Michele Shedlin

Faculty

Michele Shedlin headshot

Michele G Shedlin

Professor Emerita

1 212 998 5714

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Michele G Shedlin's additional information

Michele G. Shedlin, PhD, is a professor in the NYU Meyers College of Nursing, an adjunct professor in the College of Dentistry, and a visiting professor at the University of Szeged, Hungary. She is a medical anthropologist with extensive experience in qualitative reproductive health, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS research in Africa, Latin America, and the United States. She has designed and implemented behavioral studies at the community, university, and national levels, to inform and evaluate prevention and care. She has taught for ten years in the doctoral program as well as taught Narrative Medicine in FAS. Shedlin mentors new researchers at the Center for Drug Use and HIV Research and the VA and NYU School of Medicine.

Shedlin was a founding member of the Meyers Faculty Council and has served as Deputy Director of the WHO Collaborating Center in Gerontologic Nursing, the Provost's Academy Advisory Committee, and the Cross University Faculty Forum. Shedlin has chaired the Council on Ethics and Professional Responsibility (at NYU Meyers and School of Dentistry) and served on the Advisory Committee of the NYU Center for Bioethics.

Prior to joining the faculty at NYU, Shedlin headed her own research consulting firm. She was also a faculty member at Columbia University School of Public Health and the University of Texas Leavell Chair in Nursing and Public Health and co-director of the NIH Hispanic Health Disparities Research Center. In 2013, she was a Senior Fulbright Scholar at the University of Szeged, in Hungary.

Shedlin received her PhD, MPhil, MA, and BS from Columbia University.

PhD - Columbia University (1982)
MPhil - Columbia University (1982)
MA - Columbia University (1975)
BS - Columbia University School of General Studies (1968)
Summer Sessions - Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (1961 & 1962)

Global
Immigrants
LGBTQ
Infectious disease
Women's health

American Anthropological Association
American Public Health Association, Latino Caucus
Board of Directors, IMIFAP, Mexico
Editorial Board, Advances in Population AIDS and Anthropology Research Group
Editorial Board, EHQUIDAD: International Journal of Social Sciences and Social Work (Spain)
Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine
Hungarian American Medical Association of America
International Editorial Board, Journal of Sexuality Research & Social Policy
Population Association of America
Society for Medical Anthropology

Faculty Honors Awards

Senior Fulbright Scholar, University of Szeged (2013)
Honorary University Professorship, University of Szeged (2013)

Publications

Sending-country violence and receiving-country discrimination: Effects on the health of Colombian refugees in Ecuador

Shedlin, M. G., Decena, C. U., Noboa, H., & Betancourt, Óscar. (2014). Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 16(1), 119-124. 10.1007/s10903-013-9777-9
Abstract
Abstract
This study explored factors affecting the health and well being of recent refugees from Colombia in Ecuador. Data collection focused on how sending-country violence and structural violence in a new environment affect immigrant health vulnerability and risk behaviors. A qualitative approach included ethnographic observation, media content analysis, focus groups, and individual interviews with refugees (N = 137). The focus groups (5) provided perspectives on the research domains by sex workers; drug users; male and female refugees; and service providers. Social and economic marginalization are impacting the health and well being of this growing refugee population. Data illustrate how stigma and discrimination affect food and housing security, employment and health services, and shape vulnerabilities and health risks in a new receiving environment. Widespread discrimination in Ecuador reflects fears, misunderstanding, and stereotypes about Colombian refugees. For this displaced population, the sequelae of violence, combined with survival needs and lack of support and protections, shape new risks to health and well-being.

