About

Shira Dunsiger is an Associate Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Biostatistics, and Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University. She is based in the Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity and serves as the Associate Director for Data Analytics in the Survey, Qualitative and Applied Data (SQuAD) Research Core at the School of Public Health. Dr. Dunsiger earned her PhD in Biostatistics from Brown University and completed a T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cardiovascular behavioral medicine. She spent ten years as a Research Scientist at the Miriam Hospital's Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine. Her research focuses on developing sophisticated statistical methodologies for analyzing data from behavioral medicine, including areas such as smoking cessation, physical activity, mood, depression, and adherence outcomes. Her broad research interests include pattern detection, big data, and statistical mediation.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Gerontology
• Physical therapy
• Nursing
• Internal medicine
• Computer Science
• Family medicine
• Social psychology
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation
• World Wide Web

Selected publications

• Sleep as an effect modifier for physical activity intervention efficacy: secondary analysis of data from two randomized controlled trials

  Research Square · 2026-03-02

  preprintOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• PATH Trial for Examining Yoga as a Strategy to Improve Remote-Based Weight Loss in Adults: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

  JMIR Research Protocols · 2026-02-25

  articleOpen access

  Background: Over 70% of US adults are overweight or have obesity. Internet-delivered weight loss (IDWL) treatment overcomes many common barriers to in-person weight loss (WL) programs; yet, IDWLs underperform compared to in-person treatment. Yoga is a novel intervention that targets physical and psychological health and can be delivered virtually, increasing translation potential. Yoga has been understudied as an intervention to address barriers to WL despite favorable effects in other health disciplines. Preliminary studies suggest yoga to improve self-regulation and reduce lapses from dietary recommendations, 2 factors integral to long-term WL success. Objective: The aim of the study is to conduct the first fully powered randomized controlled trial to test the added effect of yoga to IDWL treatment on weight (primary outcome), dietary lapses, potential lapse triggers, and self-regulation mediator variables (secondary outcomes). Methods: Adults that are overweight or have obesity will be recruited to participate in a 12-month IDWL program. Following a 3-month assessment, eligible participants will be randomized to (1) a yoga intervention, including 14 weeks of group-based, virtual Iyengar yoga delivered twice weekly, followed by 22 weeks of yoga delivered once per week, and then 6 months of no contact, or (2) a contact-matched wellness comparison condition. Assessments will take place at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months. Several questionnaires, ecological momentary assessments, and objectively measured weight and accelerometry data will be collected. This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06166225). Results: This randomized trial was funded with an original project period of July 2023-June 2028. Enrollment began in February 2024 and is ongoing with the expectation of closing enrollment in June 2026. Conclusions: This trial will examine the combined effect of yoga and WL treatment among individuals with overweight or obesity and will be the first fully powered trial to assess the combination of virtually delivered yoga and WL beyond 6 months. Findings will inform whether yoga could be considered a valuable intervention component for improving IDWL treatment.

  PublisherDOI

• Gathering Insights About Sexual Health Promotion From Adolescents’ Adoption of COVID-19-Protective Behaviors

  Health Education & Behavior · 2026-03-22

  articleOpen access

  This study aimed to understand how adolescent adoption of behaviors protective against different health risks relate to each other, as well as the role family and friends might play in the adoption of protective behaviors. We used data from adolescents ( N = 1,803; age 13–17 years) who were recruited between April 2022 and June 2023 for the QuaranTeen Health study, an online, longitudinal survey assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent sexual health. We used data from the baseline questionnaire to calculate weighted correlations between friend and family norms about masking and vaccination and adolescents’ COVID-19 protective behaviors, defined as 1) participant masking in the past two weeks and 2) receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot. We used weighted logistic regression models to estimate associations between COVID-19-protective behaviors and sexual health-protective behaviors (i.e., condom use and hormonal contraception use at the most recent sex). We found that increased friend and family norms for COVID-19-protective behaviors were associated with participant masking (friends: ρ = .40, p < .01; family: ρ = .34, p < .01) and vaccine uptake (friends: ρ = .40, p < .01; family: ρ = .56, p < .01). Both behaviors were positively associated with condom use (masking: OR = 1.63, 95% CI = [1.05, 2.52]; vaccination: OR = 2.20, 95% CI = [1.32, 3.69]). Neither was associated with hormonal contraception use. Our findings suggest that family and friend norms for health-protective behaviors appear to be associated with health-protective behaviors among adolescents, at least when examining COVID-19-protective behaviors. Integrating friend and family norms may increase the effectiveness of future sexual health interventions designed to increase sexual health-protective behaviors among adolescents.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Racial Disparities in Biopsychosocial Predictors of Short-Term Smoking Cessation Following Acute Coronary Syndrome Hospitalization

  Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities · 2026-04-17

  articleOpen access

  Smoking cessation after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event is critical for reducing cardiovascular risk and mortality. However, most patients continue smoking post-hospitalization. Prior research with limited racial and sex diversity has overlooked how biopsychosocial factors may influence cessation outcomes in this high-risk group. The current study aimed to identify biopsychosocial predictors of 7-day smoking abstinence post-discharge in a diverse cohort of hospitalized ACS patients. Pre-randomization data from the Post-Acute Cardiac Event Smoking (PACES) trial, a randomized controlled trial of integrated smoking cessation and mood management treatment, were analyzed (N = 203, 69% male, 41% BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, and People of Color]). Univariate models identified potential predictors, which were subsequently evaluated in multivariable logistic regression models. Stratified analyses were conducted due to significant differences in abstinence rates between White and BIPOC participants. Among White participants, predictors of abstinence included being male, older, in a committed relationship, having higher confidence in quitting, fewer depressive symptoms, better health-related quality of life, and no prior ACS. These factors explained 58% of the variance in abstinence. Among BIPOC participants, the only predictors of abstinence were higher cigarettes smoked per day and lower motivation to quit, collectively explaining 21% of the variance, significantly less than for White participants (p = .01). Predictors of cessation for White participants aligned with prior literature, while those for BIPOC participants were inconsistent with the prior literature and explained less variance. Future research should identify meaningful predictors of abstinence in BIPOC post-ACS patients to guide culturally relevant, equity-focused cessation interventions. NCT03413423

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Presence and Knowledge of Minor Consent Laws and STI Testing in US Adolescents

  PEDIATRICS · 2026-05-18

  article

  OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether adolescents' legal capacity to consent independently to sexually transmitted infection (STI) and/or HIV services, and accurate knowledge of their ability, are positively associated with past-year STI/HIV testing. METHODS: Adolescents (N = 5888; aged 13-17 years) from all 50 US states and DC completed an online survey about minor consent laws and STI/HIV services. Legal capacity to consent independently to STI/HIV services was established using existing policy data. Youth were asked which STI/HIV services they could receive without guardian permission in their state, and whether they had been tested for HIV and STI in the past year. We used generalized linear models to calculate odds ratios and 95% CIs to estimate associations between legal capacity to consent, accurate knowledge of legal capacity, and STI/HIV testing behavior. RESULTS: Ability to consent independently to STI services was positively associated with past-year STI testing (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.10-1.72). Similarly, ability to consent independently to HIV services was positively associated with past-year HIV testing (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.02-1.53). Accurate knowledge of legal capacity to consent independently to STI and HIV testing was positively associated with past-year STI and HIV testing, respectively (aOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 2.01-3.36; aOR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.78-2.92). CONCLUSION: Given the relative magnitude of the associations, adolescents' accurate knowledge of minor consent laws may be more important to their STI/HIV testing than the laws themselves. Ensuring that adolescents know about their ability to consent independently to STI/HIV services may increase adolescent STI/HIV service use.

