About
Wei-Ti Chen, RN, CNM, PhD, FAAN is a Professor at the UCLA School of Nursing. Her research efforts are primarily devoted to understanding how to enhance adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), decrease stigma related to diseases, manage mental stressors to improve quality of life in people living with HIV (PLWH), Tourette syndrome, and marginalized groups (e.g., immigrants, migrants, sexual minorities), and issues related to women’s health. Her research applies both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Dr. Chen has published more than 100 empirical papers on stigma reduction, HIV care and other topics.
Dr. Chen is one of the first nurse scientists to conduct HIV intervention research with Asians both in the U.S. and in Asia (Taiwan, China, Myanmar and Thailand). Her global HIV research focuses on self- and family-management and stigma reduction among people living with HIV (PLWH) as a means to enhance positive coping in HIV care and quality of life. Many of her study findings arise from in-depth interviews with study participants who present their life stories and offer suggestions to shape and optimize future interventions for Asian populations living with chronic diseases. Her HIV stigma-reduction intervention is now being culturally adapted and tested in Asian and Pacific Americans in Los Angeles and Orange counties in California. Dr. Chen’s research has contributed to the understanding of moderators and mediators of disease-related perceived stress, social support as well as stigma, and continuously guided clinical practice. She continues to identify the best approaches for developing suitable, effective and sustainable health policies in the area of HIV care. In July 2023, she was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.
Faculty Research and Clinical Expertise
As a nurse scientist and certified nurse-midwife, Dr. Chen’s research portfolio is directed toward the development and dissemination of tools to improve health care and quality of life of underserved or stigmatized groups e.g. people with HIV/AIDS, Tourette Syndrome, and mobile populations.
Clinical: Perinatal care and delivery, mental health, infectious disease prevention and management, underserved populations.
Education
Syracuse University, BSN, 1994
University of Texas at Austin, MSN, 1995
Columbia University, PhD, 2002
Honors and Awards
2023 International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
2021 Distinguished Alumni Award, Deh-Yu Junior College of Nursing, Keelung, Taiwan
2016 Fellow, American Academy of Nursing (FAAN)
2016 Distinguished Alumni Award, Columbia University, School of Nursing
Membership in Professional Organizations
American Academy of Nursing (AAN)
American Nurses Association (ANA)
American Public Health Association (APHA)
Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, & Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)
Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI)
Western Academy of Nursing, Western Institute of Nursing/Western Society for Research in Nursing (WIN/WSRN)
Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association (AAPINA)
National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations (NCEMNA)
Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC)
American College of Nurse-Midwife (ACNM)
Transcultural Nursing Society (TCNS)
Publications
Recent, Selected Publications
Huang, F., Chen, W., Sun, W., Lin M., Shiu, C., Zhang, L. & Lu, H. (2023). Modification and validation of the COVID-19 Stigma Instrument in nurses: A cross-sectional survey. Frontiers in Psychology, section Quantitative Psychology and Measurement. Aug 18;14:1084152. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1084152. PMID: 37663322; PMCID: PMC10473103.
Zhang, T. T., Chen, W., He, Q. N., Li, Y., Peng, H. T., Xie, J. Y., Hu, H. F. & Qin, C. X. (2023). Coping strategies following the diagnosis of a fetal anomaly: A scoping review. Frontiers in Public Health, section Public Mental Health, Apr 6;11:1055562. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1055562. PMID: 37089477; PMCID: PMC10118031.
Chen, W. & Barbour, R. (2023). Male and female Asians living with HIV: A text-mining analysis comparing their concerns. Frontiers in Psychology, section Health Psychology, 14, 1114731. Frontiers in Psychology, section Health Psychology, May 12;14:1114731. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1114731. PMID: 37251024; PMCID: PMC10213259.
Chen, W., Huang, F., Sun, W. & Zhang, L. (2023). Fear of COVID and physical health among people living with HIV in China: Mediation effects of HIV stigma, social support, and substance use. AIDS & Behavior, June 7:1–8. doi: 10.1007/s10461-023-04099-9. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37284924; PMCID: PMC10246528.
Huang, F., Chen, W., Shiu, C., Yang, J. P. & Zhao, H. (2023). Relationships between spirituality and mental stress in people living with HIV in China: A cross-sectional study. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 26(3), 276-289. DOI: 10.1080/13674676.2023.2219620
Chen, W., Sun, W., Huang, F., Shiu, C., Kim, B., Candelario, J., Toma, L., Wu, G. & Ah-Yune, J. (2023). Lost in translation: Language barriers and facilitators impact on perceived stigma on HIV-infected Asian Americans. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. Jun 12. doi: 10.1007/s40615-023-01674-7. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37306920.
