We prepare students to apply theories, concepts, and methods of the various social and behavioral science disciplines to the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs that prevent illness and promote health.
News
Robot pets may brighten the days of older adults, Pitt study finds
A study led by Steven M. Albert, PhD, emeritus professor of behavioral and community health sciences at Pitt Public Health, found that older adults receiving family caregiver support showed an increase in positive affect after receiving a low-cost robotic pet. The research earned a Bronze Award in the 2026 Innovative Research on Aging Awards from Mather Institute.
Positive social media posts may normalize nicotine pouch use among youth
A Pitt Public Health study analyzed 1,809 Instagram and TikTok posts containing the hashtag #Zyn to better understand the messages users encounter about nicotine pouches. Researchers, including senior author Jaime E. Sidani, PhD, professor in the Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, evaluated each post for sentiment, themes, youth appeal and potentially misleading health claims.
Pitt Public Health researchers study alcohol-cancer risk communication
“Social media has become a major source of health information, so understanding what messages are—and aren’t—being shared is important for public health,” said Joseph Alejandro, a PhD student in the Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, about a new study in the journal Alcohol, Clinical and Experimental Research.