About

Wendy Barrington is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Washington, with additional roles as an Associate Professor in Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, and as the Director of the Center for Anti-Racism in Community Health (ARCH), within the Health Systems and Population Health. Her educational background includes a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Washington, an MPH in Epidemiology from the University of New Mexico, and a BS in Earth Systems from Stanford University. Her research focuses on social determinants of health and health disparities, neighborhood effects, and advanced epidemiological methods including mediation analyses and GIS mapping. She investigates stress and related mental health outcomes, obesity, and cancer, with particular attention to health equity. Barrington's work emphasizes understanding barriers and enablers to health interventions such as PrEP among women in sex work in Zambia, and exploring racial, ethnic, and linguistic concordance in patient navigation to advance equity in cancer care. She has contributed to the field through her research on health disparities, community-engaged research, and the social determinants of health, aiming to inform public health practice and promote health equity.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Psychology
• Political Science
• Gynecology
• Internal medicine
• Sociology
• Gender studies
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Oncology
• Gerontology
• Nursing

Selected publications

• Lasting effects of brief health equity/implicit bias education for academic clinicians: From learning to action 

  MedEdPublish · 2025-07-11

  articleOpen access

  <ns3:p>Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were lasting effects of brief implicit bias education on the teaching and practice of academic clinicians one year after taking the course. Method This was a multi-method study. We followed up with a sample of 119 academic clinicians who completed the baseline study December 2019. Recruitment for the current study was conducted between December 2020 and March 2021. Participants responded online to survey questions about whether the course had an impact on their teaching and practice. We categorized qualitative responses to these questions using Prochaska &amp; DiClemente's Stages of Change Model of Behavior Change. Implicit and explicit race and gender bias data were collected at baseline. Results Response rate was 48.7% (N=56). Participants were 75.0% female, 66.1% White, and 67.9% were MDs. We found moderate implicit bias favoring White people (Cohen’s d= 0.60), and strong implicit gender bias associating males rather than females with the concept of “career” (Cohen’s d= 0.95). One year after taking the course, 62.5% of participants reported that the content of the course had an impact on their teaching and 41.4% reported the course had an impact on their clinical practice. Across all open-ended questions, 63.8% participants reported having taken at least one action (actual behavior change) in teaching and/or practice due to the course. Conclusions There were lasting effects of implicit bias education on participants’ teaching and practice. Brief implicit bias education moved clinicians toward taking action to improve their teaching and practice. </ns3:p>

  PublisherDOI

• Racial affinity caucuses as anti-racist pedagogy in an epidemiology course

  American Journal of Epidemiology · 2025-08-20

  article1st authorCorresponding

  The University of Washington Department of Epidemiology launched a quarterly virtual anti-racism journal club in spring 2020. After two quarters, students expressed concerns that White students dominated discussions. Students and instructors worked together to amplify the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students using racial affinity caucuses (RACs) as a pedagogical intervention before classroom discussions. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to examine intervention process and determinants as described by students via anonymous course evaluations and the Public Health Critical Race Praxis (PHCRP) to identify "how is racism operating here?" across CFIR domains. On a scale of zero to five (0: Very Poor, 5: Excellent), the overall course effectiveness was rated just below "Excellent" (average: 4.8), while the effectiveness of RACs was rated just below "Very Good" (average: 3.7). Student comments endorsed the RAC intervention as a CFIR innovation that effectively supported BIPOC students while acknowledging the barriers and facilitators of its implementation. Student and instructor flexibility, humility, courage to engage in praxis, and willingness to learn from failure were essential to implementation. Yet, students rated the course and RAC intervention highly, suggesting that anti-racism praxis can foster classroom learning in an epidemiology classroom.

  PublisherDOI

• Self-reported impacts one year after a brief health equity/implicit bias course for academic clinicians

