Directory Profile
Karen Hampanda PhD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Associate Director of Research, Senior Investigator
- Center for Global Health
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Gyn and OB Health (SOM)
Dr. Hampanda holds a PhD in Health and Behavioral Sciences from the University of Colorado Denver and an MPH in International Health from Boston University. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assistant Director of Research for the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob/Gyn, and Senior Investigator with the Center for Global Health. Dr. Hampanda has expertise in health behavior theory, global health, mixed methods research, and behavioral interventions.
Her research agenda focuses on understanding and addressing the behavioral determinants of maternal and child health and sexual and reproductive health, with a focus on HIV, intimate partner violence, and perinatal mental health. She is currently the PI for an NIMH-funded R00 project in Zambia, "Happy Homes, Healthy Families," testing the effects of a couples-based relationship strengthening intervention to improve outcomes among postpartum women living with HIV. She has been working in sub-Saharan Africa for the past 10 years, conducting studies on HIV prevention, care, and treatment, particularly prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Dr. Hampanda has completed numerous global health projects in various settings, including Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
Areas of Expertise
- Health behaviors
- HIV
- Pregnancy and postpartum
- Intimate partner violence
- Perinatal mental health
Education, Licensure & Certifications
- University of Colorado Denver, PhD, Health and Behavioral Sciences, 2016
- Boston University, MPH, International Health, 2010
- Beloit College, BA, Health and Society, African Studies, 2008