Ke, J. F., Lin, J. L., Lin, X., Chen, W. & Huang, F. F. (2023). Dyadic effects of family resilience on quality of life in patients with lung cancer and spousal caregivers: The mediating role of dyadic coping. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, Jul 19;66:102400. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102400. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37611499.
Chen, W., Shiu, C., Zhang, L. & Zhao, H. (2022). Care engagement with healthcare providers can enhance symptom management self-efficacy more than decreasing perceived stigma in women living with HIV in China: Secondary analysis of an intervention study. BMC Public Health, 22, 1195. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-13573-3. PMID: 35705934; PMCID: PMC9199138.
Lei, F., Chen, W., Brecht, M. L., Zheng, Z. & Lee. E. (2022). Cross-cultural instrument adaptation and validation of health beliefs about cancer screening: A methodological systematic review. Cancer Nursing. Sep-Oct 01;45(5):387-396. doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000001007. Epub 2021 Sep 3. PMID: 34483286.
Sun, W., Chen, W., Lu, H., Huang, F., Shiu, C. & Zhang, L. (2022). Longitudinal trajectory of the association between quality of life and depression among people living with HIV in China: A mixed effects model study. AIDS Care, Aug;34(8):966-973. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1991879. Epub 2021 Oct 20. PMID: 34668807; PMCID: PMC9508898.
Sonko, I, Chung, M., Hou, W., Chen, W. & Chang, P. (2022). Predictors of HIV testing among youth aged 15-24 years in The Gambia. PLoS One, 17(2), e0263720. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0263720.
Huang, F., Chen, W., Sun, W., Zhang, L. & Lu, H. (2022). Chinese infection-control strategies for COVID-19 prevention: A qualitative study with confirmed cases. Public Health Nursing, 39, 683-692. doi: 10.1111/phn.13017. Epub 2021 Dec 3. PMID: 34862663; PMCID: PMC9090943.
Huang, F., Chen, W., Shiu, C., Lin, S. H., Tun, M. S., Nwe, T. W., Nu, Y. T. & Oo, H. N. (2022). Psychometric evaluation of the Perceived Stress Scale for people living with HIV/AIDS in Myanmar. Journal of Nursing Measurement, 30(4), 603-626. doi: 10.1891/JNM-D-21-00013. PMID: 36526419.
Huang, F., Shiu, C., Lin, S-H., Tun, M-S., Nwe, T-W., Oo, Y-T-N., Oo, H-N. & Chen, W. (2022). The mediating effects of mindfulness on perceived stress from HIV Stigma in people living with HIV in Myanmar. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 33, (5)559-566. PMID: 35862633.
Lei, F., Chen, W., Brecht, M. L., Zheng, Z. & Lee. E. (2022). Cancer screening among Chinese American high-risk smokers: Interviews based on the Health Belief Model. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 239(3), 378-388. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2022.06.005. PMID: 35891915; PMCID: PMC9305017.
Tang, Y., Chen, W., Li, J., Deng, Y., Liu, S., Zhao, X., Xie, J. & Zhan, C. (2022). A disease-targeted picture book for children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis: A quasi-experimental study. Journal of Renal Care. Nov 30. doi: 10.1111/jorc.12451. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36451338.
Yang, T. B., Xiu J. L., Lin, J. L., Chen, W. & Huang, F. F. (2022). Influencing factors of cancer prevention among urban and rural adults in southeastern China: A cross-sectional survey. Frontiers in Public Health, section Public Health Education and Promotion, 10:1053183. DOI 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1053183
Lin, S., Chen, W., Gu, C., Cheng H. L., Wang, H. & Tang, S. (2021). Knowledge, perception of HIV symptom severity, and cervical screening behavior among women living with HIV in China. European Journal of Cancer Care, 31: e13542. PMID: 34961999.
Aung, M., Shiu, C. & Chen, W. (2021). Amid political and civil unrest in Myanmar, health services are inaccessible. The Lancet, 397(10283), 1446. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00780-7. PMCID: PMC8136691.
Huang, F., Chen, W., Shiu, C., Sun, W., Toma, L., Luu, B. & Ah-Yune, J. (2021). Asian Pacific Americans living with HIV who were smuggled migrants: A qualitative study. Clinical Nursing Research, 30(8):1193-1201. PMID: 34036840.
Huang, F., Chen, W., Shiu, C., Sun, W., Radaza, A., Toma, L., Luu, B. & Ah-Yune, J. (2021). Physical symptoms and sleep disturbances activate coping strategies among HIV-infected Asian Americans: A pathway analysis. AIDS Care, 33(9), 2101-1208. PMID: 33487002.
