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93
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Introduction
The long-range objective of Dr. Ennis’ research program is to improve health outcomes and well-being among low income and minority populations, who face the greatest inequities in health care, through effective interventions that bridge the gaps in traditional care. Her work focuses on those coping with HIV/AIDS and Breast Cancer.
Additional affiliations
January 2012 - present
Publications
Publications (93)
Driving is a complex and dynamic task requiring divided attention (DA), awareness of the traffic and surroundings while focusing on critical stimulus. The goal of this project was to examine the relationship between medical marijuana use and divided attention in adults 50 and older during a simulated driving performance task. We recruited adults 50...
Purpose
This study examined factors associated with TB among persons living with HIV (PLWH) in Florida and the agreement between self-reported and medically documented history of tuberculosis (TB) in assessing the risk factors.
Methods
Self-reported and medically documented data of 655 PLWH in Florida were analyzed. Data on sociodemographic factor...
This study evaluated the association between impulsivity and linkage to HIV care among Russians living with HIV recruited from an inpatient narcology hospital. Linking Infectious and Narcology Care (LINC) study participants who completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) were included in these analyses. The primary independent variable was impu...
Alcohol use is associated with poor outcomes among people living with HIV (PLWH), but it remains unclear which alcohol use measures best predict future HIV viral non-suppression over time. This study aimed to compare the ability of five alcohol use measures to predict risk of suboptimal HIV viral load trajectories over 36 months. We analyzed data f...
People living with HIV (PLWH) experience a higher rate of age-related comorbidities at younger ages. Understanding common comorbidities among PLWH and their relationship to one another could be significant in improving aging for PLWH. The goal of the present study is to identify the most common comorbidities among PLWH and the relationship between...
Both HIV status and heavy alcohol use have been associated with reduced cognitive function, particularly in the domains of working memory and executive function. It is unclear what aspects of working memory and executive function are associated with HIV status and heavy alcohol use and whether performance on these measures are associated with funct...
Background:
HIV-associated immune disruption, long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, and behavioral risk factors, such as substance use, have made people with HIV (PLWH) susceptible to multiple comorbidities. The goal of the study was to explore the distribution of comorbidities and their association with gender, race, ethnicity, and substance...
This study examined the association between symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and substance use among 932 people living with HIV (PLWH) in Florida. PLWH completed a 45-minute questionnaire assessing demographics, symptoms of GAD and depression, and use of substances including alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, crack/cocaine, and injection...
Background
Many retired National Football League (NFL) athletes manage pain with opioids during their playing careers and in retirement, though the longitudinal association between opioid use and health outcomes pertinent to an NFL career are not yet known. This study aimed to assess the relationship between opioid use in 2010 and current use, depr...
Background:
Despite efforts by the NIH to enhance the participation of women and minorities in clinical research, women with HIV continue to remain underrepresented in alcohol intervention research. The purpose of this study is to better understand the reasons why women with HIV and hazardous drinking participated in the WHAT-IF? study and to disc...
In 2013, Florida had the highest rate of new HIV infections and only 56% of persons living with HIV (PLWH) were virally suppressed. In response, we initiated a new HIV cohort in Florida to better understand issues affecting HIV health outcomes. This manuscript will describe the procedures of the Florida Cohort; summarize information regarding enrol...
Background
Poorer working memory function has previously been associated with alcohol misuse, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive status, and risky behavior. Poorer working memory performance relates to alterations in specific brain networks.
Objective
The current study examined if there was a relationship between brain networks involved i...
Background: Despite efforts by the NIH to enhance the participation of women and minorities in clinical research, women with or without HIV continue to remain underrepresented. The purpose of this study is to better understand the reasons why women with HIV and hazardous drinking participated in the WHAT-IF? Study and to discuss their experience (p...
Background: Despite efforts by the NIH to enhance the participation of women and minorities in clinical research, women with HIV continue to remain underrepresented in alcohol intervention research. The purpose of this study is to better understand the reasons why women with HIV and hazardous drinking participated in the WHAT-IF? Study and to discu...
Background: Despite efforts by the NIH to enhance the participation of women and minorities in clinical research, women with HIV continue to remain underrepresented in alcohol intervention research. The purpose of this study is to better understand the reasons why women with HIV and hazardous drinking participated in the WHAT-IF? Study and to discu...
Objective:
This study examined the association between pain catastrophizing with pain interference, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among National Football League (NFL) retirees.
Method:
Former NFL athletes from the Retired NFL Players Association (N = 90) were recruited from 2018 to 2019 via telephone and were ad...
Background People living with HIV (PLWH) are more likely to suffer from pain compared to the general public. Pain often clusters with mental health symptoms and substance use. This study sought to evaluate mental health and substance use factors associated with and pain and severe pain intensities among PLWH.
