Shiela M Strauss

Faculty

Shiela Strauss headshot

Shiela M Strauss

Associate Professor

1 212 998 5280

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Shiela M Strauss's additional information

A Principal Investigator since 1999 on grants funded by NIH and private foundations, Dr. Strauss’ research has primarily focused on studying the drug treatment response to the hepatitis C virus, and support for alcohol reduction among HIV positive patients. Dr. Strauss has also applied innovative statistical methodology to examine the validity of self-report of HIV status among out-of-treatment drug users. A more recent focus has involved an examination of the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes, and the potential of the dental office to serve as a site for diabetes screening.

PhD, 1996, Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York;
MA, 1972, Lehman College of the City University of New York;
BS, 1967, City College of the City University of New York

Women's health
Oral-systemic health
Non-communicable disease
Infectious disease

Jewish Diabetes Association;
Phi Beta Kappa

Faculty Honors Awards

Fulbright Senior Specialist Award: Bringing the hepatitis C research to Israel and the Middle East; (2005)
1996, Dissertation Year Fellowship Award: Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York; (1996)
Edyth May Sliffe Award for Distinguished High School Mathematics Teaching, Mathematics Association of America; (1989)
Presidential Scholars Program Certificate of Excellence, The White House; (1988)
Election to Phi Beta Kappa (1966)

Publications

The Association Between Neighborhood Factors and Bullying Among Adolescents with Asthma.

McCabe, E., & Strauss, S. (2022). Journal of the American Nurses Association of New York, 2(2), 43-48. 10.47988/janany.6410282831.2.2
Abstract
Abstract
Neighborhood factors may be associated with bully victimization, a serious health concern for adolescents with asthma. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between neighborhood factors and past year bullying in adolescents with asthma as reported by adult household respondents. Using data from the adolescent 2019 National Survey of Children’s Health, we analyzed responses which included 473 adult respondents of adolescent females with asthma and 551 adult respondents of adolescent males with asthma. Adult respondents also needed to have answered whether the adolescent was bullied over the past year. Neighborhood variables included whether the adolescent’s neighborhood had sidewalks or walking paths, a park or playground, a recreation center or a boys’ or girls’ club, and vandalism exposure. The complex samples module in IBM SPSS 27 with equal probability sampling without replacement was used to conduct the analyses. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were also used. There were statistically significant differences in the proportion of adolescent females with asthma ever bullied compared to the proportion never bullied who had access to a park or playground (70.0% vs. 83.7%, respectively; p=.038) and were exposed to neighborhood vandalism (2.8% vs. 10.8%, respectively; p=.028). A significantly smaller proportion of adolescent males with asthma ever bullied than the proportion never bullied were exposed to neighborhood vandalism (4.9% vs. 14%, respectively; p=.032). It is important to examine the influence of neighborhood factors further to better understand their association with bully victimization in adolescents with asthma.

Risk Factors Associated With Bullying at School and Electronic Bullying in U.S. Adolescent Females With Asthma

McCabe, E. M., & Strauss, S. (2022). Journal of School Nursing, 38(4), 380-386. 10.1177/1059840520951635
Abstract
Abstract
Although adolescent females with asthma are at increased risk for bullying, relationships between bullying at school and electronic bullying and demographics, mental health issues, and substance use have not specifically been studied in these young women. The purpose of this research was to examine such relationships among adolescent females with asthma. Complex sampling software was used to extrapolate frequencies and χ2 analyses to adolescent females with asthma. In this U.S. sample of adolescent females with asthma (n = 1,634), younger age, mental health issues, and substance use were significantly related to bullying at school and electronic bullying, while race/ethnicity and grade in school were significantly related only to bullying at school. In general, findings are consistent with previous research regarding relationships between bullying and risk factors among all U.S. adolescent females. Guidance by school nurses is needed to create effective supports for victimization reduction in this vulnerable group.

School health services for children with chronic health conditions in California public secondary schools: Findings from the 2018 school health profiles survey

McCabe, E., Jameson, B. E., & Strauss, S. (2022). Journal of the American Nurses Association of New York, 2(1), 12-18. 10.47988/janany.53644423.2.1
Abstract
Abstract
More than 20% of school districts in the United States do not have policies on identification and case management for students with chronic health conditions (CHCs), suggesting that these students’ health needs may not be met during the school day. Prior research reports a gap in policy implementation and the actual provision or operationalization of the policy into action. While there is limited research on school health policies, little is known about the actual provision of the services that such policies indicate should be provided. Notably, the actual provision of health services in U.S. schools, particularly regarding CHC management and its association with school nurse employment, is underreported. Using data from the 2018 School Health Profiles (SHP) Survey, health services including administering daily medication, providing stock rescue medication, providing case management, facilitating community partnering, and providing disease-specific education were examined in California public secondary schools together with school nurse employment. Complex sampling analysis and chi-square statistics were used to examine the statistical associations. A significantly greater proportion of schools with a full- or part-time nurse compared with schools with no nurse provided: (1) daily medication administration (82.1% vs. 68.1%; p = .014); (2) case management services (75.8% vs. 62.0%; p = .031); (3) disease-specific education for parents and families (44.9% vs. 25.7%; p = .016); and (4) parent and student connection to health services in the community (83.7% vs. 72.2%; p = .035). Findings suggest that nationally representative data, such as SHP, contain important information for states to review regarding school health policies and provision of services. Further research needs to expand these findings to better understand school health policy and practice and its alignment with state and federal laws to support all children, especially those with CHCs.