An ethnographic approach to understanding HIV high-risk behaviors

Shedlin, M. G. (2013). In AIDS and Intravenous Drug Use: Prostitution and drug abuse (1–, pp. 134-149). Taylor and Francis. 10.4324/9780203715086

Geopolitical and cultural factors affecting ARV adherence on the US-Mexico Border

Shedlin, M. G., Decena, C. U., & Beltran, O. (2013). Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 15(5), 969-974. 10.1007/s10903-012-9681-8
Abstract
Abstract
The data discussed represent the findings from a study by the NIH-funded Hispanic Health Disparities Research Center, exploring the influence of institutional and psychosocial factors on adherence to antiretroviral medications by Mexican-origin persons living with AIDS on the US-Mexico Border. A qualitative approach was utilized consisting of clinic observations, baseline and follow-up interviews with patients (N = 113), key informant interviews (N = 9) and focus groups (5) with patients and health providers. Findings include the social-normative, institutional and geo-political factors affecting treatment and service delivery as well as individual variation and culturally patterned behaviors. ARV adherence and retention were found to depend on complex interactions and negotiation of co-occurring factors including the experience of medications and side-effects, patient/provider relationships, cultural norms and the changing dynamics of international borders. We note effects of drug-related violence which created border-crossing obstacles influencing mobility, access to services and adherence.

Knowledge and beliefs about reproductive anatomy and physiology among Mexican-Origin women in the USA: Implications for effective oral contraceptive use

Shedlin, M., Amastae, J., Potter, J. E., Hopkins, K., & Grossman, D. (2013). Culture, Health and Sexuality, 15(4), 466-479. 10.1080/13691058.2013.766930
Abstract
Abstract
Inherent in many reproductive health and family planning programmes is the problematic assumption that the body, its processes and modifications to it are universally experienced in the same way. This paper addresses contraceptive knowledge and beliefs among Mexican-origin women, based upon data gathered by the qualitative component of the Border Contraceptive Access Study. Open-ended interviews explored the perceived mechanism of action of the pill, side-effects, non-contraceptive benefits, and general knowledge of contraception. Findings revealed complex connections between traditional and scientific information. The use of medical terms (e.g. 'hormone') illustrated attempts to integrate new information with existing knowledge and belief systems. Conclusions address concerns that existing information and services may not be sufficient if population-specific knowledge and beliefs are not assessed and addressed. Findings can contribute to the development of effective education, screening and reproductive health services.

Lessons for border research

Amastae, J., Shedlin, M., White, K., Hopkins, K., Grossman, D. A., & Potter, J. E. (2013). In Uncharted Terrains: The border contraceptive access study (1–, pp. 249-264). University of Arizona.

Prevalence, patterns and predictors of substance use among Latino migrant men in a new receiving community

Kissinger, P., Althoff, M., Burton, N., Schmidt, N., Hembling, J., Salinas, O., & Shedlin, M. (2013). Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 133(3), 814-824. 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.08.031
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, patterns and predictors (individual, social, cultural, and environmental) of illicit drug use and binge drinking in a cohort of Latino migrant men (LMM) in a new receiving community. Methods: A cohort of LMM in New Orleans (n= 125) was assembled in 2007 using respondent driven sampling and interviewed quarterly for 18 months regarding past month substance use and other potential covariates. Baseline frequencies were weighted using RDSAT and longitudinal analyses included generalized estimating equations (GEE) and the Cochran-Armitage test for trends. Results: At baseline, substance use behaviors were: drug use 15.0% (range 7.3-25.0%) and binge drinking 58.3% (range 43.6-74.6%). All three of these behaviors decreased over follow-up (P<. 0.01). Baseline alcohol dependence and drug problem were 11.8% (range 5.6-24.3%) and 0.08% (range 0.00-2.7%) and both remained the same over time. Baseline rate of chlamydia was 9% (range 0.00-22.4%); all men tested negative for gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis. For both binge drinking and drug use, having sex with a female sex worker was associated with increased risk, whereas belonging to a club or organization was associated with less risk. Additional factors associated with increased drug use were: having a friend in New Orleans upon arrival, symptoms of depression, and working in construction. An additional factor associated with less binge drinking was having family in New Orleans upon arrival. Conclusion: Among LMM, substance use is influenced by social and environmental factors. Interventions increase community connectedness may help decrease usage.