Methods Data were derived from HIV+ adu...
Background: People living with HIV (PLHIV) are more likely to suffer from pain compared to the general public. Pain often clusters with mental health symptoms and substance use. This study sought to evaluate mental health and substance use factors associated with any pain and severe pain intensities among PLHIV.
Methods: Data were derived from HIV...
Background: People living with HIV (PLHIV) are more likely to suffer from pain compared to the general public. Pain often clusters with mental health symptoms and substance use. This study sought to evaluate mental health and substance use factors associated with any pain and severe pain intensities among PLHIV.
Methods: Data were derived from HIV...
Background:
HIV care providers often serve as the specialist and the primary care point-of-contact for persons living with HIV (PLWH) and unhealthy alcohol use. The purpose of the present qualitative study was to understand HIV care provider perceptions and approaches to managing unhealthy alcohol use in HIV primary care settings.
Methods:
Using...
Despite advances in HIV antiretroviral medications, some patients do not achieve adequate medication adherence or suppressed viral load. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between factors of impulsivity and medication non-adherence. It was hypothesized that impulsivity would have a direct association with non-adherence, after ac...
This study examined the association between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms and healthcare utilization (HCU) among 801 people living with HIV (PLWH). Participants recruited from community health centers in Florida completed questionnaires assessing demographics, substance use, symptoms of GAD and depression, and HCU. Adjusted binary and...
Purpose
The prevalence of non-AIDS-related malignancies is on the rise among people aging with HIV population, but the evidence on healthy behaviors including cancer screening practices in this population subgroup is extremely limited. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of healthy behaviors and sex-specific cancer screening among persons liv...
Background
The relationship between alcohol consumption and atherosclerosis has not been sufficiently examined among people living with HIV (PLWH).
Methods
We analyzed data from PLWH in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS; n = 1,164) and the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS; n = 387) with no history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Repeated...
Background:
Some research suggests that marijuana use facilitates an anti-inflammatory response, yet the relationship between marijuana use and inflammation, as measured by C-reactive protein (CRP), remains poorly understood. The present study examined the association between recency of marijuana use and serum C-reactive protein levels in a nation...
Using data from a randomized controlled trial of 319 women mainly recruited from a Municipal Drug Court System in St. Louis, MO, this study evaluates substance use, victimization, and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors over time. The results indicated that, for all participants, the likelihood of victimization, using drugs, and meeting the criteria for HIV/AI...
Background:
Obesity is a national epidemic in the United States. Racial/ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by this obesity epidemic. Hispanic adults have a higher prevalence of obesity compared to non-Hispanic White adults. Levels of engagement in healthy eating and physical activity have been found to be associated with obesity. Re...
Background
Though marijuana use has previously been associated with risky alcohol use, studies often do not delineate between the effect of recreational versus therapeutic marijuana use, particularly among people living with HIV (PLWH). In this study, we examined the association between recreational versus therapeutic marijuana use to manage HIV sy...
Drug courts, therapeutic justice programs for individuals charged with drug offenses, have sub-optimal completion rates. The Courtroom Behavior Checklist (CRBCL), an assessment that quantifies readiness for drug court and drug court behaviors, was developed to predict female offenders who may be at-risk for non-compliance and termination. Data deri...
The current study examined the association between perceived social support, depressive symptoms and alcohol use among people living with HIV (PLWH) 50 and older who identified as Black. Participants included 96 men and women ages 50 and older. Participants completed an interviewer-administered assessment examining mental and behavioral health func...
Purpose
Marijuana use is common among people living with HIV (PLWH), but its association with antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is unclear. This study examined the association between reason for marijuana use and ART adherence in a sample of adults living with HIV.
Patients and methods
Participants (N=703) recruited from seven community healt...
This article presents results of a systematic review of the literature (2000–2017) examining the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among retired elite athletes. Forty articles were selected and included. Our review suggests the prevalence of psychological distress among retired athletes is similar to that found in the general popu...
Objective:
Prescription opioid misuse has become a significant public health issue. Previous research has examined predictors of prescription opioid use and misuse among former National Football League (NFL) players. The present study aimed to describe how reasons for prescription opioid use while in the NFL corresponds to use and misuse in retire...
Objectives: Antiretroviral therapy is affording longer lifespans for people living with HIV (PLWH), yet factors such as substance use play an increasing role in morbidity and mortality in this population. Though previous studies have examined substance use differences between age cohorts of PLWH, no study has examined the influence of birth cohort...
