Lauretta Grau, PhD
Research ScientistCards
Contact Info
Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases
PO Box 208034, 135 College Street
New Haven, CT 06520-8034
United States
About
Titles
Research Scientist
Biography
Dr. Grau is a clinical psychologist with training in health psychology and expertise in identifying the cognitive and emotional correlates of risk and preventive health behaviors. She has been involved in the fields of HIV and hepatitis prevention research for over two decades during which time she has worked with syringe services programs (SSPs) and community-based organizations in the U.S., Russia, Vietnam, and Ecuador. Dr. Grau has been involved in multisite, longitudinal evaluations of SSPs and public health interventions implemented through SSPs and emergency departments. She has experience working with sexually active adolescents, minority and substance-using populations, and people who inject drugs and their families. More recently, her research interests have included qualitative and mixed methods studies of the HIV Care Continuum, technology-based interventions to assist in smoking cessation and substance abuse treatment, and the epidemiology of opioid-involved fatalities. She has also led qualitative studies on such topics as the quality of healthcare delivery, repeat medical hospitalizations, and access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
Appointments
Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases
Research ScientistPrimary
Other Departments & Organizations
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS
- Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases
- Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (EMD)
- Yale School of Public Health
- Yale School of Public Health - NEW
- Yale-UPR Integrated HIV Basic and Clinical Sciences Initiative
Education & Training
- PhD
- George Mason University (1996)
Research
Overview
Dr. Grau is a clinical psychologist with training in health psychology
and has expertise in identifying the cognitive and emotional correlates
of risk and preventive health behaviors. She has been involved in the
field of HIV prevention research for over fifteen years and has been
working with syringe exchange programs for almost a decade. Dr. Grau
has conducted multisite, longitudinal evaluations of syringe exchange
programs, including a feasibility and cost-effectiveness study of
offering hepatitis vaccination through syringe exchanges. She also has
experience in HIV and hepatitis prevention research with sexually
active adolescents, minority and drug using populations, and most
recently with older populations. In addition, she has led women’s
support groups at the local syringe exchanges. On a broader level, Dr.
Grau is interested in research that will result in the development and
implementation of individual, family- and community-based harm
reduction interventions.
Medical Research Interests
Public Health Interests
ORCID
0000-0003-4985-8019
Research at a Glance
Yale Co-Authors
Publications Timeline
Robert Heimer, PhD
Benjamin Howell, MD, MPH, MHS
David Fiellin, MD
Russell Barbour, PhD
Anne C. Black, PhD
Gail D'Onofrio, MD, MS
Publications
2024
Prescription Opioid Dose Change Prior to Fatal Opioid-Detected Overdose.
Kazemitabar M, Howell B, Becker W, Lin H, Grau L, Heimer R, D'Onofrio G, Hawk K, Fiellin D, Black A. Prescription Opioid Dose Change Prior to Fatal Opioid-Detected Overdose. Journal Of Studies On Alcohol And Drugs 2024 PMID: 38775307, DOI: 10.15288/jsad.24-00026.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPrescribed opioidsOpioid dose changesRapid dose increaseNon-HispanicOverdose deathsToxicological resultsNon-prescription opioidsBlack non-HispanicMorphine equivalentsOpioid therapyWhite non-HispanicDose changesDaily doseMean ageDispensed opioidsPrescription opioidsPrescribing patternsOpioidDose increaseOpioid overdose crisisIncreasing dosesStudy investigated patternsEffect of timeEffects of ageSecondary analysisAccessibility of Opioid Treatment Programs Based on Conventional vs Perceived Travel Time Measures
Kim J, Lee J, Thornhill T, Dennett J, Lu H, Howell B, Grau L, Fiellin D, Heimer R, Gonsalves G. Accessibility of Opioid Treatment Programs Based on Conventional vs Perceived Travel Time Measures. JAMA Network Open 2024, 7: e240209. PMID: 38376839, PMCID: PMC10879949, DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0209.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsTransit travel timeAccessibility metricsTravel timeTravel componentsAccessibility scoresTransportation burdenTravel burdenOut-of-vehicleComponents of travelConventional accessibility measuresSpatial regression modelsTravel time measurementsPublic transitTransit schedulesAccessibility measuresDeparture timeTravel time analysisTrip durationTravelOperating hoursTime analysisCross-sectional studyOpioid use disorderPolicy recommendationsDecision-makingUnderstanding chronic pain in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 using the Neurofibromatosis Pain Module (NFPM)
