Jigna M. Dharod, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Office: 336-334-9708
email: jmdharod@uncg.edu
Dr. Jigna Dharod's research involves understanding the extent and manifestation of food insecurity among immigrant and refugee populations in North Carolina, particularly Guilford County. Food insecurity occurs especially when the availability of adequate food or the ability to acquire it is uncertain. Dr. Dharod is interested in understanding what strategies immigrant or refugee caretakers use to reduce or avoid food insecurity. Of particular interest is how acculturation affects food insecurity, coping strategies, and thereby health outcomes. Previously, Dr. Dharod carried out needs assessment surveys to understand the relationship between food insecurity and dietary intake among Somali refugees in Maine.
Dr. Dharod's work with immigrant and refugee populations extends to the area of food safety. Specifically, Dr. Dharod plans to carry out research to understand what knowledge and attitudes immigrant and refugee mothers have regarding food safety and proper food handling methods. The results of this research will help to identify the food safety education needs of these newcomers.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
- Ph.D., University of Connecticut
- Post Graduate, University of Mumbai
- B.S., University of Mumbai
Research Interest
-Determine the relationship between food insecurity and social capital and its influence on health outcomes, such as body weight among different immigrants and refugee groups in the US.
-Understand different coping mechanisms low-income families use to reduce the severity and incidence of food insecurity.
-Use microbiological and other indicators, such as attitude towards food safety, to understand food safety risks in preparation and storage of weaning foods among immigrants and refugee populations settled in the US.
Selected Publications
- Nunnery D, Haldeman L, Morrison S, Dharod J. Out of the Frying Pan and into the Fire:Post-Resettlement Food Insecurity Among Liberian Households. Public Health Nutrition (under review).
- Dharod J, Croom J, Sady C. Food Insecurity and its relationship to dietary intake and body weight among Somali refugee women in the U.S. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior (in press).
- Kiptinness C, Dharod J. (2011). Bhutanese Refugees in the US: Their dietary habits and food shopping practices upon resettlement. Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition. 6:1-11.
- Dharod J, Croom J. (2010).Child Hunger: its prevalence and association with BMI and dietary intake among Somali refugee children in the U.S. NAPA Bulletin.(34:126-140).
- Dharod J, Croom J, Sady C, Morrell D. Relationships between Dietary Intake, Food Security and Acculturation among Somali Refugees in the U.S.: Results of a Pilot Study . (Journal of Immigrant and Refugee Studies, accepted).
- Dharod J, Drewette-Card R, Crawford D. Development of the Oxford Hills Healthy Moms Project (OHHM): A Community Based Social Marketing Physical Activity and Nutrition Intervention for Low Socioeconomic Status Mothers in a Rural Area in Maine (Health Promotion and Practice. July 2010. DOI:10.1177/1524839909355521).
- Dharod J, Perez-Escamilla R, Paciello S, Venkitanarayanan K, Bermudez-Millan A Damio G. (2009). Hands Bacterial Contamination Increases Risk of Cross-Contamination among Low Income Puerto Rican Meal Preparers. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 41(6).
- Sheehy A, Dharod J. (2008). Relationship between Nutrition and Physical Activity Attitudes and Behaviors among High School Students in Maine. Journal of Extension. 46 (6).
- Dharod J, Perez-Escamilla R, Paciello S, Bermudez-Millan A, Venkitanarayanan K, Damio G. (2007). Comparison Between Self-reported and Observed Food Handling Behaviors Among Latinas. Journal of Food Protection, 70 (8) 1927-1932.
- Dharod J, Perez-Escamilla R, Paciello S, Venkitanarayanan K, Bermudez-Millan A Damio G. (2007) Critical Control Points for Home Prepared ‘Chicken and Salad’ in Puerto Rican Households. Food Protection Trends. 27 (7) 544-552.
- Dharod J, Perez-Escamilla R, Bermudez-Millan A, Segura-Perez S, Damio G. (2004). Influence of the Fight BAC! Food Safety Campaign on an Urban Latino Population. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 36 (3), 128-134.