  PublisherDOI

• “Customize it to that population, my population, my people, my peeps.” Qualitative Evidence of Usability, Appropriateness, and Feasibility of an Anxiety-Facing Mobile Application for Co-Occurring Substance Use and Anxiety Disorders

  Proceedings of the ... Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences/Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences · 2026-01-01

  articleOpen access

  Despite the rapid growth of app-based interventions (ABIs), effective and accessible tools for individuals with co-occurring anxiety and substance use (A-SUD) remain limited. Most usability studies of ABIs for substance use rely on quantitative methods and rarely focus on anxiety comorbidity. To address this gap, we conducted longitudinal qualitative interviews with 24 participants in SUD treatment (peer-led, n=11; pharmacotherapy, n=9; psychotherapy, n=4) over a two-month period. The study aimed (1) to assess the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the Unwinding Anxiety app as an adjunctive support for SUD treatment among patients with A-SUD ; (2) identify needed modifications to optimize it for A-SUD. Participants found the app's features and skills useful and relevant but emphasized the need for additional substance use-specific content. Findings underscore the value of evidence-based, step-by-step digital interventions for enhancing and complementing SUD care across treatment modalities. Future research should build on reinforcement learning and interoceptive awareness principles to better tailor ABIs for substance use.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Nocturnal Awakenings and Asthma Control in Urban School-Age Children

  Clinical Pediatrics · 2026-01-30

  article

  This study evaluated the extent to which the sleep is disrupted by nighttime awakenings in urban children with and without asthma and examined racial/ethnic differences in sleep outcomes. Three hundred and seventy-nine urban children aged 7 to 9 years with (n = 250) and without (n = 129) asthma were included. Participants were 45% Latino, 34% black, and 21% non-Latino white (NLW). Nighttime awakenings were assessed via actigraphy. Asthma status was assessed by a clinically and via self-report. Children with asthma had significantly more awakenings than those without. Latino children with asthma had more and longer awakenings compared to Latino children without asthma; these effects were not observed among black or NLW participants. Poor asthma control was associated with more awakenings. Urban children face higher risks for poor sleep and asthma outcomes. Multicomponent interventions addressing asthma management and culturally tailored sleep hygiene strategies are necessary to improve asthma and sleep outcomes in this highly burdened population.

  PublisherDOI

• Understanding Contagion of Suicidal Ideation: The Importance of Taking Into Account Social and Structural Determinants of Health

  Mental Health Science · 2025-07-29 · 2 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  ABSTRACT Suicidal behavior is a critical mental health problem in the United States, and this is particularly true for youth with social identities that are historically minoritized and discriminated against. There is also a growing awareness of the influence of social determinants of health (SDOH) on mental health. The current study examines links between one's own thoughts of suicide and the dose of exposure to other people's suicidal thoughts, often labeled contagion, within the context of different minoritized identity groups and SDOH deficits. Project Lift Up is a national longitudinal study of youth aged 13–22 years designed to understand exposure to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in social networks. A cohort of 4981 adolescents and young adults was recruited online via social media between June 13, 2022, and October 30, 2023. Youth who knew one person with suicidal thoughts were 1.75 times ( p = 0.002) more likely than those without such exposure to self‐report recent thought of suicide and those who knew between 2 and 4 people were 1.81 times more likely ( p < 0.001). These odds increased to 3.47 ( p < 0.001) if the youth knew five or more people with thoughts of suicide. Youth who identified with a social identity group that experiences marginalization and systemic oppression (based on race, ethnicity, disability status, gender, and sexual identity) and exposure to suicidal thoughts had higher odds of recent thoughts of suicide compared to non‐minoritized and non‐exposed youth. SDOH also explained unique variance in self‐reported ideation. Exposure to other people's suicidal thoughts is associated with one's own thoughts of suicide and the number of people exposed to amplifies this effect, especially for individuals also experiencing adversity burden from SDOH. Results add to the extant literature documenting the higher odds of suicidal ideation that minoritized youth face.

