalia is Type 3 or infibulation, the narrowing of the vaginal introitus. Deinfibulation opens the introitus to reduce poor health outcomes and/or allow for v…
Crime Victimization, Health, and Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting Among Somali Women and Adolescent Girls in the United States, 2017
Objectives. To examine if exposure to victimization (e.g., homicide, violence, sexual assault, arson, kidnapping) is related to health problems, health care access and barriers, and health needs—beyond the effects of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C)—among Somali women and adolescent girls. Methods. We collected original survey data in 2017 from 879 female Somalis in Arizona. Results. Compared with nonvictims, victims experienced signi…
Perceptions of obstetrical interventions and female genital cutting: Insights of men in a Somali refugee community
Our work yields new insights into Somali reproductive healthcare through Somali men, namely: strong matriarchal support of FGC, discomfort in men's presence during delivery, and a strong aversion to cesarean delivery. Our findings support the need for advocacy to engage Somali women, their partners/spouses, and health-care providers in facilitating greater continuity of care, building greater trust as men become engaged throughout the spectrum of…
Adaptation of an Acculturation Scale for African Refugee Women
Before the war we had it all”: Family planning among couples in a post-conflict setting
There is little evidence about family planning knowledge, attitudes, and use among couples in post-conflict Democratic Republic of the Congo. We used qualitative descriptions to analyze data from 75 participants. Intimate partner violence (IPV) was common among participants. They were aware of family planning methods; however, IPV and fears of side effects were barriers to use. Although participants were concerned about the cost of large families…
Factors Associated with Access to Maternal and Reproductive Health Care among Somali Refugee Women Resettled in Ohio, United States: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Female Genital Cutting: Clinical knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices from a Provider survey in the US
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting—Pediatric Physician Knowledge, Training, and General Practice Approach
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is outlawed in much of the world but still mainly occurs from infancy-age 15. Many at-risk and FGM/C-affected girls live in the US. No standard pediatric training exists. A questionnaire assessing FGM/C education, knowledge, diagnostic confidence and external genital examination (EGE) approach was sent to pediatric listservs at 3 hospitals and a child abuse pediatrician (CAP) network. Analysis used χ 2 an…
Avoiding obstetrical interventions among US-based Somali migrant women: A qualitative study
Objective: Somali refugee women are known to have poor health-seeking behavior with a higher proportion of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to US-born women. Yet unknown is how they avoid obstetrical interventions. This study sought to identify perceived protective mechanisms used to avoid obstetric interventions as well as the underpinning factors that influence aversion to obstetrical interventions by Somali refugee women. Design: A descript…
Crime Victimization, Health, and Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting Among Somali Women and Adolescent Girls in the United States, 2017
Objectives. To examine if exposure to victimization (e.g., homicide, violence, sexual assault, arson, kidnapping) is related to health problems, health care access and barriers, and health needs—beyond the effects of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C)—among Somali women and adolescent girls. Methods. We collected original survey data in 2017 from 879 female Somalis in Arizona. Results. Compared with nonvictims, victims experienced signi…
Sculptors of African Women’s Bodies: Forces Reshaping the Embodiment of Female Genital Cutting in the West
entertainment with exaggerated facial features, language, movement, character and deportment; codifying blackness as primitive, hypersexual, and comedic. https ://www. youtu be.com
Factors Associated with Health Care Provider Attitudes, and Confidence for the Care of Women and Girls Affected by Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a cultural practice that includes procedures that intentionally alter or cause harm to female genital organs for nonmedical reasons, affecting ∼200 million women and girls globally. Health care providers in the United States often lack confidence to provide appropriate FGM/C-related care, and experience attitudes that may negatively impact quality of care for FGM/C. Methods: We conducted a …
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting among Somali Women in the U.S. State of Arizona: Evidence of Treatment Access, Health Service Use and Care Experiences
Achieving respectful care and outreach to women affected by FGM/C has contextual complexity. However, the clinical implications and insights provided may have broader impacts on advancing health equity for FGM/C-affected women
Assessing the reliability and validity of attitudes and confidence scales for the care of women and girls affected by female genital mutilation/cutting
ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03249649 . Registered on 15 August 2017. Retrospectively registered
Racism, Covid-19, and Health Inequity in the USA: A Call to Action
