Research
Addressing substance use and health disparities
The Mattingly Lab focuses on investigating the psychosocial, policy, and structural factors that shape substance use behaviors and contribute to health disparities, with particular attention to youth, adults, and at-risk populations in the United States. Our expertise in social epidemiology enables us to explore the social factors that drive substance use, and cancer risk and survival. Guided by the socioecological model, our research aims to inform evidence-based policies and interventions across multiple environmental levels, reducing disparities in various health outcomes and promoting public health.
Investigating psychosocial determinants of substance use and cancer outcomes
We examine how exposures such as interpersonal discrimination influence individual-level substance use behaviors—including intensity, frequency, initiation, progression, cessation, and treatment—as well as cancer detection, risk, and survival. Additionally, we explore how psychosocial determinants interact with factors like chronic stress and mood and anxiety disorders to exacerbate health outcomes and contribute to health disparities.
Evaluating the public health impact of the drug use policy landscape
We apply advanced statistical modeling techniques to assess the impact of drug use policies—such as flavored tobacco control measures, the legalization or decriminalization of cannabis, and broader harm-reduction strategies—on substance use patterns and related disparities across key populations. We also aim to explore the long-term effects of these policies on cancer risk and survival, particularly in relation to the use of substances such as novel tobacco and cannabis products.
Exploring structural risk factors shaping substance use, cancer, and health disparities
We aim to explore structural determinants of health, such as neighborhood or retail environments, that shape individuals’ life conditions and opportunities, influencing their behavioral, mental, and physical health outcomes, as well as contributing to health disparities. Additionally, we seek to examine how these structural factors interact with individual-level influences to impact problematic substance use behaviors and cancer risk and survival.
Leveraging descriptive epidemiology to inform future research initiatives
We identify patterns in social determinants of health, substance use, and cancer across person, place, and time. This approach offers the scientific community valuable, up-to-date insights that lay the foundation for future analytical research.
We are supported by
