Dr. Margaret Zupa works as a Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion-associated research fellow with her primary mentor, Dr. Ann-Marie Rosland. Dr. Zupa and Dr. Rosland study engagement of Veterans and their family in diabetes self-management and care. The ultimate goal of their research is to help Veterans and their families leverage the beneficial effects of social support on health behaviors and clinical outcomes.

Affiliation:

Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, University of Pittsburgh

3 most important questions that define research program:

We assess the impact of a patient and family supporter engagement intervention among Veterans at high risk of diabetes complications on:

1. The specific roles that family supporters play and the support techniques they use.
2. Diabetes treatment intensification.
3. Adherence rates to diabetes and blood pressure medications.

5 key words:

1. Social support
2. Chronic disease
3. Self-management
4. Health behavior
5. Type 2 diabetes

What are up to 5 technologies, models, methods, analytical approaches or other forms of expertise that characterize your research program?

1. Mixed methods studies
2. Linear mixed-effects modeling
3. Interactive voice response calls
4. Health coach interventions
5. Patient activation interventions