Velda Gonzalez

Faculty

Velda J. González Mercado Headshot

Velda Gonzalez

PhD MSN RN

Assistant Professor

1 212 998 5392

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Velda J. González-Mercado, Ph.D, MSN, RN, is an Assistant Professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Her research focuses on symptom science and symptom management, particularly in relation to addressing the needs of the GI/GU cancer population. Her research uses innovative patient-centered phenotyping and “omic” approaches (such as microbiomics, metabolomics, and genomics) to understand the bio-behavioral underpinnings of cancer-related symptoms experienced by GI/GU cancer patients. Her research also examines the patient-reported outcomes experience among her fellow islander Puerto Rican population with chronic conditions focused on symptom expression, functional status, and overall well-being with the goal of developing interventions to improve treatment outcomes for both patients and caregivers.

Prof. González-Mercado recently completed an NIH National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) K23 (K23NR020039) that resulted in the initial evidence that the differential expression of mTOR pathway and activity-related genes are associated with fatigue intensity which led to her current focus on the significance of the interplay of social determinants of health risk factors and biological factors in understanding cancer-related symptoms among diverse urban cancer populations. Her post-doctorate was supported by an NINR F32 (F32NR016618; Dr. Wendy Henderson, PhD, MSN, CRNP, FAAN, consultant) and the American Nurses Foundation, to gather evidence of the relationship among chemo-radiation, dysbiosis, and fatigue in the rectal cancer population. Her dissertation, “Gene Expression and Fatigue in Puerto Rican Men Receiving Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer,” was supported by the Oncology Nursing Society and conducted intramurally at the NINR, Division of Intramural Research, under the mentorship of Leorey Saligan, PhD, RN, CRNP, FAAN.

Prior to joining NYU, González-Mercado was a postdoctoral scholar at the University of South Florida College of Nursing. She also worked as a nursing instructor at the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus School of Nursing; a research coordinator at the University of Puerto Rico Cancer Center; and a heart transplant coordinator at the Cardiovascular Center of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

PhD in Nursing, University of Kansas
MS in Nursing, University of Florida
BS in Nursing, University of Puerto Rico

Adult Health
Chronic disease

American Nurses Association
National Association of Hispanic Nurses
International Society of Nurses in Genetics
Midwest Nursing Research Society
College of Nursing Professionals of Puerto Rico
Oncology Nursing Society
Sigma Theta Tau International

Goddard Fellowship Award, New York University Meyers College of Nursing (2023)
Sousa Award of Excellence, University of Kansas, School of Nursing (2015)
Crighton Award, University of Kansas, School of Nursing (2014)
Ruth O. McKibben Alumni Research Award, University of Kansas, School of Nursing (2014)
Manuel A. Pérez Award, Commonwealth Government of Puerto Rico (2002)
Paulina R. Dávila Award, College of Nursing Professionals of Puerto Rico (2001)
International inductee, Sigma Theta Tau (1992)

Validation of the Spanish version of the Cancer Symptom Scale in Hispanic cancer patients

Gonzalez, V., Gonzalez-Mercado, V. J., Saligan, L. N., Rodriguez, C. S., Ortiz, D., Pedro, E., & McMillan, S. C. (2018). In International Journal of Nursing Practice (Vols. 24, Issues 6). 10.1111/ijn.12700
Abstract
Abstract
Aim: To assess the validity of the translated Spanish Cancer Symptom Scale. Background: Instruments to facilitate comprehensive and objective assessments of the cancer symptom experience in underrepresented populations are essential. Methods: The Cancer Symptom Scale was translated into Spanish, and a back translation was conducted. During June 2016, a sample of 121 Hispanic Puerto Rican patients with any cancer diagnosis, all undergoing cancer treatments, completed four paper surveys. A subgroup of 15 patients agreed to complete the Spanish Cancer Symptom Scale a second time after a short delay of 1 to 2 hours. Construct validity and reliability (internal consistency via Cronbach alpha and test-retest reliability) was evaluated. Results: All the Intensity Items of the Spanish Cancer Symptom Scale correlated significantly with the matched items on the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory. In a subgroup of 77 participants, each Cancer Symptom Scale subscale total of scores correlated significantly with the total scores from the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General. Discriminant validity was demonstrated between those receiving chemotherapy and those from post treatment. The Spanish Cancer Symptom Scale internal consistency reliability was 0.98. Conclusion: The Spanish Cancer Symptom Scale has excellent evidence of validity and reliability for assessing cancer-therapy-related symptoms.