  MedEdPublish · 2025-12-17

  articleOpen access

  <ns3:p> Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore whether there were lasting effects of brief implicit bias education on clinicians’ teaching and practice one year after taking the course and whether implicit and explicit bias was associated with self-reported impact of the course. Method This was a mixed-method study. We followed up with a sample of 119 academic clinicians who completed the baseline study December 2019. Recruitment for the current study was conducted between December 2020 and March 2021. Participants responded online to survey questions about whether the course had an impact on their teaching and practice. We categorized qualitative responses to these questions using Prochaska &amp; DiClemente's Stages of Change Model of Behavior Change. Implicit and explicit race and gender bias data were collected at baseline. Results Response rate was 47.1% (N=56). Participants were 64.3% female, 66.1% White, 67.9% were Medical Doctors (MD) and 82.1% work in an academic healthcare system. Overall, we found slight implicit pro-White bias (mean= 0.27, SD 0.45, p=&lt;0.001) and male-career gender bias (mean= 0.33, SD 0.31, p=&lt;0.001). Across all four questions 42 unique participants (75.0%) responded to at least one question reporting, “ <ns3:italic>yes”, the course had an impact on their teaching/mentoring and or practice.</ns3:italic> Thirty-five (62.5%) participants reported that the course had an impact on their teaching and 23 (41.4%) reported an impact on their clinical practice. Participants reported 35 instances of increased bias awareness and 47 instances of actions taken due to the course. Those who reported no impact of the course on teaching held no implicit race bias, while those who reported actions taken held moderate implicit Pro-White bias. Conclusions This study found that the majority of study participants reported lasting effects of the course on their teaching and/or practice. Brief implicit bias education can impact clinicians’ teaching and practice. </ns3:p>

  PublisherDOI

• Beyond the pill: Understanding barriers and enablers to oral and long-acting injectable PrEP among women in sex work in Zambia

  PLOS Global Public Health · 2025-06-04 · 3 citations

  articleOpen accessCorresponding

  Women engaging in sex work (WESW) in low- and middle-income countries face a disproportionately high risk of HIV infection. This study explores enablers and barriers to the uptake and persistence of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and long-acting injectable PrEP (LAI-PrEP) among WESW in Lusaka, Zambia. We evaluated Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation behavioral domains, using the COM-B model, which affectied behavioral engagement with PrEP services among newly-initiated WESW from community-based safe spaces. Participants were recruited from July-October 2023 and interviewed using a semi-structured guide to explore barriers and enablers to engagement with HIV prevention. We used a rapid analysis approach-a two-step qualitative method-to identify themes aligned with COM-B domains. Interviews were conducted in English, ChiNyanja, or IchiBemba, audio-recorded, translated into English when necessary, and transcribed verbatim. Among 18 participants with a median age of 28 years (IQR:23-33) and 5 years in sex work (IQR:2,7), education during outreach by peer navigators and program staff was crucial to building trust and demystifying PrEP. Persistent knowledge gaps and misconceptions, especially about daily adherence and alcohol use, were significant barriers. Trustworthy program staff and reliable service provision facilitated continued PrEP use, and women preferring that drugs be delivered to them. Social support systems were mixed, offering both aid and competition. Personal empowerment and health protection motivated PrEP use, with LAI-PrEP preferred for eliminating daily pill burdens and associated stigma. However, inconsistent supply and misconceptions about LAI-PrEP were potential barriers. This study underscores the importance of person-centered care in addressing the complex interplay of individual, community, and programmatic factors influencing PrEP engagement among WESW in Zambia. A holistic focus, and adaptive health service delivery approach are both crucial to ensure that advances in HIV prevention translate into tangible benefits for WESW. Reliable, respectful healthcare programs that provide accurate, and trusted information are essential for improving PrEP uptake and persistence.

  PublisherDOI

• Advancing equity in cancer care: a pilot explanatory mixed methods study of a racially, ethnically, and linguistically concordant model of patient navigation

  Journal of Health Equity · 2025-09-29

  articleOpen access

  = 19). Thematic analysis of 29 interviews indicated the model was crucial in overcoming racism, improving trust, and empowering patients. This study highlights the potential of RELC PN to improve patient satisfaction, increase participation in clinical trials, and reduce experiences of discrimination.

  PublisherDOI

• Intentional Weight Loss, Waist Circumference Reduction, and Mortality Risk Among Postmenopausal Women