Purpose
Despite recommendations for early entry into human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care, many people diagnosed with HIV delay seeking care. Multiple types of social support (ie, cognitive, emotional, and tangible) are often needed for someone to transition into HIV care, but a lack of emotional support at diagnosis may be the reason why some p...
The aim of this analysis is to identify latent subgroups of women based on substance use, exposure to violence, and risky sexual behaviors and quantify discrete stages of behavior change over time. Data comes from 317 women recruited from a Municipal Drug Court System in the Midwest. All participants were interviewed regarding their substance use a...
Methods:
357 patients at a free STD clinic in Miami, FL were screened for HCV. Surveys were administered assessing risk factors for infectious disease transmission, and HCV and HIV screening history.
Results:
15.1% of participants had been screened for HCV before whereas 83.8% had been screened for HIV (n?=?356). Of the patients previously scree...
Abstract Background Alcohol consumption has been associated with poor antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence but less is known about its relationship to HIV viral suppression, or whether certain drinking patterns have a stronger association than others. The objectives of this study were to determine the association of different patterns of alcohol...
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of grandiosity, fantasies of unlimited power or importance, and the need for admiration or special treatment. Individuals with NPD may experience significant psychological distress related to interpersonal conflict and functional impairment. Research suggests core feat...
Background: Alcohol use is common among persons living with HIV (PLWH). It is unclear how alcohol consumption changes over time and if these changes are associated with clinical profiles.
Objective: We aimed to describe the association between longitudinal patterns of alcohol consumption and the clinical profiles of PLWH. Methods: Data from the Wom...
We evaluated the association between social support received from significant others, family, and friends and HIV-related sexual risk behaviors among African American men involved in the criminal justice system. Project DISRUPT is a cohort study among African American men released from prison in North Carolina (N = 189). During the baseline (in-pri...
We examined the influence of age on associations between affective states, social support, and alcohol use by age cohorts. We recruited 96 older Black adults living with HIV from the southeastern United States in 2013 and 2014. Participants completed questionnaires assessing demographics, psychological function, and substance use. Hierarchical regr...
Background:
Substance use has been identified as one of the leading factors related to HIV transmission in the United States. The association of problematic drinking with sexual risk behavior puts individuals at greater risk for HIV transmission. This may be of particular concern for women given that approximately 66% of new HIV infections occurri...
Background:
Marijuana use is common among persons living with HIV (PLWH), but studies on its effect on HIV clinical outcomes are limited.
Objectives:
We determined the association between marijuana use and HIV viral suppression among PLWH.
Methods:
Data came from five repeated cross-sections (2009-2013) of the Florida Medical Monitoring Projec...
Objective. To examine the impact of a community-informed and community-based Health-Smart Church (HSC) Program on engagement in health promoting behaviors (healthy eating and physical activity) and health outcomes (body mass index, weight, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure). Design. A total of 70 overweight/obese Hispanic adults participate...
Estimates suggest 30% of adults report the highest levels of loneliness. Though men are more likely than women to use illicit substances and engage in heavy drinking, the prevalence of substance use in women is growing and their escalation toward dependence occurs more rapidly. Loneliness and substance use have greater relevance within the HIV+ pop...
Background:
Recent studies have reported high rates of Trichomonas vaginalis among middle age and older adults. Though trichomoniasis risk factors in this age cohort remain largely unknown, illicit drug use has been associated with increased incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The number of mid-older adults using illicit drugs has...
Background and objectives:
The first aim of this study was to compare self-reported causes of homelessness between veterans and nonveterans. A second aim examined whether homeless male veterans were more likely than homeless male nonveterans to experience current problems with addictions, mental health, and physical health. Additionally, a third a...
Due to high rates of technology adoption, African American women are well positioned to benefit from e-health/mobile health (m-health) interventions; yet, there are limited data on understanding their use of technology and willingness to participate in e-health/m-health research.
A self-administered survey was completed by 589 African American wome...
Depression and apathy are common among people living with HIV (PLWH). However, in PLWH, it is unclear whether depression and apathy are distinct conditions, which contribute to different patterns of disruption to cognitive processing and brain systems. Understanding these conditions may enable the development of prognostic indicators for HIV associ...
Aim: Examine the influence of substance use on prosocial behaviors (e.g., working) by gender. Extant literature suggests that gender specific interventions may be more effective in meeting the needs of illicit drug using populations. Prosocial economic behaviors are associated with better treatment outcomes. However, little work has been done to un...
Abstract This study examines perceived substance use treatment barriers in a community-based sample of 267 African Americans from Baltimore, MD. Both men and women endorsed "they can handle it alone" as a primary reason they were not currently in treatment. However, men were two times more likely (AOR = 2.29 CI = 1.05, 5.02) to endorse "concerns ab...