Communication about sex and HPV among Puerto Rican mothers and daughters

Colón-López, V., Fernández-Espada, N., Vélez, C., Gonzalez, V., Diaz-Toro, E. C., Calo, W. A., Savas, L. S., Pattatucci, A., & Fernández, M. E. (2017). In Ethnicity and Health (Vols. 22, Issues 4, pp. 348-360). 10.1080/13557858.2016.1246938
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: Although opportunities to vaccinate against human papillomavirus (HPV) are available, vaccination rates in Puerto Rico remain low. Communication between parents and adolescents about sexual topics may influence decisions about HPV vaccination uptake, particularly among young women; yet, few studies have addressed this issue. This qualitative study explored Puerto Rican mothers’ and daughters’ communication on sex-related topics, and HPV, including the HPV vaccine. Design: Thirty participants, including 9 mothers and 21 daughters, participated in seven focus groups. Participants were divided into groups of mothers and daughters, and further stratified by vaccination status. Transcripts were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach to identify emergent themes. Results: Focus group data revealed four main themes: (1) limited parent–daughter communication about sex-related topics; (2) daughters’ discomfort discussing sex-related topics with their parents; (3) parental focus on abstinence; and, (4) limited parent–daughter communication about HPV and the HPV vaccine. Conclusion: Although daughters in this study struggled with feelings of embarrassment, invasion of privacy, encouragement of abstinence, and the fear of parents’ reaction to them being sexually active prior to marriage, they also recognized the need to increase the parent–daughter communication about sex-related topics including HPV and the HPV vaccine. Educational efforts should target both daughters and parents to increase communication skills and self-efficacy and to enable them to discuss sexual health in open and nonjudgmental conversations.

Dietary Patterns in Puerto Rican and Mexican-American Breast Cancer Survivors : A Pilot Study

Gonzalez, V., Palacios, C., Daniel, C. R., Tirado-Gómez, M., Gonzalez-Mercado, V., Vallejo, L., Lozada, J., Ortiz, A., Hughes, D. C., & Basen-Engquist, K. (2017). In Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health (Vols. 19, Issues 2, pp. 341-348). 10.1007/s10903-016-0398-y
Abstract
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic women. Certain dietary factors have been associated with the risk of breast cancer recurrence, but data in Hispanic survivors is scarce. Objective: to examine dietary patterns and diet quality in two groups of Hispanic breast cancer survivors. Methods: 23 Mexican-American (MA) and 22 Puerto Rican (PR) female breast cancer survivors completed a culturally adapted validated food frequency questionnaire. Intake was standardized per 1000 kcal and compared to US Dietary Guidelines and the DASH-style diet adherence score was calculated. Results: Overweight/obese was 70 % in MA and 91 % in PR. PR consumed diets rich in fruit/100 % fruit juices and beans, while MA diets were high in vegetables, beans, and total grains. Both groups consumed high amounts of starchy vegetables, refined grains, animal protein and calories from solid fats and added sugars but low intakes of whole grains, dairy products and nuts and seeds. DASH scores were relatively low. Conclusion: MA and PR female breast cancer survivors have different dietary patterns but both groups had relatively low diet quality. These groups could benefit from culturally tailored interventions to improve diet quality, which could potentially reduce cancer recurrence. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01504789.

Gene expression, and fatigue in puerto rican men during radiotherapy for prostate cancer : An exploratory study

Gonzalez, V., González, V. J., Saligan, L. N., Fridley, B. L., Ortiz-Zuazaga, H., & Aaronson, L. S. (2017). In Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal (Vols. 36, Issues 4, pp. 223-231).
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: To examine the trajectory of fatigue experienced by 26 Puerto Rican (PR) men over the course of External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) and to assess gene expression changes from baseline to midpoint of EBRT using microarray technology. Design/Research Approach- Prospective exploratory and comparative design study. Setting- RT facility located in San Juan, PR. Sample/Participants-26 PR men with non-metastatic prostate cancer. Methods: Participants completed 2 paper forms: demographics and the Spanish version of the 13-item FACT–fatigue at baseline, midpoint, and end of EBRT. Wholeblood samples were collected at baseline and at midpoint of EBRT. Descriptive data was analyzed using t-test, Wilcoxon, and Friedman test for repeated measures. Gene expression data was analyzed using the LIMMA package in R; the functional network analysis was conducted using Ingenuity Pathway analysis. Main Research Variable- Fatigue scores, gene expression. Results: Subjects were of ages 52-81 with fatigue scores that remained unchanged during EBRT (baseline=42.38, SD=9.34; midpoint=42.11, SD=8.93, endpoint=43.04, SD=8.62). Three hundred seventy-three genes (130-up regulated and 243-down regulated) were differentially expressed from baseline to mid-point of EBRT (FDR

