
Scherezade K. Mama, DrPH
Department of Health Disparities Research, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
2013 | The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA, DPH, Community Health Practice and (Biostatistics Minor) Dissertation title: Predicting physical activity adoption among minority women using structural equation modeling and participatory research |
2009 | The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA, MPH, Community Health Practice, Thesis title: The relationship between body image and physical activity in African American women |
2005 | University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA, BS, Biology and Chemistry (minor) |
Postgraduate Training
2013-2015 | Postdoctoral Fellowship, Department of Health Disparities Research, Cancer Prevention Research Training Program, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Services, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX |
Experience & Service
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Statistics Consultant and Analyst, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical School of Houston, Houston, TX, 2012 - 2013
Project Manager, Department of Texas Obesity Center, Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, 2011 - 2013
Research Laboratory Manager, Department of Texas Obesity Center, Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 2009 - 2013
Project Director, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 2007 - 2009
Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, UT, 2006 - 2007
Selected Publications
Abstracts
- Arem H, Mama SK, Duan X, Rowland JH, Bellizzi K, Ehlers DK. Prevalence of health behaviors among cancer survivors in the United States: How far have we come?. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 54, 2020.
- Bhuiyan N, Smyth JM, Schmitz KH, Mama SK. Age-varying associations between physical activity, depression and anxiety among rural cancer survivors. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 54, 2020.
- Turrisi TB, West AB, Bittel KH, Mama SK, Hojjatinia S, Lagoa C, Conroy DE. Physical activity, seasonality, and weather. A scoping review of research with device-based measures of physical activity. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 54, 2020.
- Mama SK, Bhuiyan N, Smyth JM, Schmitz K. Social support does not moderate the association between stress and physical activity in rural/nonmetro cancer survivors. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 53, 2019.
- Bhuiyan N, McNeill L, Bopp M, Downs DS, Lengerich EJ, Smyth JM, Mama SK. Evaluating a dose-response relationship between mind-body intervention attendance and spirituality in diverse populations. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 53, 2019.
- Mama SK. Determinants of leisure-time physical activity in rural/nonmetro cancer survivors. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 53, 2019.
- Mama SK, Bhuiyan N, Lengerich EJ, Schmitz KH. Impact of the built environment on physical activity in rural cancer survivors. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention 28, 2019.
- Levesque L, Baillie CPT, Soltero E, Mama SK, Lee RE. Can health equity & social justice ideals be achieved in translational research? Reaching people experiencing marginalization. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 52, 2018.
- Mama SK, Bhuiyan N, Jones HT, Bopp M, Lengerich EJ, Smyth JM. A faith-based mind-body intervention to increase physical activity, reduce sedentary time, and reduce stress in rural adults. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 52, 2018.
- Jones HT, Mama SK, McNeill L. The weigh African Americans move: An Analysis of the associations between body image, stages of change, and physical activity. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 52, 2018.
- Beltran JN, Petroski ER, Wilson OWA, Bopp M, Mama SK, Vairo N. The influence of the social environment on ethnic minorities' cycling behavior: An exploratory study. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 52, 2018.
- Wiskemann J, Foo W, Winkels RM, Bluethmann SM, Mama SK, Calo W, Lengerich E, Segel J, Schmitz KH. Pennsylvania cancer survivors and their adherence to the ACSM physical activity guideline. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 50, 2018.
- Mama SK, Foo W, Winkels R, Wiskemann J, Bluethmann SM, Calo W, Segel JE, Lengerich EJ, Schmitz KH. Rural-urban differences in meeting physical activity recommendations in cancer survivors in central Pennsylvania. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 50, 2018.
- Calo WA, Bluthmann S, Foo W, Lengerich E, Mama SK, Segel J, Winkels R, Wiskemann J, Schmitz KH. Exploring racial/ethnic differences in physical activity and behavioral risk factors among cancer survivors in central Pennsylvania. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 50, 2018.
- Bluethmann SM, Foo W, Wiskemann J, Mama SK, Calo W, Schmitz KH. Strength training in older cancer survivors in Pennsylvania: What role does multimorbidity play?. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 50, 2018.
- Winkels RM, Foo W, Wiskemann J, Segel JE, Mama SK, Schmitz KH. Adherence to lifestyle recommendations regarding physical activity, diet, smoking and BMI in cancer survivors. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 50, 2018.
- Bhuiyan N, Mama SK, Rideaux J, McNeill L. Association between spirituality and intervention adherence in a mind-body pilot study among African Americans. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 51, 2017.
