Heather Steiness, PhD, MPH

Research interest:

A common thread across Dr. Steiness’ research is the identification of health inequities for the purposes of designing and implementing programs to reduce disparities in health outcomes. 

Dr. Steiness’ research has included:

• Tobacco use reduction
• HIV risk reduction among opioid users in Appalachia
• Breast cancer clinical trials in Asia and Africa
• Barriers to breast cancer care in lower-income countries
• The impact of quality measures on hospital and health care systems outcomes. 

Her research and efforts in Bangladesh contributed to the development of the first breast cancer diagnosis and treatment center and satellite offices in the Khulna division of Bangladesh which continues to operate today serving thousands of women who would otherwise be without access to quality care.  

Publications and projects:

• Raisa, A., Roberto, A.J., Love, R.R., Steiness, H.L.S., Salim, R., & Krieger, J.L. (2023). Pot Song as a Novel Cancer Communication Intervention: Lessons Learned from Developing, Implementing, and Evaluating a Culturally Grounded Intervention for Breast Cancer Education in Rural Bangladesh. Journal of Cancer Education, 38(1), 260. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-021-02111-1 
• Steiness, H., Villegas-Gold, M., Parveen, H., Ferdousy, T., Ginsburg, O. (2018). Barriers to care for women with breast cancer symptoms in rural Bangladesh. Health Care for Women International. Accepted online 3/5/2018. 
• Ginsburg, O., Chowdhury, M., Wu, W., Chowdhury, M.T.I., Pal, B.C., Hasan, R., Khan, Z.H., Dutta, D., Saeem, A.A., Al-Mansur, R., Mahmud, S., Woods, J., Story¹, H., Salim, R. (2014). An mHealth model to increase clinic attendance for breast symptoms in rural Bangladesh: Can bridging the digital divide help close the cancer divide? The Oncologist, 19, 177-185.  
•  Story, H., Love, R., Salim, R., Roberto, A.J., Krieger, J.L., and Ginsburg, O.M. (2012). Improving outcomes from breast cancer in a low-income country: lessons from Bangladesh. International Journal of Breast Cancer, 2012, Article ID 423562.  
• Leukefeld, C.G., Smiley McDonald, H., Mateyoke-Scrivner, A., Roberto¹, H., Walker, R., Webster, M., & Garrity, T. (2005). Prescription drug use, health services utilization and health problems in rural Appalachian Kentucky. Journal of Drug Issues, 35, 631-644.  
• Roberto, H., Witte, K., & Keulder, E. (2004).  Lifestyles, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices: A Report of the Effects of the Suzie and Shafa Radio Show in Windhoek, Namibia.  Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University, Center for Communication Programs.  
• Leukefeld, C., & Roberto, H. (2003) Complications from injecting drugs. In R. Carson-Dewitt (Ed.), Drugs, Alcohol, & Tobacco: Learning About Addictive Behaviors. New York, New York: Macmillan Reference USA.  
• Meyer, G., Roberto, A. J., Boster, F. J., & Roberto, H. L. (2004).  Assessing the Get Real about Violence ® curriculum: Process and outcome evaluation results and implications. Health Communication, 16, 451-474.  
• Leukefeld, C., Roberto, H., Hiller, M., Webster, M, Logan, TK, Staton-Tindall, M. (2003) HIV prevention among high-risk and hard-to-reach rural residents. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 35, 427-434.  
• Roberto, A.J., Meyer, G., Boster, F.J., & Roberto, H.L. (2003).  Adolescents’ decisions about insulting and fighting: An application of the theory of reasoned action. Human Communication Research, 29, 135-147.   

Selected invited presentations: 

• Mackay-Neorr, C., Steiness, H., & Vella, R. (November 2022). Public health hero to practitioner faculty champion: A panel exploring how public health leaders adapted online university teaching strategies for non-traditional students during early COVID-19. Presentation at the American Public Health Association Conference, Boston, MA. 
• Mackay-Neorr, Cindy, Steiness, H. (November 2022). Two MHA modalities and fostering inclusive access, equity, and student success. Presentation at the American Public Health Association Conference, Boston, MA. 
• Steiness, H. (October 2020).  It matters little whether she lives or dies: Abuse and indifference toward rural Bangladeshi women with symptoms of breast cancer. Accepted for presentation at the American Public Health Association Conference, virtual presentation.  
• Story¹, H. (October 2012). Qualitative research in Bangladesh. Presented at “Understanding Bangladeshi women’s experiences of humanitarian surgical missions” planning meeting, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  
• Story, H., Love, R, Reza, S. (2010, November). Identifying and treating serious breast problems in Bangladesh. Presentation at the American Public Health Association Conference, Denver, CO.  
• Roberto, H., Leukefeld, C., Webster, M. (2004, November). Distinguishing rural injection drug users from non-injection drug users. Poster presented to the American Public Health Association Conference, Washington, D.C.  
• Roberto, H., & Leukefeld, C. (2003, November). Correlates of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B knowledge among rural Kentucky probationers. Presentation at the American Public Health Association Conference, San Francisco, CA.  
• Roberto, H. & Leukefeld, C. (2003, May). Family structure: a protective factor for HIV/STI risk among rural probationers. A poster session presented at the annual meeting on HIV and Social Work hosted by Boston College Graduate School of Social Work in Albuquerque, NM.  
• Story, H.L., Khan, T., Ahsan, K, & Alauddin, M. (2001, October) Use of household data for planning of health service delivery in rural Bangladesh. Paper presented at the American Public Health Association Conference, Atlanta, GA.   
• Story, H.L., Alauddin, M, & Colton, T. (2001, October) Serving the poorest of the poor with essential health services: Achievements and lessons learned from rural Bangladesh. Paper presented at the American Public Health Conference, Atlanta, GA.