School Nurses Matter: Relationship Between School Nurse Employment Policies and Chronic Health Condition Policies in U.S. School Districts

McCabe, E. M., Jameson, B. E., & Strauss, S. M. (2022). Journal of School Nursing, 38(5), 467-477. 10.1177/1059840520973413
Abstract
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions (CHCs) in school-aged children highlights the need to better understand school health services’ role regarding CHCs. Using U.S. nationally representative district-level data from the 2016 School Health Policies and Practices Study, we examined whether having policies on school nurses’ employment was associated with having policies on CHCs and whether having such policies varied by geographic location. Compared to districts without such employment policies, districts with such policies (52.3%) were significantly more likely to have CHC management policies. For each CHC policy examined, more than 20% of school districts did not have the CHC policy, with Northeast districts having the greatest proportion of such policies and West districts having the least. Thus, many students’ CHC needs may not be met at school. It is important for school nurses to play a key role in advocating for the development of school-based policies on CHCs.

Mental Health Screenings: Practices and Patterns of These and Other Health Screenings in U.S. School Districts

McCabe, E. M., Jameson, B. E., & Strauss, S. M. (2021). Journal of School Nursing, 40(2), 144-154. 10.1177/10598405211056647
Abstract
Abstract
Schools’ health screenings can identify students’ missed health concerns. Data from the 2016 School Health Policies and Practices Study were used to determine the proportion of U.S. school districts with physical and mental health screening policies and the proportion that arrange off-campus mental health services. We also examined differences between districts with and without mental health screening policies regarding having physical health screening policies, patterns of these policies, and off-campus mental health service arrangements. Eleven percent of districts had no policies on any of the four physical health screenings assessed, and 87% lacked policies on mental health screenings, the latter especially concerning considering the impact of COVID-19. Districts with policies on mental health screenings were significantly more likely to have body mass index (p <.01) and oral health (p <.001) screening policies, and to arrange for off-campus case management (p <.001), family counseling (p <.05), group counseling (p <.01), self-help (p <.05) and intake evaluation (p <.05).

School Nurses as Vital Members of 504 and Individualized Educational Program Teams: Do District-Level Policies Make a Difference in School Nurses’ Involvement?

McCabe, E. M., Kaskoun, J. R., & Strauss, S. (2021). Policy, Politics, and Nursing Practice, 22(3), 191-200. 10.1177/15271544211011959
Abstract
Abstract
In 2019, 10 to 20 million school-aged youth were identified as having a chronic health condition or disability. However, little is known about U.S. school district policies on school nurses’ participation in Individualized Educational Program (IEP) and Section 504 teams to support these youth. Using nationally representative district-level data from the 2016 School Health Policies and Practices Study, we examined whether U.S. school districts have policies on school nurse participation in IEP and 504 development. In addition, we examined the relationship between having such policies and policies on (a) creating and maintaining school teams to assist students with disabilities and (b) the participation of other essential school staff in IEP and 504 development. Among districts with policies regarding school nurse participation in IEP development versus those that did not, a significantly greater proportion had policies on student support teams and counselors’ participation on IEP teams (79.2% vs. 44.4%, p <.001, and 98.7% vs. 56.2%, p <.001, respectively). In addition, among districts with policies on school nurse participation in 504 development versus those that did not, a significantly greater proportion also had policies on support teams and counselors’ participation on 504 teams (77.5% vs. 43.1%, p <.001, and 97.2% vs. 50.7%, p <.001, respectively). We also examine regional and locale differences in these policies. Findings encourage discussion on student support teams’ role in school districts for students with chronic health conditions and disabilities, how school nurses can be essential team members, and better coordination of student care to promote children who are engaged, healthy, and supported within the school community.

Bundling Rapid Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Testing to Increase Receipt of Test Results: A Randomized Trial