- Leach HJ, O'Connor DP, Simpson RJ, Rifai H, Mama SK, Lee RE. Five-year post-intervention follow-up of physical and associations with the built environment. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 51, 2017.
- Webb B, Mama SK, Kirby J. The provision of clergy health resources by faith-based organizations in the United States. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 51, 2017.
- Mama SK, Downs DS, Arigo, Mihalko SL. Feasibility studies to inform physical activity and weight management interventions in women: Three real-world examples. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 51, 2017.
- Manasse S, Forman E, Sherwood N, Mama SK, Magidson JF. Uncle Sam wants you to get an NIH training grant: Everything you need to know about applying for pre-doctoral grant funding. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 50, 2016.
- Mama SK, Fagundes C, Chaoul A, Cohen L, Hoover DS, Strong LL, McNeill L. Preliminary findings from a "not yoga" study among African American churchgoers. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 50, 2016.
- Mama SK, Basen-Engguist K, Lee RE, Thompson D, Wetter D, Reitzel LR, McNeill LH. Mechanisms linking the social environment to health in African Americans. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 49, 2015.
- Mama SK, Soltero EG, Ledoux T, Lee RE. Developing a CBPR partnership to inform childhood obesity prevention research. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 49, 2015.
- Mama SK, Diamond PM, McNeill LH, Lee RE. Individual, social and environmental correlates of physical activity in African American and Hispanic or Latina women: A structural equation model analysis. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 47, 2014.
- Leach HJ, Mama SK, Lee RE. Built environment and cardiovascular disease risk factors-a decision tree analysis. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 47, 2014.
- Adamus-Leach HJ, Mama SK, Soltero EG, Lee RE. Physical and emotional health, depression and physical activity adoption. Poster presented at the 34th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 45, 2013.
- Soltero EG, Mama SK, Adamus-Leach HJ, Lee RE. Ethnic identity and neighborhood cohesion and trust impact body mass index and body fat in African American and Hispanic women. Poster presented at the 34th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 45, 2013.
- Mama SK, Adamus-Leach HJ, Soltero EG, Lee RE. Attendance, social support and motivational readiness lead to increased physical activity in women participating in a pilot Latin dance intervention. Poster presented at the 34th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 45, 2013.
- Ledoux TA, Adamus-Leach H, O'Connor DP, Mama SK, Lee RE. The influence of binge eating and neighborhood availability of fast food restaurants on diet and weight status. Poster presented at the 34th Annual Meeting and Scientfic Sessions of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 45, 2013.
- Mama SK, Adamus-Leach HJ, Lee RE. Weight perceptions and readiness to change mediate the relationship between intervention exposure and physical activity among ethnic minority women. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 43, 2012.
- Adamus-Leach HJ, Mama SK, Lee RE. Relationship of crime and physical activity resource incivilities to physical activity in minority women. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 43, 2012.
- Mama SK, Soltero EG, Ledoux TA, Lee RE. Solving the obesity epidemic in African American and Hispanic communities: Voices from the community. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings 6, 2012.
- Adamus-Leach HJ, Mama SK, Lee RE. Fast food supermarket availability, neighborhood income and health outcomes in public housing residents. Internation Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings 6, 2012.
- Galaviz KI, Harden S, Almeida F, Allen K, Berrey M, Mama SK, Smith E, Lee RE, Estabrooks PA. Physical activity interventions among Hispanics: RE-AIM review. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings 6, 2012.
- Pacheco A, Soltero E, Mama SK, Lee RE. Association between physical activity resource quality and use in Mexicans through objective observation. Internation Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings 6, 2012.
- Soltero E, Mama SK, Lee RE. The relationship between neighborhood availability and fruit and vegetable consumption in low-income ethnic minorities. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions 6, 2012.
- Adamus HJ, Mama SK, Lee RE. Using the PARA to evaluate physical activity resource attributes in Houston and Austin, Texas. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions 2, 2011.
- Lee RE, Wolfe KL, Reese-Smith JY, Lopez Y, Mama SK, Medina AV. Reach and retention of minority women in the Health is Power (HIP) study. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 41, 2011.
- Lee RE, O'Connor DP, Smith-Ray R, Mama SK, Medina AV, Estabrooks PA. Effects and mediators of a social cohesion intervention to increase physical activity and improve dietary habits in women of color: Health Is Power. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 41, 2011.
- McAlexander KM, Lee RE, Mama SK, Medina AV. Measured and self-reported neighborhood characteristics and physical activity among African American women. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions 39, 2010.
- Mama SK, Medina AV, Edwards RO, McNeil L, Lee RE. A culturally friendly web-based hybrid intervention to prevent obesity: The SALSA study. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 39, 2010.