  PublisherDOI

• A Multiple Technology–Based Physical Activity Intervention for Latina Adolescents: Results From the Chicas Fuertes Randomized Controlled Trial

  JMIR mhealth and uhealth · 2025-10-17 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Background: Latina adolescents report low levels of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and high lifetime risk of lifestyle-related diseases. There is a lack of MVPA interventions targeted at this demographic despite documented health disparities. Given their high rates of mobile technology use, interventions delivered through mobile devices may be effective for this population. Objective: This paper examines the efficacy of the Chicas Fuertes intervention in increasing MVPA across 6 months in Latina adolescents. Methods: Participants were Latina adolescents (aged 13-18 years) in San Diego County who reported being underactive (<150 min/wk of MVPA). All participants received a wearable fitness tracker (Fitbit Inspire HR); half were randomly assigned to also receive the multimedia intervention. Intervention components included a personally tailored website, personalized texting based on Fitbit data, and social media. The primary outcome was change in minutes of weekly MVPA from baseline to 6 months, measured by ActiGraph accelerometers and the 7-Day Physical Activity Recall Interview. Changes in daily steps using Fitbit devices were also examined to test intervention efficacy. Results: Participants (N=160) were 15.85 (SD 1.71) years old on average, and mostly second generation in the United States. For ActiGraph-measured MVPA, participants in the intervention group (n=83) increased from a median of 0 (IQR 0-24) minutes/week at baseline to 64 (IQR 19-72) minutes/week at 6 months compared to control participants, who showed increases from a median of 0 (IQR 0-26) at baseline to 41 (IQR 7-76) minutes/week at 6 months (P=.04). Self-reported MVPA increased in the intervention group from a median of 119 (IQR 62.5-185) minutes/week at baseline to 147 (IQR 96-181) minutes/week at 6 months compared to control participants, who showed increases from a median of 120 (IQR 48.8-235) at baseline to 124 (IQR 100-169) minutes/week at 6 months (P=.03). Steps also increased in both groups, with the intervention group showing significantly greater increases (P=.03). Conclusions: This intervention was successful in using a tailored technology-based strategy to increase MVPA in Latina adolescents and provides a promising approach for addressing a key health behavior. Given the scalable technology used, future studies should focus on broad-scale dissemination to address health disparities.

  PublisherDOI

• “Customize it to that population, my population, my people, my peeps.” Qualitative Evidence of Usability, Appropriateness, and Feasibility of an Anxiety-Facing Mobile Application for Co-Occurring Substance Use and Anxiety Disorders

  ScholarSpace (University of Hawaii at Manoa) · 2025-12-23

  article

  Despite the rapid growth of app-based interventions (ABIs), effective and accessible tools for individuals with co-occurring anxiety and substance use (A-SUD) remain limited. Most usability studies of ABIs for substance use rely on quantitative methods and rarely focus on anxiety comorbidity. To address this gap, we conducted longitudinal qualitative interviews with 24 participants in SUD treatment (peer-led, n=11; pharmacotherapy, n=9; psychotherapy, n=4) over a two-month period. The study aimed (1) to assess the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the Unwinding Anxiety app as an adjunctive support for SUD treatment among patients with A-SUD ; (2) identify needed modifications to optimize it for A-SUD. Participants found the app's features and skills useful and relevant but emphasized the need for additional substance use-specific content. Findings underscore the value of evidence-based, step-by-step digital interventions for enhancing and complementing SUD care across treatment modalities. Future research should build on reinforcement learning and interoceptive awareness principles to better tailor ABIs for substance use.

  Publisher

Recent grants

• NIH Grant R03CA153942

  NIH · $157k · 2013

• NIH Grant R01CA137616

  NIH · $2.8M · 2016

Frequent coauthors

• Bess H. Marcus

  Brown University

  325 shared

• Beth C. Bock

  Brown University

  195 shared

• David M. Williams

  Providence College

  144 shared

• Ernestine Jennings

  Miriam Hospital

  100 shared

• Beth A. Lewis

  University of Minnesota

  91 shared

• David M. Williams

  Swansea Bay University Health Board

  87 shared

• Britta Larsen

  University of California, San Diego

  86 shared

• Kim M. Gans

  University of Connecticut

  75 shared

Labs

• Dunsiger LabPI

Education

• Ph.D., Biostatistics

  Brown University

• Other

  Miriam Hospital's Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine