Our Faculty

Dr. Naa Oyo Kwate's research focuses on the psychological and sociocultural determinants of African American health behaviors and outcomes. Trained as a clinical psychologist, she has published papers on the cultural context of mental health practice, African American cultural identity, and the role of perceived racism in negative health outcomes. Her current research centers on the role of racial/cultural identity in health behaviors, belief systems about illness and health, and the intersection of individual and macro-level determinants of health. Dr. Kwate is the principal investigator of a federally funded study examining determinants of alcohol intake among African American women in Harlem, and is developing new research in the sociocultural context of dietary patterns. She currently serves on the board of directors of b-healthy!, a non-profit organization dedicated to youth development, particularly around nutrition and community health.

PhD, St. John's University, 2002

BA, Carleton College, 1994

University Affiliations:

• Robert Wood Johnson Health & Society Scholars Program
• Center for the Study of Social Inequalities and Health  

• NIH- National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities Scholar, 2002

Selected Editorial Boards

• Editorial Consultant, Journal of Black Psychology

Cultural and Contextual Determinants of Alcohol Use Among African American Women: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Breast Cancer Risk
Alcohol intake is a risk factor for breast cancer, and unlike heredity, is a modifiable behavior. African American women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer at younger ages, and are more likely to die from the disease across all ages. If one way to reduce risk is to drink less alcohol, it is important to understand the factors that affect how much African American women drink. This study investigates individual and environmental influences on alcohol intake. At the individual level, we examined the effects of perceived racism, and at the environmental level we examined the effects of liquor stores and alcohol advertisements in the neighborhood (Harlem).

Studying spatial associations between the density of schools and the density of fast food outlets
That obesity in the United States has increased exponentially over the past few years is well known. Although prevalence has risen steadily across demographic groups, the highest rates occur among the most disadvantaged. In New York City, 31 % of Latino and 23% of African American elementary school children are obese, putting them at risk for poor health during childhood, and obesity and chronic illnesses as adults. Research also shows that residents in low-income, Black and Latino neighborhoods are particularly at risk of living in obesigenic environments. Thus, the present study investigates the spatial relationship between fast food and schools in NYC; how this relationship varies by school and neighborhood characteristics; determinants of fast food density; and the context surrounding the operation of fast food restaurants.