- Lee, RE, Mama SK, Banda JA, Medina AV, Reese-Smith JY, Layne CS, Estabrooks PA. Differences Across Physical Activity, Dietary Habits and Weight in Women of Color. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 39, 2010.
- Lopez Y, Mama SK, Medina AV, Lee RE. Is increased physical activity associated with decreased fat and alcohol consumption among overweight and obese African American and Hispanic or Latina women?. Obesity 18, 2010.
- Mama SK, Medina AV, Edwards RO, McNeill L, Lee RE. Improving phsychological and physical health in women of color via salsa dancing. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions 6, 2010.
- Wolfe KL, Lopez Y, Mama SK, Medina AV, Reese-Smith J, Lee RE. Evaluating "reach" in the Health Is Power (HIP) study. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions 6, 2010.
- Lopez Y, Mama SK, Medina AV, Lee RE. Association of fat and alcohol consumption with physical activity among obese women of color. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions 6, 2010.
- Dinh JN, Sunseri CP, Mama SK, Medina AV, Lee RE, McNeill L. Internet-based intervention to Improve Dietary Habits in Women of Color: SAving Lives Staying Active (SALSA). International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions 6, 2010.
- Adamus HJ, Mama SK, Lee RE. Items on a perceived environment tool are grouped different in low and high income African American women. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions 6, 2010.
- Ho A, Mama SK, Medina AV, Lee RE. Neighborhood safety and attractiveness influence physical activity among African American and Hispanic or Latina women. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions 6, 2010.
- Lee RE, Smith-Ray R, Mama SK, Medina AV, Reese-Smith JY, O'Connor DP, Estabrooks PA. Social cohesion increases fruit and vegetable consumption in obese ethnic minority women. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine 17, 2010.
- Mama SK, Quill BE, Fernandez-Esquer ME, Reese-Smith JY, Banda JA, Lee RE. The relationship between body image and physical activity in African American Women. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions 3(1), 2009.
- Mama SK, Quill BE, Fernandez-Esquer ME, Reese-Smith JY, Banda JA, Lee RE. Association between body image and physical activity in African American Women. Obesity 17, 2009.
- Lee RE, Liao Y, Mama SK, Medina AV. Social cohesion increases physical activity in obese ethnic minority women. Obesity 17, 2009.
- Mama SK, Cubbin C, Banda JA, Lee RE. Dichotomy in body Image Perceptions of African American Women. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 35, 2008.
- Reese-Smith JY, Mama SK, Moore J, Lee RE. Direct vs. indirect strategies for recruiting and retaining women of color. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 29, 2007.
Grant & Contract Support
Title: | Adaptation and implementation of a community-based intervention to reduce psychosocial distress and promote physical activity in rural breast cancer survivors |
Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
Role: | Principal Investigator |
Title: | Translating an evidence-based intervention into rural communities using a community-engaged approach |
Funding Source: | Clinical and Translational Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University |
Role: | Principal Investigator |
Title: | An Adapted physical activity intervention to reduce psychosocial distress and improve microvascular function in rural adults with cancer |
Funding Source: | Penn State Cancer Institute |
Role: | Principal Investigator |
Title: | Exploring disparities in school sport participation in rural Pennsylvania |
Funding Source: | The Center of Rural Pennsylvania |
Role: | Co-Investigator |
Title: | Mind-body strategies to increase physical activity in rural breast cancer survivors |
Funding Source: | Pennsylvania Department of Health |
Role: | Principal Investigator |
Title: | Dissemination and Implementation strategies to increase physical activity and reduce cancer health disparities in rural breast cancer survivors |
Funding Source: | 2016-2017 Faculty Fellows Program, Social Science Research Institute/The Pennsylvania State University |
Role: | Principal Investigator |
Title: | A faith-based mind-body intervention to increase physical activity and reduce health disparities among African Americans |
Funding Source: | American Cancer Society (ACS) |
Role: | Principal Investigator |
Title: | Group-based exercise to increase physical activity in rural cancer survivors |
Funding Source: | American Cancer Society (ACS) |
Role: | Co-Principal Investigator |
Title: | Social support, psychosocial factors, physical activity and obesity among African Americans |
Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
Role: | Co-Principal Investigator |
Title: | Predicting PA adoption among minority women using SEM and participatory research |
Funding Source: | National Institute of Nursing Research |
Role: | Principal Investigator |
Title: | Predicting physical activity adoption among minority women using SEM and participatory research |
Funding Source: | The University of Texas School of Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Research Award |
Role: | Principal Investigator |