In this randomized trial, Project CARE, we examined whether participation in a cognitive-behavioral stress management and breast cancer wellness and education program improved psychological outcomes among a sample of underserved black breast cancer survivors.
Both complementary medicine interventions were 10-sessions, manualized, group-based, and w...
Abstract Identifying prognostic indicators for undiagnosed HCV is crucial to attenuate the negative impact of this disease. This study explored the influence of recent and more distal injection drug use on biologically-confirmed HCV infection among a sample (N = 260) of older and younger African Americans. Data from the baseline assessment of the N...
After release from incarceration, former female inmates face considerable stressors, which may influence drug use and other risk behaviors that increase risk for HIV infection. Involvement in a committed partnership may protect women against re-entry stressors that may lead to risky behaviors. This study measured the association between time since...
Abstract By 2015, half of those living with HIV in the United States will be≥50 years of age. Research suggests that perceived social support is an important factor in maintaining positive health behaviors in this population. The present study examined the relationship between depressive symptoms and trait anger on perceived social support in a sam...
Background
Poorer health outcomes and lower survival rates have been well documented among African American/Black (Black) women diagnosed with breast cancer. Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women despite a lower incidence rate. Apart from pharmacotherapy, psychosocial interventions are recommended by the Institu...
Objectives:
The current study examined recent substance use among younger and older African Americans and factors associated with recent use.
Methods:
The current study used a subset of African American men and women (N = 260) from the NEURO-HIV Epidemiological Study (Mage = 42, SD = 9.27; 59% female). Self-report of past 6 month substance use w...
Background:
Relatively little research has examined the effects of binge drinking and HIV risk in heterosexual Black men. Even less research has explored this relationship in illicit drug using heterosexual Black men who are at an elevated risk of contracting and transmitting HIV through various vectors, including risky sexual behavior, in the Bla...
In the US, Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most prevalent chronic blood borne infection with an estimated 3.2 million persons being chronically infected. When paired with recent studies indicating that large proportions of HCV infected people are unaware of their disease status, the high prevalence of HCV and equally high prevalence of mor...
Drug use remains a critical national problem that adversely impacts the healthcare, mental health, and criminal justice systems. As substance users move into middle age, age-related health concerns and psychosocial factors can complicate substance use. While African Americans (AA) have a lower rate of substance use in adolescence compared to whites...
The present study sought to examine: (1) the prevalence and correlates of biologically confirmed Hepatitis C (HCV) and (2) the prevalence and correlates of prior HCV diagnosis and an unmet need for HCV treatment, among a community residing sample of drug users. The current study used a subset of HCV tested participants from the larger NEURO-HIV Epi...
The stress of co-infection with HIV and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), in race/ethnic minority women, may increase depression and immune decrements. Compromised immunity in HIV+ HPV+ women may increase the odds of cervical dysplasia. Thus we tested the efficacy of a 10-wk cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) group intervention and hypothesize...
Black women are traditionally underserved in all aspects of cancer care. This disparity is particularly evident in the area of psychosocial interventions where there are few programs designed to specifically meet the needs of Black breast cancer survivors. Cognitive-behavioral stress management intervention (CBSM) has been shown to facilitate adjus...
Purpose: To assess participants’ reactions to a targeted decision aid (DA) for minority cancer patients whose aim is to improve decision making about participation in cancer clinical trials (CCTs), and determine the effect of the DA on attitudes towards CCTs.
Method: We developed a web-based targeted DA using information from a previous telephone...
Purpose: To determine the effect of a targeted decision aid (DA) on subjective and objective knowledge, willingness to participate, self efficacy, and preparedness to make decisions regarding participation in cancer clinical trials (CCTs) in Hispanic and Black cancer survivors.
Method: We developed a web-based DA based on a telephone survey (n=11...
Objective:
This study is a secondary analysis examining the effects of a cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) intervention on indicators of positive psychological well-being and negative psychological well-being in HIV-positive racial/ethnic minority women at risk for cervical cancer due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and/or cerv...
Purpose: To ascertain the experiences and perceptions of participation in cancer clinical trials by Hispanic and Black cancer survivors.
Methods: As part of a larger study to develop a decision aid for participation in cancer clinical trials, we conducted semi-structured interviews with English-speaking Hispanic (15), Spanish-speaking Hispanic (1...
Risk for developing cervical neoplastic disease is greatly increased in women infected with oncogenic sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and who have lowered cellular immunity due to coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The majority of these individuals are low-income minority women. Factors associated with...
Women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) experience major challenges and often report marked decreases in sexual functioning and quality of life (QOL). HIV-infected women also face challenges concerned with other commonly observed concomitant sexually transmitted organisms, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), which may further affect...