Sociology

Dr. Zinobia Bennefield

September 28, 2018 by Zinobia Bennefield
department: Sociology

Zinobia BennefieldAssistant Professor
Department of Sociology

I study systemic inequality in the U.S. healthcare system with a focus on how these inequities impact the health and illness experiences of women and children.[read more=’Read more’ less=’Read less’]I have constructed a research agenda which involves the study of the sociology of health and illness, utilizing an intersectionality theoretical perspective in health research, and using a mixed methodological approach to create pragmatic suggestions for the eradication of health disparities. My current research explores the complexities of adolescent mental health and extends the theoretical and methodological literature concerning the relationship between socioeconomic status, race, gender, social integration and mental disorder.[/read]

For more information: Faculty Connections > Dr. Zinobia Bennefield

keywords: gender and socioeconomic statushealth disparitiesmental healthrace

Dr. Kendra Jason

September 28, 2018 by kjason
department: Sociology

Kendra JasonAssistant Professor
Department of Sociology

My health disparities research aims to better understand the relationship between chronic illness, workforce engagement, and carework for older African Americans. [read more=’Read more’ less=’Read less’] I seek to improve the quality of life and well-being of older caregivers with chronic illness by examining the social conditions within care networks, workforce participation, and workplace practices that may influence health outcomes. I also examine gaps in long-term care research by focusing on improving health and health care delivery by examining the social conditions influencing care networks that may affect residents quality of life and ability to age in place in assisted living.
[/read]

For more information: Faculty Connections > Dr. Kendra Jason

keywords: aginghealth systems and organizations

Dr. Teresa Scheid

September 28, 2018 by Teresa Scheid
department: Sociology

Teresa ScheidProfessor
Department of Sociology

I am a full professor in the Department of Sociology with joint appointments in Public Policy and Health Services Research. [read more=’Read more’ less=’Read less’] I also work with doctoral students in Public Health and Health Psychology. My research focuses on the organization and delivery of mental health services and the work of mental health and HIV providers. I have examined the impact of a number of legislative mandates including outpatient commitment, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and state level efforts to reform mental health care. I have worked collaboratively with local agencies to develop and conduct cross-training workshops to help integrate mental health, substance use, and physical healthcare, and have been involved in a number of community based initiatives designed to integrate diverse systems of care for minority populations living with HIV/AIDS (see my 2015 book, Comprehensive Care for HIV/AIDS: Community-Based Strategies). I am senior editor (with Eric Wright) of the “Handbook for the Study of Mental Health: Social Contexts, Theories, and Systems”, and am currently working on a book on community mental health care. I advise doctoral students across all of the health related graduate programs on campus, and have worked with them to get their work published (including a recent book with Stephany De Scisciolo, “Reducing Race Differences in Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising: The Case for Regulation”). I have also served as Executive Director of the Health Academy, the first UNC-C Academy, which is designed to foster collaborations across campus as well as within the community.
[/read]

For more information: Faculty Connections > Dr. Teresa Scheid

keywords: community-based participatory researchhealth policyhealth systems and organizationsmental health