Research Contributions

My research bridges health systems strengthening, maternal and child health, and infectious disease surveillance, informed by a multidisciplinary foundation in public health science. I focus on uncovering systemic barriers to healthcare and advancing equity-driven solutions that improve outcomes, especially in underserved and resource-limited settings.

Before entering academia, I led initiatives at the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, including the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) and Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review (MMMR) programs. These initiatives focused on community-based strategies to reduce perinatal disparities, which has profoundly influenced my applied research approach. I managed cross-sector collaboration, maintained HIPAA compliance, and provided evidence-informed recommendations rooted in HRSA guidelines.

Today, my academic work continues to build on that momentum. I apply theoretical models such as the Three Delays Model, Health Care Access Barriers Model, Logic Model, Socio-ecological Model/Framework, and the International Health Regulations (IHR) to examine how legislation, geographic access, institutional readiness, and care quality influence maternal outcomes and public health capacity in multiple and diverse settings. From Alabama’s rural prenatal care access to vaccine-preventable diseases in West Africa, my research focuses on turning data into actionable pathways to inform policy and practice.

Selected Publications

1.  Ali, H., Sa'd Hamasha, Fatemi, Y., Turochy, R., & Duah, J. (2025). Impact of COVID-19 on maternal health and birth outcomes: A network analysis in Alabama. Public Health, 246, 105838–105838. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2025.105838

2.  Duah, J. K. (2025). Beyond Intentionality: A Latent Class Analysis of Barriers to Prenatal Care in an Explanatory Mixed Methods Study. Healthcare, 13(13), 1546. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13131546 

3.  Duah, J. K. (2025). Smoking During Pregnancy and Its Association with Maternal Health Among Women of Reproductive Age in Alabama: An Analysis Using the Three Delays Model and PRAMS Phase 8 Data. Healthcare, 13(11), 1277. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13111277

4.   Duah, J. K., Dotun-Olujinmi, O., Johnson, J. A., & Greenhill, R. G. (2023). Points of entry dynamics: understanding the cross-border threats for ebola virus disease and Covid-19 in Ghana using a logic model approach. Journal of Public Health in Africa,14(4). https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2023.2264

5.   Duah, J. K., & Dotun-Olujinmi, O. (2023). Response of four African countries to COVID-19 pandemic amidst fragile health systems. In J. A. Johnson & N. E. Deshore (Eds.), COVID-19 Global Pandemic: The World Responds. Sentia Publishing.

6.   Duah, J. K. (2023). Infectious disease management at points of entry. In J. A. Johnson & N. E. Deshore (Eds.), COVID-19 Global Pandemic: The World Responds. Sentia Publishing.

Current Research Projects 

1.       Legislative Restrictions and Maternal Mortality in Alabama: A Three Delays Model Approach

This research evaluates the relationship between health legislation and maternal mortality in resource-limited regions. Applying the Three Delays Model, the study assesses how legislative barriers contribute to delays in accessing essential care and influence pregnancy-related deaths and severe morbidity.

2.       Measles Epidemiology and Immunization Challenges in Somalia

Focused on infectious disease control in humanitarian settings, this project investigates measles transmission dynamics and barriers to immunization. It aims to generate practical insights for enhancing surveillance and vaccination strategies in the face of systemic public health challenges.

3.   Evaluating Surveillance and Laboratory Capacity for Measles Control in West Africa

This study examines the impact of national surveillance and laboratory capacities on controlling measles in West African countries. Through this analysis, this research aims to provide valuable insights that can inform the development of effective regional strategies and targeted investments. The ultimate goal is to enhance readiness to manage vaccine-preventable diseases and promote healthier communities.