Sex and drug risk behavior pre- and post-emigration among Latino migrant Men in Post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans

Mills, J., Burton, N., Schmidt, N., Salinas, O., Hembling, J., Aran, A., Shedlin, M., & Kissinger, P. (2013). Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 15(3), 606-613. 10.1007/s10903-012-9650-2
Abstract
Abstract
High rates of sex and drug risk behaviors have been documented among Latino migrant men in the US. Whether these behaviors were established in the migrants' home countries or were adopted in the US has not been described and has implications for prevention strategies. Quarterly surveys were conducted to gather information on selected sex and drug risk practices of Latino migrant men who arrived in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina seeking work. Both kappa scores and McNemar's tests were performed to determine if practice of these behaviors in home country was similar to practice post-emigration to the US. Female sex worker (FSW) patronage, same sex encounters (MSM), and crack cocaine use was more likely to occur post- rather than pre-emigration. Of those who ever engaged in these selected behaviors, most adopted the behavior in the US (i.e., 75.8 % of FSW patrons, 72.7 % of MSM participants, and 85.7 % of crack cocaine users), with the exception of binge drinking (26.8 %). Men who were living with a family member were less likely to adopt FSW patronage OR = 0.27, CI = 0.10-0.76, whereas men who earned >$465 per week were more likely to adopt crack cocaine use OR = 6.29 CI = 1.29, 30.57. Interventions that facilitate the maintenance of family cohesion and provide strategies for financial management may be useful for reducing sex and drug risk among newly arrived migrants.

Use of complementary and alternative medicines and supplements by mexican-origin patients in a U.S.-mexico border hiv clinic

Shedlin, M. G., Anastasi, J. K., Decena, C. U., Rivera, J. O., Beltran, O., & Smith, K. (2013). Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 24(5), 396-410. 10.1016/j.jana.2012.07.001
Abstract
Abstract
This article draws from a study investigating the influence of institutional and psychosocial factors on adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) medications by Mexican-origin persons living with HIV (PWLH) on the U.S.-Mexico border and seeking treatment at a clinic in El Paso, Texas. Among 113 participants, many individuals reported using complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) to support general health and their immune systems and to address symptoms of HIV-related diseases and ARV side effects. CAM were seen as complementing ARV treatment; however, CAM use was often not reported to health care providers out of concern about disapproval and loss of care privileges. This finding challenges researchers and providers to consider seriously how Hispanic populations, with their CAM use, may exhibit the hybridization of health and healing. Information on CAM use needs to be available to providers to assess the benefits and contraindications of use and to develop realistic and effective care strategies.

Compliance

Shedlin, M. (2012). In S. Loue & M. Sajatovic (Eds.), Encyclopedia of immigrant health (1–, pp. 489-490). Springer.

Frustrated Demand for Sterilization Among Low-Income Latinas in El Paso, Texas

Potter, J. E., White, K., Hopkins, K., Mckinnon, S., Shedlin, M. G., Amastae, J., & Grossman, D. (2012). Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 44(4), 228-235. 10.1363/4422812
Abstract
Abstract
Sterilization is the most commonly used contraceptive in the United States, yet access to this method is limited for some. Methods: A 2006-2008 prospective study of low-income pill users in El Paso, Texas, assessed unmet demand for sterilization among 801 women with at least one child. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified characteristics associated with wanting sterilization. In 2010, at an 18-month follow-up, women who had wanted sterilization were recontacted; 120 semistructured and seven in-depth interviews were conducted to assess motivations for undergoing the procedure and the barriers faced in trying to obtain it. Results: At baseline, 56% of women wanted no more children; at nine months, 65% wanted no more children, and of these, 72% wanted sterilization. Only five of the women interviewed at 18 months had undergone sterilization; two said their partners had obtained a vasectomy. Women who had not undergone sterilization were still strongly motivated to do so, mainly because they wanted no more children and were concerned about long-term pill use. Among women's reasons for not having undergone sterilization after their last pregnancy were not having signed the Medicaid consent form in time and having been told that they were too young or there was no funding for the procedure. Cconclusions: Because access to a full range of contraceptive methods is limited for low-income women, researchers and providers should not assume a woman's current method is her method of choice.