Buono F, Larkin K, Zempsky W, Grau L, Martin S. Understanding chronic pain in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 using the Neurofibromatosis Pain Module (NFPM). American Journal Of Medical Genetics Part A 2024, 194: e63541. PMID: 38234177, DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63541.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsConceptsNeurofibromatosis type 1Chronic painImpact of CPPain modulationPain regionsModerate pain severityType 1Autosomal dominant genetic disorderCross-sectional studyQuality of lifeDominant genetic disorderMedical providersPain severitySensitive clinical measureDaily functioningClinical measuresPainEffective treatmentGenetic disordersNeurofibromatosisClinical assessmentMultiple domainsAdultsQuantitative responseProviders
2023
Receipt of opioid use disorder treatments prior to fatal overdoses and comparison to no treatment in Connecticut, 2016–17
Heimer R, Black A, Lin H, Grau L, Fiellin D, Howell B, Hawk K, D'Onofrio G, Becker W. Receipt of opioid use disorder treatments prior to fatal overdoses and comparison to no treatment in Connecticut, 2016–17. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2023, 254: 111040. PMID: 38043226, PMCID: PMC10872282, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111040.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsNon-medication treatmentsRelative riskOpioid overdose deathsIncidence rateMOUD treatmentOverdose deathsOpioid use disorder treatmentResults Incidence ratesRetrospective cohort studyDifferent treatment modalitiesPopulation-level effortsUse disorder treatmentFatal opioid poisoningsCohort studyOpioid poisoningTreatment modalitiesConclusion ExposurePoisoning deathsFatal overdosesTreatment exposureDisorder treatmentDeathTreatmentMethadoneRisk“It’s starting to weigh on me”: Exploring the Experiences and Support Needs of Harm Reduction Staff in Connecticut using the Social-Ecological Model
Hill K, Dunham K, Grau L, Heimer R. “It’s starting to weigh on me”: Exploring the Experiences and Support Needs of Harm Reduction Staff in Connecticut using the Social-Ecological Model. Harm Reduction Journal 2023, 20: 168. PMID: 37964261, PMCID: PMC10644636, DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00898-4.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsSocial ecological modelSupport needsHarm reduction workersHarm reduction programmingHarm reduction servicesThematic analysis approachProvision of supportStigmatized populationsMeans of supportReduction workersInterpersonal levelCommunity levelHarm reductionDay roleReduction servicesOverdose crisisReduction programmingStaff wellbeingRole-related stressorsRole-related stressFeelings of stressBoundary settingEmotional supportPotential supportIndividual levelXylazine in the drug supply: Emerging threats and lessons learned in areas with high levels of adulteration
Quijano T, Crowell J, Eggert K, Clark K, Alexander M, Grau L, Heimer R. Xylazine in the drug supply: Emerging threats and lessons learned in areas with high levels of adulteration. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2023, 120: 104154. PMID: 37574646, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104154.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsHarm reduction service providersDrug supplySedative-analgesic drugsFatal opioid overdosesOpioid overdose fatalitiesPresence of fentanylMedical examiner dataIllicit drug supplyInjection of xylazineFentanyl test stripsPrevention needsOpioid usersAnalgesic drugsOpioid overdosesOverdose deathsOverdose fatalitiesXylazineHealth threatSurvey of peopleDrugsSignificant predictorsFentanylConvenience surveyTest stripsTwo-thirdsExploring stakeholders perspectives on TB contact investigation in Cali, Colombia: a qualitative study
Velosa J, Gómez J, Zúñiga C, Díaz G, Ferro B, Davis J, Grau L. Exploring stakeholders perspectives on TB contact investigation in Cali, Colombia: a qualitative study. Frontiers In Public Health 2023, 11: 1204862. PMID: 37564424, PMCID: PMC10411903, DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1204862.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsTB contact investigationContact investigationPublic health staffHealth workersHousehold contactsTB knowledgeTB casesTest uptakeHealth staffHousehold visitsHealth OrganizationTuberculosis case findingNational public health authoritiesPublic health authoritiesWorld Health OrganizationPublic health organizationsMiddle-income countriesTB controlCase findingThematic analysisHealth authoritiesDiagnostic testsInductive thematic analysisSemi-structured interviewsMain barriersTechnical violations and infractions are drivers of disengagement from methadone treatment among people with opioid use disorder discharged from Connecticut jails 2014–2018
Marotta P, Hass A, Viera A, Doernberg M, Barbour R, Grau L, Heimer R. Technical violations and infractions are drivers of disengagement from methadone treatment among people with opioid use disorder discharged from Connecticut jails 2014–2018. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, And Policy 2023, 18: 43. PMID: 37420271, PMCID: PMC10329353, DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00541-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConcordance between controlled substance receipt and post-mortem toxicology in opioid-detected overdose deaths: A statewide analysis