Shiu, C., Chen, W., Hung, C. & Lee, T. S. H. (2021). COVID-19 stigma associates with burnout among healthcare providers: Evidence from Taiwanese physicians and nurses. Journal of the Formosan Medical Association, 121(8):1384-1391. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2021.09.022. Epub 2021 Oct 9. PMID: 34654583; PMCID: PMC8501227.
Huang, F., Sun, W., Zhang, L., Lu, H., Chen, W. (2021). Depressive symptoms mediate COVID-associated stigma and quality of life: Stigma instrument validation and path analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 297, 269-275. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.043. Epub 2021 Oct 24. PMID: 34699856; PMCID: PMC8541885.
Huang, F., Chen, W., Lin, S. T., Tun, M. S., New, T. W., Thet, Y. T., Oo, H. N. (2021). Translation, adaption, and psychometric testing of the Myanmar version of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey for people living with HIV/AIDS. Frontiers in Psychology, section Quantitative Psychology and Measurement. 12:707142. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.707142. PMID: 34557132; PMCID: PMC8452870.
Huang, F., Chen, W, Shiu, C. S., Lin, S. H., Tun, M. S., New, T. W., Oo, Y. T. N. & Oo, H. N. (2021). Adaptation and validation of a culturally adapted HIV Stigma Scale in Myanmar. BMC Public Health, 21, 1663. doi: 10.1186/s12889-021-11685-w. PMID: 34517850; PMCID: PMC8439000.
Huang, F., Chen, W., Shiu, C., Sun, W., Toma, L., Luu, B. & Ah-Yune, J. (2021). Asian Pacific Americans living with HIV who were smuggled migrants: A qualitative study. Clinical Nursing Research, 30(8):1193-1201. PMID: 34036840.
Huang, F., Chen, W., Shiu, C., Sun, W., Radaza, A., Luu, B. & Ah-Yune, J. (2021). Experiences and needs of family support of HIV-infected Asian Americans: A qualitative dyadic analysis. Applied Nursing Research, 58, 151395. PMCID: PMC7229465.
Huang, F., Chen, W., Shiu, C., Sun, W., Toma, L., Luu, B. & Ah-Yune, J. (2020). Acculturation, HIV-related stigma, stress, and patient-healthcare provider relationships among HIV-infected Asian Americans: A path analysis. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 22(6), 1217-1224. doi: 10.1007/s10903-020-01068-5. PMID: 32789735; PMCID: PMC7424136.
Fan, H., Guo, F., Hsieh, E., Chen, W., Lu, W., Han, Y., Xie, J., Li, Y., Song, X. & Li, T. (2020). Incidence of Hypertension among Persons Living with HIV in China: A Multicenter Study. BMC Public Health, 21(1), 834. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-08586-9. PMID: 32487185; PMCID: PMC7268367.
Aunon, F., Simoni, J., Yang, J., Shiu, C., Chen, W., Edmunds S., Ramaiya, M., Cheng, J. & Zhao H. (2020). Depression and anxiety among HIV+ men who have sex with men and men who have sex with women in China. AIDS Care, 32(3) 362-269. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1683803. Epub 2019 Oct 31. PMID: 31672027; PMCID: PMC7526729.
Sun, M., Chen, W., Yang, J. P., Huang, S., Zhang, L., Shi, M., Li, W., Li, Y., Bao, M. & Lu, H. (2020). Concerns of Parental HIV Disclosure in China. Clinical Nursing Research, 20(6), 830-839. doi: 10.1177/1054773820932725. Epub 2020 Jun 21. PMID: 32567340; PMCID: PMC7750295.
Chen, W., Shiu, C., Zhang, L., Wang, K., Myo, M. M. T., Chen, L., Aung, M., Lu. H. & Zhao, H. (2020). Tobacco use and HIV symptom severity in Chinese people living with HIV, AIDS Care, 32(2):217-222. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1620169. Epub 2019 May 22. PMID: 31116021; PMCID: PMC6872921.
Dong, N., Chen, W., Bao, M., Zhu, Z., Hu, Y. & Lu, H. (2020). Unmet needs of symptom management and associated factors among the HIV-positive population in Shanghai, China: A Cross-sectional Study. Applied Nursing Research, 54, 151283. doi: 10.1016/j.apnr.2020.151283. Epub 2020 May 16. PMID: 32425335; PMCID: PMC7229465.
Huang, F., Chen, W., Shiu, C., Sun, W., Toma, L., Luu, B. & Ah-Yune, J. (2020). Acculturation, HIV-related stigma, stress, and patient-healthcare provider relationships among HIV-infected Asian Americans: A Path Analysis. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 22(6), 1217-1224. doi: 10.1007/s10903-020-01068-5. PMID: 32789735; PMCID: PMC7424136.