  JAMA Network Open · 2025-03-06 · 5 citations

  articleOpen access

  Importance: Research investigating weight loss and mortality risk often fails to differentiate between intentional and unintentional weight loss and typically uses body mass index (BMI) as the measure of excess body weight. Objective: To evaluate associations between weight loss and waist circumference (WC) reduction and mortality, considering weight loss intentionality. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study used data from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study, which had a prospective cohort with mean follow-up of 18.6 years ending in February 2023. The study included women aged 50 to 79 years at 40 clinical centers in the US. Women with missing data, cancer at baseline, or considered underweight at baseline were excluded. Data were collected from September 1993 to February 2023 and were analyzed from June to December 2024. Exposures: Measured weight loss and WC reduction between baseline and year 3, stratified by women who reported intentional weight loss or not. Main Outcomes and Measures: Outcomes included adjudicated all-cause, cancer, cardiovascular, and other mortality through the end of follow-up. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the associations (hazard ratios [HRs] and 95% CIs) between weight loss, WC reduction, and mortality over 18.6 years of follow-up. Results: This study included 58 961 women at baseline (mean [SD] age, 63.3 [7.2] years; mean [SD] BMI, 27.0 [5.6]; mean [SD] WC, 84.1 [13.0] cm). As of February 28, 2023, 29 183 women (49.5%) died from all causes. Intentional weight loss measured by questionnaire was associated with lower subsequent mortality rates for all-cause mortality (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.86-0.90), cancer mortality (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.82-0.92), cardiovascular mortality (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.83-0.91), and other mortality (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.86-0.92), comparing loss of 5 pounds or more to stable weight. Reported intentional weight loss coupled with actual weight reduction of 5% or more was associated only with lower cardiovascular mortality (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.81-0.99). Reported intentional weight loss coupled with measured WC loss was associated with lower rates of all-cause mortality (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.95), cancer mortality (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76-0.95), and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.72-0.87). Unintentional weight loss or unintentional WC loss were each associated with increased mortality risk for all groups, as were weight gain and WC gain. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, reported intentional weight loss efforts that were coupled with measured WC reductions were associated with lower risk of all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular mortality. Attention to diet and exercise that promote reductions in central adiposity should be encouraged.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Beyond the pill: Understanding barriers and enablers to oral and long-acting injectable PrEP among women in sex work in Zambia

  UNC Libraries · 2025-06-12

  articleOpen access

  Women engaging in sex work (WESW) in low- and middle-income countries face a disproportionately high risk of HIV infection. This study explores enablers and barriers to the uptake and persistence of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and long-acting injectable PrEP (LAI-PrEP) among WESW in Lusaka, Zambia. We evaluated Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation behavioral domains, using the COM-B model, which affectied behavioral engagement with PrEP services among newly-initiated WESW from community-based safe spaces. Participants were recruited from July-October 2023 and interviewed using a semi-structured guide to explore barriers and enablers to engagement with HIV prevention. We used a rapid analysis approach-a two-step qualitative method-to identify themes aligned with COM-B domains. Interviews were conducted in English, ChiNyanja, or IchiBemba, audio-recorded, translated into English when necessary, and transcribed verbatim. Among 18 participants with a median age of 28 years (IQR:23-33) and 5 years in sex work (IQR:2,7), education during outreach by peer navigators and program staff was crucial to building trust and demystifying PrEP. Persistent knowledge gaps and misconceptions, especially about daily adherence and alcohol use, were significant barriers. Trustworthy program staff and reliable service provision facilitated continued PrEP use, and women preferring that drugs be delivered&nbsp;to them. Social support systems were mixed, offering both aid and competition. Personal empowerment and health protection motivated PrEP use, with LAI-PrEP preferred for eliminating daily pill burdens and associated stigma. However, inconsistent supply and misconceptions about LAI-PrEP were potential barriers. This study underscores the importance of person-centered care in addressing the complex interplay of individual, community, and programmatic factors influencing PrEP engagement among WESW in Zambia. A holistic focus, and adaptive health service delivery approach are both crucial to ensure that advances in HIV prevention translate into tangible benefits for WESW. Reliable, respectful healthcare programs that provide accurate, and trusted information are essential for improving PrEP uptake and persistence.

  PublisherDOI

• Understanding determinants of lung cancer preventive care in at-risk urban American Indians and Alaska Natives: A mixed-methods study

  Preventive Medicine Reports · 2024-07-14 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people, and AI/AN people have the highest rate of smoking of any racial or ethnic group in the US. There is limited research to inform culturally-relevant strategies for lung cancer prevention inclusive of lung cancer screening (LCS). The objective of this study was to understand determinants of LCS and tobacco cessation care in at-risk urban-dwelling AI/ANs. This was a mixed-methods community-based participatory research study including complimentary qualitative discussions and surveys conducted in Seattle, Washington, USA from 2022 to 2023. The study measures and analytic approach integrated the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Tribal Critical Race Theory and qualitative transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants were self-identified AI/AN people who were age ≥ 40 and had ≥ 10-year history of commercial cigarette smoking. Forty-five participants completed surveys and participated in discussions, 48% were female, the median age was 58 and median smoking history was 24 pack-years of commercial cigarette use. Themes revealed prominent barriers to LCS care including access, costs, awareness, and fear. Many reported previous negative and discriminatory encounters within and outside the health system which may also serve as barriers. Most participants endorsed cancer screening and increased education, recommending Indigenous-centered, delivered, and tailored programs, as well barrier-directed support. In a broad sample of at-risk urban-dwelling AI/AN people, our findings suggest enthusiasm for preventive care but several complex barriers. Participants endorsed culturally-tailored programs which could provide relevant education and address barriers.