Howell B, Black A, Grau L, Lin H, Greene C, Lee H, Heimer R, Hawk K, D'Onofrio G, Fiellin D, Becker W. Concordance between controlled substance receipt and post-mortem toxicology in opioid-detected overdose deaths: A statewide analysis. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2023, 244: 109788. PMID: 36738634, PMCID: PMC9975083, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109788.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsPost-mortem toxicologyOverdose deathsChief Medical ExaminerBenzodiazepine prescribingBenzodiazepine prescriptionsPrimary outcomePreventable deathsOpioid overdosesOpioidsAddiction servicesBenzodiazepinesMental healthStudy periodDeathMedical examinersConcordanceStatewide analysisSubstantial numberReceiptDaysDepartmentMedicationsToxicologyFentanylPrescribingCost-Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Approaches in Emergency Departments
Miller T, Johnson M, Dziura J, Weiss J, Carpenter K, Grau L, Pantalon M, Abroms L, Collins L, Toll B, Bernstein S. Cost-Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Approaches in Emergency Departments. American Journal Of Preventive Medicine 2023, 65: 39-44. PMID: 36710199, PMCID: PMC10293014, DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.01.006.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsSmoking cessation interventionNicotine replacement therapyCessation interventionsReplacement therapyEmergency departmentMulticomponent smoking cessation interventionSmoking cessation approachesEmergency department visitsEffects of briefCessation approachesQuitline referralDepartment visitsTobacco treatmentDedicated staffIntervention componentsTobacco productsDistinct interventionsInterventionLow SESUnderstudied populationTherapyHigh rateIdeal timeParticipantsQuit
Academic Achievements & Community Involvement
activity Developing a Comprehensive Model of the HIV Care Continuum in Nine Small Cities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island
OtherNew England HIV Implementation Science NetworkDetails06/03/2015 - 06/03/2015Sturbridge, MA, United StatesSponsored by CIRA/CFARAbstract/SynopsisPresentation of the study design and opportunities for regional collaboration
activity Opioid-Involved Fatalities among Connecticut Residents: 2009 - 2014
Oral PresentationSyringe Services Program (SSP) Monthly MeetingDetails05/13/2015 - 05/13/2015New Haven, CT, United StatesSponsored by CT Department of Public Health, TB, HIV, STD, & Viral Hepatitis ProgramAbstract/SynopsisPresentation of preliminary of epidemiologic and geospatial analyses and comparison of heroin- and pharmaceutical opioid-involved deaths over the six-year period.
activity The SHERPA Project: Findings on Injection Drug Use in the Suburbs of Southwestern Connecticut
LectureThe SHERPA Project: Findings on Injection Drug Use in the Suburbs of Southwestern ConnecticutDetails03/29/2012 - 03/29/2012El Paso, TX, United StatesAbstract/SynopsisInjection drug use and opioid abuse is on the rise in suburban areas of the United States. This interdisciplinary, longitudinal study is the first of its kind to systematically examine this population regarding their HIV, hepatitis B and C prevalences, frequency of risk behaviors, and involvement with the criminal justice and healthcare systems. Dr. Grau will present preliminary findings from the quantitative, serological, and qualitative data and discuss the future directions on this project. In addition, the study is affiliated with the NIMH-sponsored AIDS center, the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA) at the Yale School of Public Health, and Dr. Grau will provide a brief history of the center and their process in becoming an AIDS center.
activity Narrative Data Mining Workshop: Applying a Transdisciplinary Framework
Oral Presentation2010 Conference of the National Hispanic Scientist Network on Drug AbuseDetails09/29/2010 - 10/02/2010New Orleans, SerbiaSponsored by National Hispanic Scientist Network on Drug AbuseAbstract/SynopsisIn conjunction with Drs. Heimer, Barbour, and Palacios, the group presented an overview of narrative text analysis versus traditional qualitative analytic methods that use NVivo and atlas.ti software programs.
activity Qualitative Interviewing Skills and Public Health Research
LectureQualitative Interviewing Skills and Public Health ResearchDetails05/14/2009 - 05/14/2009Capitol Hill, Saipan, Northern Mariana IslandsSponsored by St Petersburg State UniversityAbstract/SynopsisThe lecture identified key interviewing skills and techniques as well as a discussion about the common issues and pitfalls that can occur during interviews.
News & Links
News
- May 23, 2024
2024 Top Research Awards Announced
- August 28, 2023
Xylazine presents new challenges for emergency treatment of overdose
- October 29, 2019Source: Science Daily
Drug overdose deaths in CT doubled in 6 years
- May 12, 2019Source: New Haven Register
CT opioid death data shows ‘it’s an everywhere problem’
Get In Touch
Contacts
Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases
PO Box 208034, 135 College Street
New Haven, CT 06520-8034
United States
Locations
135 College Street
Academic Office
Ste 200
New Haven, CT 06510
Appointments
203.785.2904