Primary Appointment

Damon J. Vidrine, Dr.P.H., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Behavioral Science at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. For the past 9 years, Dr. Vidrine has established a research agenda focused on cigarette smoking among special populations. To date, this line of research has led to 7 research projects, including 3 NCI-funded R01 grants. This work has also resulted in numerous peer reviewed articles and scientific presentations delivered at diverse conferences, such as the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Society of Behavioral Medicine, and the American Conference for the Treatment of HIV. Generally, Dr. Vidrine’s research interests include: 1) tobacco use in special populations (in particular, individuals living with HIV/AIDS); 2) the development of novel intervention and assessment approaches, and 3) QOL/functional status outcome assessment. Among his current projects is an awarded NCI-funded R01 study designed to elucidate the relationships between HIV-disease events (e.g., HIV diagnosis, treatment failure, and disease progression) and subsequent changes in smoking behaviors, attitudes, and intentions. Specifically, the purpose of this study is to identify the mechanisms of the “Teachable Moment” phenomenon. Findings will yield valuable data on the optimal timing of smoking cessation interventions, while helping to identify potential mechanisms of behavior change for the HIV-positive population. Additional efforts involve the development of less resource intensive cell phone-delivered treatments, such as an interactive text messaging system and use of mobile web-based applications.

• Tobacco use and cessation
• Tobacco-related health disparities
• Cigarette smoking in special populations
• Mobile phone-delivered interventions and assessments
• Health-related quality of life/functional status outcomes

Last updated: 3/7/2013