Symptom burden : Experiences of puerto rican men with prostate cancer prior to external beam radiation therapy

Gonzalez, V., McMillan, S. C., Groer, M., Imbert, S., Tome, J., & Pedro, E. (2017). In Clinical journal of oncology nursing (Vols. 21, Issue 1, pp. 104-112). 10.1188/17.CJON.104-112
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men in Puerto Rico, and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is a popular treatment. Although symptom management is a clinical priority of comprehensive oncology care, symptom assessment at the time of primary or adjuvant EBRT has received limited attention. Objectives: This article examines the prevalence and severity of symptoms experienced by 54 Puerto Rican men prior to EBRT. Methods: Participants completed a demographic form and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory. Descriptive statistics were generated. Findings: Most participants had received hormonal treatment, and about a third had received no treatment prior to EBRT. About a third of those who received hormonal treatment reported experiencing side effects before EBRT, and disturbed sleep, numbness and tingling, fatigue, and dry mouth were the most severe. Puerto Rican men with prostate cancer who receive hormonal treatment are at increased risk for experiencing symptom burden prior to EBRT. Greater need for symptom surveillance, treatment, and control may be needed among this population.

The symptom experiences of Puerto Rican children undergoing cancer treatments and alleviation practices as reported by their mothers

Gonzalez, V., Gonzalez-Mercado, V. J., Williams, P. D., Williams, A. R., Pedro, E., & Colon, G. (2017). In International Journal of Nursing Practice (Vols. 23, Issue 1). 10.1111/ijn.12500
Abstract
Abstract
Although symptoms during cancer treatments are prevalent and are important clinical outcomes of childhood cancer, the symptom experiences of Puerto Rican children along with the symptom alleviation/care practices that parents provide during cancer treatments have received limited attention. To examine the occurrence/severity of symptoms on the Therapy-Related Symptom Checklist-Children (TRSC-C), reported by mothers of Puerto Rican children undergoing cancer treatments and identifying mothers' symptom alleviation/management strategies. Descriptive study conducted between January and May 2012. Mothers of 65 Puerto Rican children/adolescents undergoing cancer treatments responded to the Spanish versions of the TRSC-C, Symptom Alleviation: Self-Care Methods, and a Demographic and Health form. The children/adolescents' mean age was 9.2 (1-17) years; 62% were boys; 56 had chemotherapy; 9 had chemoradiotherapy. Children diagnoses were 35.4% leukemia, 24.6% solid tumors, 24.6% nervous system tumors, and 15.4% other. On the TRSC-C, the symptoms experienced by 70% or more of the children were: irritability (77%), nausea (75%), and hair loss (72%). On the Symptom Alleviation: Self-Care Methods, the most commonly reported symptom alleviation category was “taking prescribed medicines.” Puerto Rican mothers reported the use of alleviation practices to treat their children experiencing symptoms during pediatric cancer treatments. Patients and caregivers need to be educated about treatment-induced side effects, and the life-threatening consequences of underreporting and undermanagement. Symptoms should always be addressed at the time of initiation of primary or adjuvant cancer therapy because pretreatment symptoms may persist or get worse across the trajectory of treatment. A continuous assessment and management of symptoms during the childhood cancer trajectory can optimize clinical care and improve quality of life of patients and families.

Biological Basis for the Clustering of Symptoms

Gonzalez, V., Lynch Kelly, D., Dickinson, K., Hsiao, C. P., Lukkahatai, N., Gonzalez-Marrero, V., McCabe, M., & Saligan, L. N. (2016). In Seminars in Oncology Nursing (Vols. 32, Issues 4, pp. 351-360). 10.1016/j.soncn.2016.08.002
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives Identification of biologic pathways of symptom clusters is necessary to develop precision therapies for distressing symptoms. This review examined extant literature evaluating relationships between biomarkers and symptom clusters in cancer survivors. Data Sources PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched using terms “biological markers” or “biomarkers” and “symptom cluster” or “symptom complex” or “multiple symptoms.” Conclusion Biomarkers related to inflammation (eg, cytokines) were the most studied and showed the most significant relationships with clusters of symptoms. This review suggests that clustering of symptoms related to cancer or cancer therapy is linked to immune/inflammatory pathways. Implications for Nursing Practice Understanding the etiology of symptom clusters may guide future nursing interventions for symptom management.

