Gail D'Eramo Melkus

Faculty

Gail D'Eramo Melkus headshot

Gail D'Eramo Melkus

ANP EdD FAAN

Professor Emerita

1 212 998 5356

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Gail D’Eramo Melkus, EdD, ANP, FAAN, is Professor Emerita and the former vice dean for research and the Florence and William Downs Professor in Nursing Research at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Melkus’ sustained interest in eliminating health disparities among vulnerable populations earned her a reputation as a leader in the development and testing of culturally competent models of diabetes care. Her program of intervention research that focuses on physiological and behavioral outcomes of self-management interventions has served as an education and training ground for numerous multidisciplinary scientists. 

Melkus currently serves as co-PI and co-investigator or research mentor on numerous funded projects specific to biobehavioral interventions for prevention and management of chronic conditions and related co-morbidities, in mid-life and older adults, including national and international work. Melkus serves as sponsor of K-awards focused on health disparities among vulnerable populations (women with T2D and depression; elderly Blacks at-risk for depression, glycemic control and infection in oncology stem cell recipients, CHD in older adult workers, HIV in adolescents). She is PI for the NINR P20 Center for Precision Health in Diverse Populations.

Before joining the faculty at NYU Meyers, Melkus was the Independence Foundation Professor of Nursing at the Yale University School of Nursing, where, in collaboration with the Diabetes Research Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NY, she developed and implemented the Diabetes Care Specialty for advanced practice nurses. 

In recognition of her mentorship, Melkus received the 1st Annual NYU CTSI Mentor Award in May 2011, and in 2015 was inducted into the STTI Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.

Melkus earned her EdD from Columbia University, MS from Yale University, MS from Connecticut State University, and ASN/BS in Nursing from the University of Bridgeport.

MS - Yale University (2003)
EdD - Columbia University (1987)
MS - Connecticut State University (1978)
ASN/BS, Nursing - University of Bridgeport (1976)

Primary care
Non-communicable disease
Women's health
Immigrants
Adult health

American Academy of Nursing
American Diabetes Association
Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science
CT Nursing Association
Eastern Nursing Research Society
Society for Behavioral Medicine

Eastern Nursing Research Award (2020)
International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame, Sigma Theta Tau (2015)
STTI Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame Inductee (2015)
Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine (2014)
Affiliated Faculty Appointment, University of Georgia (2014)
Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Bridgeport (2014)
Faculty Scholar Appointment, Universita' Tor Vergata (2014)
Advisory Committee Member, Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage (2013)
1st annual Distinguished Mentor Award, NYU Clinical Translational Science Institute (2011)
Distinguished Scholar Award, New York University College of Nursing (2010)
Distinguished Nurse Researcher Award, New York State Nurse Foundation (2009)
Endowed Chair, New York University (2008)
Endowed Chair of the Independence Foundation, Yale University (2004)
Excellence in Nursing Research Award, Diamond Jubilee Virginia Henderson (2003)
Fellow, American Academy of Nursing (2003)

Type 2 diabetes in urban black and rural white women

Melkus, G. D., Whittemore, R., & Mitchell, J. (2009). Diabetes Educator, 35(2), 293-301. 10.1177/0145721708327532
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this secondary analysis was to describe and compare physiological, psychosocial, and self-management characteristics of urban black and rural white women with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the northeast United States. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional secondary analysis was conducted with baseline data from 2 independent study samples: rural white women and urban black women. Results Results revealed the sample were on average educated, working, low-income, mid-life women with poor glycemic and blood pressure control, despite having a usual source of primary care. When compared, black women were younger, had lower income levels, worked more, and were often single and/or divorced. They had worse glycemic control, significantly higher levels of diabetes-related emotional distress, and less support than white women. Conclusion Despite differences in geography and study findings, both groups had suboptimal physiological and psychosocial levels that impede self-management. These findings serve to aid in the understanding of health disparities, emphasizing the importance of developing and evaluating effective interventions of diabetes care for women with T2D.

Designing a research study

Whittemore, R., & Melkus, G. D. (2008). Diabetes Educator, 34(2), 201-216. 10.1177/0145721708315678
Abstract
Abstract
Diabetes educators and advanced-practice nurses in diabetes care often participate in clinical research. The purpose of this article is to provide a broad overview of important decisions in planning a research study. The research process is reviewed, including the conceptual phase, the design and planning phase, the empirical phase, the analytic phase, and the dissemination phase. Issues unique to diabetes education research are highlighted.

