Research and data drive our programs

Governed by traditional scientific protocols, our research initiatives and data collection are behind the design and implementation of our community health programs. Our work can be broken down into the following categories:

INFECTIOUS DISEASE
WPGH collects long term datasets addressing climate, stress and public health crisis in relation to Aedes aegypti borne disease transmission of the Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya virus. Our aim is to help reduce the risk of infectious diseases in vulnerable communities.

Study Name: Mosquitoes y Yo: Ambitious Science & Education
Collaborators: Lyric Bartholomay, Sara Erikson, Katie Bruna, Avriel Diaz, Anna Stewart, David Cedeno
Abstract: Mosquitos y Yo is an ambitious science education program that uses inquiry based, hands on learning aimed at reducing the risk of disease transmission in vulnerable communities located in tropical disease endemic regions. The curriculum, adapted from Iowa State University and University of Wisconsin, has been expanded to include climate change, disease risk and prevention, and empowering young girls in the sciences.

Study Name: Endemic v. epidemic community perception & response to mosquito prevention and control
Collaborators: Avriel Diaz, Anna Stewart, Maria Diuk-Wasser, Marco Neira
Abstract: The aim of this study was to develop a model that tests how economic, socio-behavioral factors, prevention and control influence household-level Ae. aegypti abundance in order to help researchers and decision-makers examine the feasibility of proposed vector control intervention in resource-limited areas.

Study Name: Zika phylogeny and mutant strains
Collaborators: Avriel Diaz, Marco Neira, Anna Stewart, Maria Diuk-Wasser, Juliana Jeremiah, Jake Robison, Leonela Lucas, Juan Minaya, Kat Castillo, Danielle Tuffs
Abstract: The aim of this study was to understand whether local Zika sequences are infectious and determine their potential to increase endemic disease risk. Although the virus is circulating there have been no reported cases of Zika since 2017.

Study Name: Natural Prevention using organic mosquito repellents
Collaborators: James Sherrick, Avriel Diaz
Abstract: Plant-derived substances and essential oils are a viable solution to provide the necessary means of repellency against Aedes mosquitoes. The purpose of this study is to identify potential plant-derived Aedes repellents that are endemic to Ecuador. This will be the first study to examine botanical Aedes repellents limited to the country of Ecuador, therefore, this literature review presents numerous opportunities for education campaigns in Ecuador.

Study Name: Access to care and strengthening families living with HIV
Collaborators: Nancy Cedeno, Christoph Lubke, Avriel Diaz
Abstract: Our study allows us to acquire data about the realities of our patients' lives in personal, social, economic and work contexts, their mobility, their health history and health status. We point out their experiences of discrimination in relation to being HIV+ both in work and educational environments, which violates Ecuadorian law.

CHRONIC DISEASE
WPGH focuses on expanding the availability of healthcare using traditional medicine supplemented with locally available resources and holistic care. Our community gardens facilitate the exploration of natural history and the interconnectivity between human health and the environment.

Study Name: Diabetes and hypertension lifestyle tracking
Collaborators: Sophia Kalomeris, Kat Castillo, Barabara Feuerstein, Leonela Lucas, Avriel Diaz
Abstract: We collect data for our patients in order to guide our nutrition and chronic disease educational meetings: Vitals, blood glucose check, foot/ peripheral assessment (check for capillary refill, symptom and severity of infection, neuralgia), medical supply check-in, does patient have enough medication, wellness update, any new or relevant information related to their disease they would like to share.

Study Name: Ethnobotany and medicinal plants
Collaborators: Juliana Jeremiah, Roberta Aguilar, Marlon Mera Falcones, Avriel Diaz
Abstract: The ethnobotany project focused on expanding the availability of healthcare using locally-available resources, specifically engendered community gardens whilst facilitating the exploration of natural history and the inter-connectivity between human health and the environment. This project documented the relationship between humans and plants and how this specific culture and region utilizes native and introduced medicinal plants/herbs.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Our research explores how environment and climate impact health, focusing on infectious disease ecology and marine and coastal health. Future projects include research in ocean fisheries, urban agriculture and nutrition, and forest conservation.