Physical activity in Puerto Rican breast cancer survivors

Gonzalez, V., Tirado-Gómez, M., Hughes, D. C., González-Mercado, V., Treviño-Whitaker, R. A., & Basen-Engquist, K. (2016). In Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal (Vols. 35, Issues 2, pp. 62-68).
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: Breast cancer survivors do not engage in appropriate levels of physical activity, despite the known benefits of such activity. This study aims to describe physical-activity levels and the barriers to it in a group of Puerto Rican breast cancer survivors, as well as detailing their preferences for an intervention. Methods: Participants who finished their chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for breast cancer at least 4 months prior to the study were included. Demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were obtained. The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) and questionnaires on exercise self-efficacy, barriers to self-efficacy, modeling, and social support were filled out by study participants. Data on access to exercise equipment and preferences regarding a physical-activity intervention were collected. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were performed. Results: Fifty breast cancer survivors were recruited. Almost all the participants reported that they did not engage in any kind of strenuous physical activity (94%), with more than three fourths (76%) reporting that they did not even participate in any kind of moderate physical activity. The GLTEQ score was associated with barriers to selfefficacy, while the association with exercise self-efficacy approached significance (p = 0.055). Nearly half of the patients (44%) had access to exercise equipment. Preferred methods for the delivery of physical-activity interventions were participating in group settings (72%) and receiving material in the postal mail (44%). Conclusion: The study described herein reports on the low levels of physical activity being practiced by a group of Puerto Rican breast cancer survivors, despite the fact that many of them had access to exercise equipment and facilities. Further studies aimed at understanding breast cancer survivors’ barriers to physical activity and at developing culturally competent interventions to increase the levels of such activity are warranted.

Comparing determinants of physical activity in Puerto Rican, Mexican-American, and non-Hispanic white breast cancer survivors

Hughes, D. C., Tirado-Gomez, M., Vallejo, L., Gonzalez, V., Treviño-Whitaker, R. A., Villanueva, G., & Basen-Engquist, K. (2015). In SpringerPlus (Vols. 4, Issue 1). 10.1186/s40064-015-1190-5
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: Physical activity (PA) has a myriad of benefits for breast cancer survivors, including a reduced risk of cancer recurrence. Latinas are less physically active than are women in the general population and little is known about Latina breast cancer survivors’ levels of PA or their beliefs related to PA. We conducted a survey of 50 Puerto Rican (PR), 50 Mexican-American (MA) and 50 non-Hispanic white (NHW) breast cancer survivors to investigate similarities and differences in PA and social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs associated with PA. Methods: We collected information on current PA using the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ); comorbidities; anthropometric measures of body mass index [BMI (kg/m2)] and waist-to-hip (W:H) ratio; and SCT measures, including exercise self-efficacy, exercise barriers self-efficacy, modeling and social support from friends and family. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance of differences between groups and regression models of the predictors of PA were performed. Results: Survivors from the three groups were similar in age (M = 56.8, SD = 11.0), BMI (M = 29.0, SD = 5.7) and co-morbidity (M = 2.09, SD = 1.69). Survivors differed in PA (p < 0.001), self-efficacy (p = 0.05), modeling (p = 0.03) and social support from family (p = 0.05). Social support from family member and exercise barriers self-efficacy were predictors of PA. Conclusions: Consistent with published studies, Hispanic breast cancer survivors self-report that they are less physically active than are non-Hispanic whites. SCT variables associated with PA differ among Hispanic subgroups and non-Hispanic whites. Further research is warranted in order to understand determinants of physical activity for specific ethnic breast cancer survivors.

Mexican-american and Puerto Rican breast cancer survivors' perspectives on exercise : Similarities and differences

Treviño, R. A., Vallejo, L., Hughes, D. C., Gonzalez, V., Tirado-Gomez, M., & Basen-Engquist, K. (2012). In Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health (Vols. 14, Issues 6, pp. 1082-1089). 10.1007/s10903-012-9648-9
Abstract
Abstract
Qualitative data was collected from Mexican-American (MA) and Puerto Rican (PR) breast cancer survivors to gain their perspectives on the relevant issues surrounding breast cancer survivorship and exercise. Six focus groups, a total of 31 participants were convened (three in Puerto Rico and three in Texas). Responses were analyzed and compared between the MA and PR groups. Follow-up sessions were conducted at the sites to review the initial results and to validate a culturally adapted exercise intervention trial. A total of 900 responses were catalogued into 27 codes. Both groups had similar descriptions of exercise and barriers to exercise. Both groups expressed lack of information regarding their exercise capabilities. The groups differed in their responses to perceived safety in their community and how to deliver a culturally adapted exercise intervention in their community. We found important cultural differences and similarities in relevant factors of exercise and breast cancer survivorship.