Miriam Mutambudzi

Assistant Professor, Public Health, Falk College of Sport & Human Dynamics Link

Faculty Affiliate, Aging Studies Institute
Faculty Affiliate, Center for Aging and Policy Studies

CAPS Biography:

My research aligns with CAPS signature theme of health and well-being, with a particular focus on the cross-cutting themes of place and specific populations. Specifically, my research focuses on the structural determinants of adult health and survival in the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), and Europe, with a particular interest in vulnerable subpopulations. I adopt a life-course approach to examine the accumulation of risk associated with socially patterned exposures, the cumulative biological burden on the body, and how these stressors influence both disease risk and the consequences of unfavorable health in older adults. My work leverages longitudinal cohorts to investigate the onset and progression of chronic health conditions (CHCs) such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cognitive health issues, including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). I assess how unequal access to social determinants of health (SDOH) impacts the timing of disease incidence and the severity and pace of disease development over time. This approach helps us better understand the drivers of health disparities. I use methodologies that capture the complex relationship between current or historic contextual factors, the biological manifestations of exposure to these contexts, and the psychosocial factors that may modify the relationship between predictors and outcomes. 

My work has significantly contributed to understanding the social and contextual predictors of adverse health outcomes and has informed social and public health discussions about the care and support needs of vulnerable populations. For instance, my colleagues and I examined the risk of severe COVID-19 across occupational groups, revealing social and racial disparities in the UK workforce. This research highlighted the importance of employment as a key SDOH, with nuanced distinctions based on occupation. The findings informed policy documents and advocacy materials used by organizations such as the World Health Organization, Welsh Government, and the United Kingdom Industrial Injuries Council to promote worker well-being.