Frimpong, J. A., Shiu-Yee, K., Tross, S., D’Aunno, T., Perlman, D. C., Strauss, S. M., Schackman, B. R., Feaster, D. J., & Metsch, L. R. (2020). Medical Care, 58(5), 445-452. 10.1097/MLR.0000000000001311
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The overlapping human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemics disproportionately affect people with substance use disorders. However, many people who use substances remain unaware of their infection(s).OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of an on-site bundled rapid HIV and HCV testing strategy in increasing receipt of both HIV and HCV test results.RESEARCH DESIGN: Two-armed randomized controlled trial in substance use disorder treatment programs (SUDTP) in New York City. Participants in the treatment arm were offered bundled rapid HIV and HCV tests with immediate results on-site. Participants in the control arm were offered the standard of care, that is, referrals to on-site or off-site laboratory-based HIV and HCV testing with delayed results.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 162 clients with unknown or negative HIV and HCV status.MEASURES: The primary outcome was the percentage of participants with self-reported receipt of HIV and HCV test results at 1-month postrandomization.RESULTS: Over half of participants were Hispanic (51.2%), with 25.3% being non-Hispanic black and 17.9% non-Hispanic white. Two thirds were male, and 54.9% reported injection as method of drug use. One hundred thirty-four participants (82.7%) completed the 1-month assessment. Participants in the treatment arm were more likely to report having received both test results than those in the control arm (69% vs. 19%, P<0.001). Seven participants in the treatment arm received a preliminary new HCV diagnosis, versus 1 in the control arm (P=0.029).CONCLUSION: Offering bundled rapid HIV and HCV testing with immediate results on-site in SUDTPs may increase awareness of HIV and HCV infection among people with substance use disorders.

Identification of diabetes risk in dental settings: Implications for physical and mental health

Rosedale, M. T., Strauss, S. M., Kaur, N., Danoff, A., & Malaspina, D. (2018). International Journal of Mental Health, 47(1), 64-73. 10.1080/00207411.2017.1377803
Abstract
Abstract
The risk for diabetes is significantly elevated in persons who are older, overweight, and have serious mental illness. However, primary care practitioners (PCP) tend to underestimate this risk. Although there are few opportunities for early detection of diabetes, blood exuded during routine oral exams in dental settings can be used to assess glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. The current study sought to understand how primary care practitioners would react to patients who screened positive for elevated HbA1c, how they estimated risk, and whether they provided treatment recommendations or counseling. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted on 61 subjects three months after demonstrating elevated HbA1c levels from dental screenings. Data were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. Qualitative analyses revealed the following four themes according to patients: (1) “Being told I needed to make lifestyle changes” (41%); (2) Realizing I needed a new health care provider or medication change” (10%); (3) “Being told of the need for monitoring but no counseling/treatment change” (16%); and (4) “Being told everything is fine and there is nothing to worry about” (31%). Only half of the 61 cases reporting elevated HbA1c levels at screening experienced their PCP’s as responding with counseling or medication changes. Almost a third of cases perceived that their PCP’s dismissed the results, making no recommendations, and the rest perceived no counseling or interventions being proposed. Based on subjects’ perceptions of their PCP’s responses to their elevated HbA1c values, the impact of this intervention is substantially reduced over expectations.

Arthritis-related limitations predict insufficient physical activity in adults with prediabetes identified in the NHANES 2011-2014

Strauss, S. M., & McCarthy, M. (2017). Diabetes Educator, 43(2), 163-170. 10.1177/0145721717691849
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which arthritis-related limitations are salient in predicting less than the recommended amount of time for adults with prediabetes to spend on moderate or vigorous physical activity. Methods Data from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States were used to identify the predictors of insufficient physical activity in a large sample of adults with prediabetes 20 years of age and older (n = 2536). Results When extrapolated to more than 45 million adults in the United States at least 20 years of age with prediabetes, 42.7% had insufficient physical activity. Having arthritis- related functional limitations was a significant predictor of insufficient physical activity, even after accounting for the statistically significant contributions of female sex, older age, lower education level, higher body mass index, and depression. Conclusion When educating and counseling adults with prediabetes, diabetes educators should assess for arthritis-related functional limitations when examining factors that may affect prediabetes progression. Recommendations for physical activity for those with mobility and other limitations need to be individualized within a tailored exercise program to accommodate their specific limitations.

Follow-up with primary care providers for elevated glycated haemoglobin identified at the dental visit

Rosedale, M. T., Strauss, S. M., Kaur, N., Knight, C., & Malaspina, D. (2017). International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 15(4), e52-e60. 10.1111/idh.12214
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives: This study examined patient experiences after receiving elevated diabetes screening values using blood collected at a dental clinic. It explores patients' reactions to screening, whether or not they sought recommended medical follow-up, and facilitating factors and barriers to obtaining follow-up care. Methods: At the comprehensive care clinics at a large, urban College of Dentistry in the United States, haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) values were obtained from 379 study participants who had not been previously diagnosed with diabetes. In all, 169 (44.6%) had elevated HbA1C values. We analysed quantitative and qualitative data concerning these patients' follow-up with primary care providers (PCPs). Results: We were able to contact 112 (66.3%) of the 169 study participants who had an elevated HbA1C reading. Of that group, 61 (54.5%) received recommended follow-up care from a PCP within 3 months, and an additional 28 (25.0%) said they intended to seek such care. Qualitative themes included the following: the screening letter – opportunity or burden, appreciation for the 3-month follow-up call and barriers to medical follow-up that included the following: lack of knowledge about diabetes, not understanding the importance of follow-up, busyness, financial concerns, fear and denial. Conclusions: Quantitative and qualitative data demonstrate that dentists, dental hygienists and nurses are well poised to discover and translate new models of patient-centred, comprehensive care to patients with oral and systemic illness.