Faculty
Deborah J. Bowen
Clinical Professor
PhD
Uniformed Service U of The Health Sc., 1986
Health Psychology
Health Psychology
Professor and Chair
Boston University
, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Health Services Program Affiliations:
- PhD program in Health Services
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Track, (MPH program)
Contact Information
Department of Social and Behavioral SciencesBoston University
715 Albany Street
Boston, MA 02128
(voice) 617-638-5205 (fax) 617-638-4483
dbowen@bu.edu
Teaching Interests
Health behavior change, disadvantaged populations
Research Interests
Health behavior, underserved, communications
Projects
Population-based genetics risk information via the Web
The field of genetic risk is advancing at a pace that the general public and even health professionals have trouble keeping up with. There is a need for delivery of personalized, accurate, up to date risk information to the general public. We believe the best way to deliver this rapidly changing and sensitive information is via the new media available through the Internet. We will conduct a population-based randomized test of a interactive Web-based risk information intervention to help women make appropriate health choices.
Motivating Dietary Changes in Religious Organizations
This proposal will rigorously test an intervention package, based on our previous experience, designed to change dietary practices (lowering fat, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption) among families in religious organizations. We selected religious organizations because of the important role they play in the lives of their members and because of the social and supportive messages delivered by them. The intervention package will deliver social support and motivating messages, as well as materials and skill-building opportunities for dietary change. Forty religious organizations will be randomized to intervention or comparison status.
External Funding (sampling of current and past involvement)
A Randomized Trial of Workplace Interventions to Improve Health of Alaska
National Institutes of HealthPI: Buchwald Dates: 04/2007 - 03/2012
The goal of this project is to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate an evidence-based comprehensive workplace intervention package among Alaskan Native employees.
Biobehavioral Cancer Prevention and Control Training Program
National Cancer InstitutePI: Patrick Dates: 07/2006 - 06/2011
The goal of this project is to develop a training program with a new core curriculum in biobehavioral research and interventions, health communications, and practice outcomes as applied to cancer prevention and control.
Genomic Health Care and the Medically Underserved
National Institutes of HealthPI: Burke Dates: 09/2004 - 07/2009
This proposal is for a Center of Excellence in Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) research which will explore the clinical integration of genomics with a focus on medically underserved populations.
Northwest Center for Genomics and Public Health
Centers for Disease ControlPI: Edwards Dates: 09/2004 - 08/2008
The Northwest Center for Genomics and Public Health serves as a regional hub of expertise in genomics and public health and facilitates the translation of genomic information into public health policy, responds to requests for information, and provides training.
WA DOH Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, Colorectal
and Prostate Cancer
WA State Department of HealthPI: Hannon Dates: 01/2004 - 06/2008
The primary goal of this project is to oversee and conduct the assessment and evaluation components of two Washington State Department of Health grants funded by the CDC.
SIP 21-04 Worksite Study to Promote IDM for Prostate Screening
Harvard School of Public HealthPI: Bowen Dates: 07/2005 - 09/2007
The overall goal of this study is to develop, implement and evaluate a worksite model for prostate cancer education designed to promote informed decision making regarding screening.
Poverty and Obesity: Diet Quality and Diet Cost
National Institutes of HealthPI: Drewnowski Dates: 06/2004 - 05/2007
This project will explore links between obesity, diet quality, and diet costs among participants representing diversity of education, income, and race/ethnic groups.
Epidemiology of Gallbladder Sludge and Stones in Pregnancy
National Institutes of HealthPI: Lee Dates: 04/1996 - 02/2007
R25T: Biobehavioral Cancer Prevention and Control Training Program
National Cancer InstitutePI: Patrick Dates: 07/2001 - 06/2006
The goal of this project is to develop a training program with a new core curriculum in biobehavioral research and interventions, health communications, and practice outcomes as applied to cancer prevention and control.
SEER RRSS #4: Health, Eating, Activity, and Lifestyle (HEAL) 5-year Follow-up Study
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterPI: McTiernan Dates: 09/2004 - 09/2005
The overall aim of this study is to interview and perform measurements on 1,065 female breast cancer patients at baseline, 24, and 60 months.
PRC Cancer Control and Prevention Network
Centers for Disease ControlPI: LoGerfo Dates: 09/2002 - 09/2004
The primary goal of this project will create a national Prevention Research Center Cancer Control and Prevention Network.
Epidemiology of Smoking Cessation- Genetic Influences
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterPI: Rossing Dates: 12/1999 - 11/2002
Using a cohort of 700 women previously enrolled in a smoking cessation trial, genetic influences on smoking cessation will be examined
Selected Publications
Bowen, D.J., Kuniyuki, A., Shattuck, A., Nixon, D., & Sponzo, R. (2000). Results of a volunteer program to conduct dietary intervention research for women, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 22, 1-8. 55.
Bowen, D.J., Kuniyuki, A., Shattuck, A., Nixon, D., & Sponzo, R. (2000). Results of a volunteer program to conduct dietary intervention research for women, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 22, 1-8.
Bowen, D.J., Raczynski, J., George, V., Feng, Z., & Fouad, M. (2000). Intervention adherence effects on dietary change in the Women’s Health Trial: Feasibility Study in Minority Population. Preventive Medicine, 31, 474-480.56.
Bowen DJ, Raczynski J, George V, Feng Z, Fouad M. (2000). Intervention adherence effects on dietary change in the Women's Health Trial: Feasibility Study in Minority Population. Preventative Medicine: 31,474-480.
Helmes, A., Bowen, D., Bowden, R. Bengel, J. (2001). Predictors of participation in genetic research in a primary care physician network. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention, 9, 1377-1379. 58.
Dissertation, Thesis and Capstone Committees (recent graduates)
2007
Chair, thesis committee for Diana Lowry
The South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency's Tribal CCC Planning Path-to-Follow Workshop: A Qualitative Formative Assessment and Usability Evaluation
2006
Member, thesis committee for Christoph Hanssmann
A community-based program evaluation of Verbena Health's community competency trainings
2006
Chair, thesis committee for Latonya Trotter
The socioeconomic status and adiposity relationship: Does it depend on race/ethnicity or SES measure?
2006
Chair, thesis committee for Thuy Vu
Impact Evaluation of a Month-Long Direct-to-Consumer Colon Cancer Awareness Month Campaign
2005
Chair, thesis committee for Michael Sanchez
Factors influencing prostate cancer screening decisions among African-American men
2004
Chair, thesis committee for Catherine Christensen
Exploring communication in colorectal cancer families as a predictor of screening and channel for assistance