Study Name: Mollusk and microplastic biodiversity in coastal intertidal beaches of Manabi, Ecuador
Collaborators: Juan Fernando Pesántez-Muñoz, Avriel Diaz, César Peñaherrera-Palma
Abstract: Marine mollusks are highly diverse and play a critical role in marine ecosystems. Due to their reduced mobility and feeding habits, these species are also important bioindicators of alterations in habitat environmental characteristics. This research was focused on assessing mollusks diversity in rocky and sandy intertidal beaches, and explore its relationship with the environmental conditions (temperature, pH and salinity) and microplastic abundance found in six intertidal localities on the coast of Manabí province, Ecuador.

Climate variability, vulnerability and natural disasters: A case study of Zika

Collaborator: Cecilia Sorenson, Mercy  Borbor-Cordova, Emilie Cavello-Hynes, Avriel Diaz, Jay Lemery, Anna Stewart Ibarra 

Abstract: Climate change presents complex and wide-reaching threats to human health. A variable and changing climate can amplify and unmask ecological and socio-political weaknesses and increase the risk of adverse health outcomes in socially vulnerable regions. When natural disasters occur in such areas, underlying climatic conditions may amplify the public health crisis. We describe an emerging epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Ecuador following the 2016 earthquake, which coincided with an exceptionally strong El Niño event. We hypothesize that the trigger of a natural disaster during anomalous climate conditions and underlying social vulnerabilities were force multipliers contributing to a dramatic increase in ZIKV cases postearthquake. Multi-sectorial coordination is needed in order to strengthen ties between the health sector, governmental entities, vector control, research and disaster management in communities.

MENTAL HEALTH
We provide bi-annual training with community leaders and health care professionals that teach emergency mental health first aid and coping skills. In addition, WPGH created a safe space for youth to learn about music, while teaching them to be able to both internalize and externalize their emotions in a healthy way.

Study Name: Community perceptions on stress in post disaster area
Collaborators: Denise Vega, Anna Stewart, and Avriel Diaz
Abstract: We are conducting ethnographic research with the goal of observing individual’s interactions within our communities in order to study the relationship between the local environment and daily life circumstances. Working with local communities and identifying their concerns has been a central strategy for health promotion workers to underlie social determinants of health by encouraging community involvement.

Study Name: Harmony and health (Music, Art and Movement)
Collaborators: David Cedeno, Avriel Diaz

Study Name: Mental Health First Aid
Collaborators: Maegan McConell, Reinhard Dolp, Jen Pikard, David Cedeno, Nancy Cedeno, Avriel Diaz

Study Name: Tracking women’s health & wellness
Collaborators: Erin Livingston, Andrea Soria, Nancy Cedeno, Avriel Diaz
Abstract: Understanding the stratification of health issues by age group allows us to tailor health education and secondary prevention methods to women who fall in these categories in order to identify harmful behavior, prevent the development of disease, and promote positive health practices.

Study Name: Psychological distress and Zika, dengue, and chikungunya symptoms following earthquake:
Collaborators: Anna Stewart-Ibarra, Anita Hargrave, Avriel Diaz, Aileen Kenneson-Adams, David Gonzales, David Madden, Juan Pablo Molina, Moory Romero
Abstract: We found a positive association between the degree of psychological distress and the presence of suspected arboviral (dengue, chikungunya, Zika) infections in a periurban community, women, adults (40–64 years) and individuals who were still not sleeping at home. Our findings highlight the need for integrated health responses following natural disasters that include healthcare professionals skilled in assessing and managing infectious diseases and psychological distress.

Study Name: Natural disasters, Zika virus infections, and psychological distress
Collaborators: Avriel Diaz, Anna Stewart Ibarra
Abstract: We used two case studies (2016 earthquake in Ecuador and 2018 Hurricane in Puerto Rico) to explore the complex interactions between ZIKV, natural disasters and psychological distress. We emphasized the need for an integrated healthcare approach to better serve affected communities in the aftermath of natural disasters, particularly in regions with pre-existing health disparities.