Factors contributing to integrating lifestyle in Thai women with type 2 diabetes

Siripitayakunkit, A., Hanucharurnkl, S., Melkus, G., Vorapongsathon, O., Rattarasarn, C., & Apanantikul, M. (2008). Thai Journal of Nursing Research, 12(3), 166-177.

Grandparenthood status and health outcomes in midlife African American women with type 2 diabetes

Balukonis, J., Melkus, G. D., & Chyun, D. (2008). Ethnicity and Disease, 18(2), 141-146.
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: To describe grandparenthood status and determine the relationship between grandparenthood status, metabolic control, and psychosocial factors in African American women with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A secondary, descriptive, exploratory analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between grandparenting status, physiologic indices related to metabolic control (body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and psychosocial factors (emotional distress and quality of life) in a sample of 109 urban midlife African American women with type 2 diabetes. Results: Grandmothers made up 60% of the sample and were stratified into three groups on the basis of caretaking status. Grandmothers who cared for but did not live with grandchildren had the highest body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure. Caregiving grandmothers also had higher diabetes-related emotional distress scores but had better quality of life scores than did the non-caretaking grandmothers. Non-grandmothers had the lowest quality of life scores. Conclusions: These findings suggest relationships between grandmother caretaking status and metabolic and psychosocial factors. Research is needed to further examine these relationships and implications on practice and policy decisions.

Relationships of religion and spirituality to glycemic control in black women with type 2 diabetes

Newlin, K., Melkus, G. D., Tappen, R., Chyun, D., & Koenig, H. G. (2008). Nursing Research, 57(5), 331-339. 10.1097/01.NNR.0000313497.10154.66
Abstract
Abstract
▶ Background: Although religion and spirituality are prominent in the lives of Black women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), there is little research on the relationships of religion and spirituality to glycemic control (GC) in this population. ▶ Objective: To examine the relations of religion and spirituality to GC. ▶ Methods: Using a cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational design, a convenience sample of 109 Black women with T2DM was recruited. Measures of demographic (age, income, and education), clinical (body mass index and use of diabetes medications), psychosocial (emotional distress and social support), religion and spirituality (religious and existential well-being), and GC (hemoglobin A1c) factors were collected. A theoretical model, based on the work of Koenig, McCullough, and Larson (2001), informed linear regression analyses to examine the relations of religion and spirituality to GC, with psychosocial factors as putative mediators. ▶ Results: With age (β = -.133, SE = .020, p = .145), income (β =.020, SE = .139, p = .853), education (β = -.221, SE = .204, p = .040), body mass index (β= - .237, SE = .031, p = .011), and diabetes medications (β = .338, SE = .216, p < .001) held constant, religion and spirituality demonstrated significant relations with GC (β = .289, SE = .032, p = .028 and β = -.358, SE = .030, p = .006, respectively). Evidence of emotional distress and social support as mediators in the relationships of religion and spirituality to GC was lacking. ▶ Discussion: Religion and spirituality were related to GC, with evidence of psychosocial mediation lacking, thereby forcing revision of the model for the study population. Research is warranted to validate the findings, with further examination of theoretical mediators linking religion and spirituality to GC. Findings suggest that religion and spirituality be addressed in diabetes care to improve GC in Black women with T2DM.

An intervention for multiethnic obese parents and overweight children

Berry, D., Savoye, M., Melkus, G., & Grey, M. (2007). Applied Nursing Research, 20(2), 63-71. 10.1016/j.apnr.2006.01.007
Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effects of the addition of coping skills training for obese multiethnic parents whose overweight children were attending a weight management program. At 6 months, parents in the experimental group had significantly lower body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP) and higher numbers of pedometer steps compared with those in the control group. Parents in the experimental group also demonstrated significant improvement in interpersonal relationships, behavior control, and stress management compared with those in the control group. Children in the experimental group demonstrated trends toward decreased BMI and BFP and increased pedometer steps.