A Scoping Review of Social Support Research among Refugees in Resettlement: Implications for Conceptual and Empirical Research
This study reviewed social support research with refugees in resettlement by assessing the scope of scholarship and examining methodological approaches, definitions, theoretical frameworks, domains, and sources of support. The scoping review followed a systematic approach that retained 41 articles for analysis. The findings indicate that refugee resettlement studies seldom conceptualizes social support as a central focus, defines the concept, dra…
A cross‐sectional analysis of factors associated with stress, burnout and turnover intention among healthcare workers during the Covid‐19 pandemic in the United States
In 2020, healthcare workers faced the COVID-19 pandemic amidst other salient sociopolitical stressors. This study, therefore, set out to examine associations between personal, work-related and contextual factors and three outcomes - stress, burnout and turnover intention - at a critical juncture in the pandemic. In December 2020, we recruited a broad array of healthcare workers (n = 985) in a public safety net healthcare system serving socially a…
The Impact of Racism and the Sociopolitical Climate on the Birth Outcomes of Migrant Women, Mothers, and Birthing People in the United States
Arizona State University, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center †Creighton University School of Medicine ‡District Medical Group, Phoenix, AZ The author declares no conflict of interest. Correspondence to: Crista E. Johnson-Agbakwu, MD, MSc, FACOG, Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, MC 5120, Arizona State University, 400 East Van Buren, Suite 800, Phoenix, AZ 85004. E-mail: …
Whatever you hide, also hides you: A discourse analysis on mental health and service use in an American community of Somalis
Female genital mutilation/cutting and psychological distress among Somali women in the United States
Influence of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting on Health Morbidity, Health Service Utilization and Satisfaction with Care among Somali Women and Teenage Girls in the United States
“I promised them I would be there”: A qualitative study of the changing roles of cultural health navigators who serve refugees during the Covid-19 pandemic
Cultural health navigators (CHNs) are one type of community health worker (CHW), a front-line cadre critical to mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic among marginalized communities. Yet little is documented about the roles of CHNs serving resettled refugees both before and during the pandemic. The objective of this study was to examine shifts in how CHNs carried out their work with refugee patients at a particular time point in the COVID-19 pandemic. …
“If You Don’t Have the Heart to Help, You Cannot Do This Job”: The Multidimensional Wellbeing of Community Health Workers Serving Refugees During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Community health workers are members of two groups whose short- and long-term health has been uniquely shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic: health workers and the oft-marginalized populations that they serve. Yet, their wellbeing, particularly of those serving resettled refugees, before and during the pandemic has been largely overlooked. Drawing from a holistic conceptualization of wellness, this study examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic o…
The Need for Standardized Nomenclature in Electronic Documentation of Female Genital Cutting in Health Records
Covid-19 vaccine barriers among pregnant and lactating refugee women: A case study
Introduction: Pregnant and lactating refugee women rank among the groups least likely to vaccinate against COVID-19. This qualitative study explores their reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Methods: Between June 2023 and January 2024, cultural health navigators (CHNs) employed by one hospital system conducted in- depth interviews with COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant pregnant and lactating refugee women from five language groups (Arabic, Burmese, K…
Discerning Deinfibulation: Impact of Personal, Professional, and Familial Influences on Decision-Making
The past decades have seen large numbers of Somali women migrate across the globe. It is critical for healthcare workers in host countries to understand healthcare needs of Somali women. The majority of Somali female migrants experience female genital cutting (FGC). The most common type in Somalia is Type 3 or infibulation, the narrowing of the vaginal introitus. Deinfibulation opens the introitus to reduce poor health outcomes and/or allow for v…
Reimagining Reproductive Health Care for Refugee Women: Integrating Cultural Health Navigators into a Clinical Model
Background: Refugee women face barriers to reproductive health care, including limited English proficiency, transportation challenges, inconsistent insurance coverage, socioeconomic instability, and prevalence of trauma-related mental health conditions. This study describes the characteristics, diagnoses, and health care utilization of refugee women receiving care at the Refugee Women’s Health Clinic (RWHC) of Valleywise Health (VH), a safety net…
Medicine (23 works) · Psychology (16 works) · Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues (14 works) · Genital Health and Disease (13 works) · Political science (13 works) · Sociology (13 works) · Nursing (12 works) · Migration, Health and Trauma (11 works) · Refugee (11 works) · Somali (11 works)