  PublisherDOI

• Mixed-methods protocol for the WiSSPr study: Women in Sex work, Stigma and psychosocial barriers to Pre-exposure prophylaxis in Zambia

  BMJ Open · 2024-09-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  INTRODUCTION: Women engaging in sex work (WESW) have 21 times the risk of HIV acquisition compared with the general population. However, accessing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains challenging, and PrEP initiation and persistence are low due to stigma and related psychosocial factors. The WiSSPr (Women in Sex work, Stigma and PrEP) study aims to (1) estimate the effect of multiple stigmas on PrEP initiation and persistence and (2) qualitatively explore the enablers and barriers to PrEP use for WESW in Lusaka, Zambia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: WiSSPr is a prospective observational cohort study grounded in community-based participatory research principles with a community advisory board (CAB) of key population (KP) civil society organi sations (KP-CSOs) and the Ministry of Health (MoH). We will administer a one-time psychosocial survey vetted by the CAB and follow 300 WESW in the electronic medical record for three months to measure PrEP initiation (#/% ever taking PrEP) and persistence (immediate discontinuation and a medication possession ratio). We will conduct in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 18 women, including 12 WESW and 6 peer navigators who support routine HIV screening and PrEP delivery, in two community hubs serving KPs since October 2021. We seek to value KP communities as equal contributors to the knowledge production process by actively engaging KP-CSOs throughout the research process. Expected outcomes include quantitative measures of PrEP initiation and persistence among WESW, and qualitative insights into the enablers and barriers to PrEP use informed by participants' lived experiences. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: WiSSPr was approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the University of Zambia (#3650-2023) and University of North Carolina (#22-3147). Participants must give written informed consent. Findings will be disseminated to the CAB, who will determine how to relay them to the community and stakeholders.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Public Health Accountability in Action: The King County Pandemic and Racism Community Advisory Group

  Public Health Reports · 2024-02-12 · 5 citations

  articleOpen access

  After a tumultuous 3 years of pandemic-, political-, and race-related unrest in the United States, the public is demanding accountability to communities of color (defined here as American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic people) to rectify historic and contemporary injustices that perpetuate health inequities and threaten public health. Structural racism pervades all major societal systems and exposes people to detrimental social determinants of health. Disrupting structural racism within public health systems is essential to advancing health equity and requires organized partnerships between health departments and community leaders. As those who are most affected by structural racism, communities of color are the experts in knowing its impacts. This case study describes the King County Pandemic and Racism Community Advisory Group (PARCAG) and its use of an innovative accountability tool. The tool facilitated institutional transparency and accountability in the adoption of community recommendations. PARCAG was influential in shaping Public Health-Seattle & King County's COVID-19 and antiracism work, with 66 of 75 (88%) recommendations adopted partially or fully. For example, a fully adopted recommendation in May 2020 was to report King County COVID-19 case data by race and ethnicity, and a partially adopted recommendation was to translate COVID-19 information into additional languages. PARCAG members were recruited from a 2019 advisory board on Census 2020 and were adept at shifting to advising on COVID-19 and equitable practices and policies. Organizations that have made declarations that racism is a public health crisis should center the experiences, expertise, and leadership of communities of color in accountable ways when developing and implementing strategies to disrupt and repair the effects of structural racism and efforts to promote and protect public health.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Recent grants

• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research Center

  NIH · $10.3M · 2014–2019

Frequent coauthors

• Rowan T. Chlebowski

  IST Research

  164 shared

• Thomas E. Rohan

  Thomas Jefferson University

  143 shared

• Marcia L. Stefanick

  Stanford Health Care

  106 shared

• JoAnn E. Manson

  Brigham and Women's Hospital

  103 shared

• Aaron K. Aragaki

  Fred Hutch Cancer Center

  95 shared

• Ross L. Prentice

  93 shared

• Michael S. Simon

  The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

  92 shared

• Dorothy S. Lane

  Stony Brook School

  92 shared