Validation of Dietary Intake Data in Black Women with Type 2 Diabetes

Amend, A., Melkus, G. D., Chyun, D. A., Galasso, P., & Wylie-Rosett, J. (2007). Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 107(1), 112-117. 10.1016/j.jada.2006.10.004
Abstract
Abstract
The validity of baseline dietary intake data in women participating in a culturally competent intervention study for black women with type 2 diabetes was assessed. The relationship of sociodemographic and physiologic factors with underreporting of dietary intake was determined. Criterion validity of dietary intake, which had been assessed using the Nutritionist Five Collection Form, a combination of a standard 2-day dietary recall and a modified, culturally appropriate food frequency questionnaire, was determined. Data were analyzed using First Data Bank Nutritionist Five (version 2.3, 2000, First Data Bank, San Bruno, CA) software. Validation of baseline dietary data in 109 women was performed by calculating the ratio of energy intake to resting metabolic rate. χ2 and t tests were used to assess relationships between underreporting and sociodemographic and physiologic factors. Mean ratio of energy intake to resting metabolic rate was 1.46 (±0.4). Using a lower limit of 1.35, the prevalence of underreporting was 46.8%. Underreporting was significantly associated with body mass index (P≤0.001) and waist circumference (P<0.001). Use of this combined dietary recall and modified food frequency questionnaire might, therefore, provide more accurate dietary assessment in this population. Additional modification and validity testing is warranted in this and other populations.

The association of psychological factors, physical activity, neuropathy, and quality of life in type 2 diabetes

Chyun, D. A., Melkus, G. D., Katten, D. M., Price, W. J., Davey, J. A., Grey, N., Heller, G., & Wackers, F. J. (2006). Biological Research for Nursing, 7(4), 279-288. 10.1177/1099800405285748
Abstract
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of sociodemographics; diabetes-related factors, including diabetes-related microvascular complications; cardiac risk factors; and psychological factors with quality of life (QOL). Participants enrolled at three sites in the Detection of Ischemia in Asymptomatic Diabetics (DIAD) study were invited to participate in this ancillary study. Questionnaires assessing psychological factors were completed by participants, and the remainder of the data was obtained as part of the DIAD study. Many participants had elevated levels of anxiety (n = 91; 82%), depressive symptoms (n = 16; 14%), anger (n = 38; 34%), and hostility (n = 17; 17%). Results of multivariate analyses conducted for each of the eight domains on the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 and two Diabetes Quality of Life domains demonstrated that in the majority of models (42% to 68% of the variance explained), female sex, peripheral or autonomic neuropathy, physical inactivity, higher body mass index, and the presence of depressive symptoms and anxiety were associated with poorer QOL (p =.0001). These findings demonstrate that anxiety, depressive symptoms, and neuropathy are prevalent in older adults with type 2 diabetes. In addition, potentially important correlations were demonstrated between psychological factors, neuropathy, body mass index, and physical inactivity.

Effectiveness of a self-management program for Thais with type 2 diabetes: An integrative review

Keeratiyutawong, P., Hanucharurnkl, S., Melkus, G., & Vorapongsathon, O. (2006). Thai Journal of Nursing Research, 10(2), 85-97.

Epidemiologic Perspectives of Risk for Developing Diabetes and Diabetes Complications

Berry, D., & Melkus, G. D. (2006). Nursing Clinics of North America, 41(4), 487-498. 10.1016/j.cnur.2006.07.008
Abstract
Abstract
The incidence and prevalence of diabetes, particularly T2DM, is increasing both in the United States and worldwide. Identified risk factors, such as glucose intolerance, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, often precede and accompany the diagnosis of T2DM. Further, all are associated physiologic alterations of obesity. Obesity that has grown in epidemic proportion, because of overconsumption of calories in the presence of decreased physical activity, affects greater numbers of persons including children and adolescents. National recommendations for screening and diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia provide a basis for early detection, treatment, and intervention that may potentially decrease related complications, and personal and economic costs of the disease. Most important is that knowledge exists about who is at risk for diabetes by weight, family history of diabetes, ethnicity, and history of gestational diabetes that allows for the development and implementation of diabetes primary prevention programs. Multiple national health surveys and databases provide important information for health care providers, systems of care, and communities that can be used to guide such prevention, early screening, and disease detection and intervention programs aimed at decreasing the burden of diabetes.