Summary
Dr. Akpinar-Elci has been building a research portfolio on global environmental and occupational health and its impacts among vulnerable communities. Examples of these research efforts include:
- Evaluating occupational respiratory diseases among hairdressers in Turkey
- Investigating occupational health and safety problems of microwave popcorn production workers and agricultural workers throughout the Midwestern United States
- Developing solutions for environmental and occupational health problems of nutmeg production workers in Grenada
- Implementing a World Health Organization (WHO)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Needle-stick Injury Prevention Program throughout the Caribbean
- Focusing on pressing climate change issues in global health
All of these research projects focused on community-oriented problems and producing sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities globally.
Dr. Akpinar-Elci conducted and participated in several research projects on occupational health with various institutions, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and CDC/National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Previously, Dr. Akpinar-Elci was the director of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Collaborating Center for Environmental and Occupational Health in Grenada, which focused on the impact of climate change in the Caribbean.
Selected publications
Peer-reviewed journal articles
(†) Role is Lead Faculty/Senior Author
2024
- (†) Etiler, N., Altinay, Z., Lensch, T., Dermid, G. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2024). . Discov Public Health 21, 187.
- (†) Giresunlu, Y., Kemer, G. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2024). Supervision of counselor trainees in Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) Settings. Counselor Education and Supervision.
2023
- Bayram, H., Rice, M. B., Abdalati, W., Akpinar-Elci, M., Mirsaeidi, M., Annesi-Maesano, I., Pinkerton, K. E. & Balmes, J. R. (2023). Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
- (†) Berumen-Flucker, B., Galadima, H., Shangani, S., Kekeh, M. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2023). Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, 29(3), 159-172.
- (†) Claiborne, D. M., Durgampudi, P., Dumadag, A., Hawkins, E., Laverdure, P., Yaroch-Meeker, A., Kraj, B., Wilson, A. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2023). Health profession students' interprofessional socialization and values toward a college-based virtual interprofessional education activity. Journal of Allied Health, 52(4), 243-249.
- (†) Sharaf-Alddin, R., Almathkoori, R., Kostakis, H., Albatineh, A. N., Al-Taiar, A. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2023). Epidemiologia, 4(1), 106-116.
- (†) Sirjani, H. H., Hawkins, J. E., Kekeh, M. A. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2023). Educating nursing students about chronic pain management and opioids. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 34(3), 224-231.
- Vandecar-Burdin, T. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2023). A qualitative exploration of dual vulnerability: Cybersecurity and social isolation risks for Alzheimer’s caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Criminal Justice Studies.
2022
- Al-Taiar, A., Alqaoud, N., Sharaf-Alddin, R. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2022). Mothers' perceptions of their children's weight: Opportunity for health promotion in Kuwait. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 28(12), 904-908.
- (†) Berumen-Flucker, B., Kekeh, M. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2022). Cultural factors, migrant status and vulnerability to increasing temperatures among Hispanic/Latino farmworkers: A systematic review. Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, 28(1), 49-63.
- Blando, J., Allen, M., Galadima, H., Tolson, T., Akpinar-Elci, M. & Szklo-Cox, M. (2022). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1241.
- Bogan, M., Kul, S., Al, B., Oktay, M., Akpinar-Elci, M., Pinkerton, K. & Bayram, H. (2022). Letter: Allergy.
2021
- (†) Achike, M. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2021). Breastfeeding Medicine.
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Berumen-Flucker, B., Bayram, H. & Al-Taiar, A. (2021). Climate change, dust storms, vulnerable populations and health in the Middle East: A review. Journal of Environmental Health, 84(3), 8-15.
- (†) Banaee, S., Claiborne, D. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2021). Occupational health and safety practices among dental hygienists before and during COVID-19 pandemic. WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation.
- (†) Claiborne, D., Durgampudi, D., Patel, P. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2021). Journal of Dental Education.
- (†) Galadima, H., Adunlin, G., Hughes, M. S., Cropp, C. D., Lucero, L. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2021). Cancer Epidemiology.
- (†) Hirschauer, S., Karp, R., Kekeh, M. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2021). Service-learning study-abroad and Europe’s migration crisis: A case study. Intercultural Education.
- (†) Mishoe, S., Akpinar-Elci, M., Poston, R., Adams Tufts, K. & Thompson, B. (2021). Health, Interprofessional Practice and Education.
2020
- Al-Taiar, A., Rahman, A., Alsabah, R., Shaban, L., AlBaloul, A., Banaee, S. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2020). Vitamin D levels in relation to low back pain during adolescence. British Journal of Nutrition, 123(11), 1302-1311.
- Kekeh, M., Akpinar-Elci, M., Nguyen, M. & Welch, N. (2020). Collaborations: Journal of Community-Based Research and Practice, 3(1), 1-9.
- Redican, K. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2020). Integrating One Health into professional preparation education for public health and health education specialists. American Journal of Health Education.
- (†) Sirjani, H. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2020). Impact of educational intervention on knowledge of opioid prescribing among healthcare providers: A systematic review. Virginia Journal of Public Health, 4(3), 44-59.
2019
- (†) Alemu, B. T., Hoch, M., Van Lunen, B. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2019). A multilevel modeling analysis of predictors of neonatal hypoglycemia among diabetic and non-diabetic mothers. International Public Health Journal, 11(3), 00-00.
- (†) Claiborne, D., Daniel, S., Akpinar-Elci, M. & Bennington, L. (2019). Pediatric oral health practices among nurses: A pilot study. Pediatric Nursing, 45(1), 1-6.
- (†) Hirschauer, S., Karp, R., Kekeh, M. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2019). Migration and integration in Germany: A multi- and transcultural critical experiential learning approach toward 21st century global civic skills. Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education, 11(2), 16-30.
- Olayinka, O., Olayinka, O. O., Alemu, B., Akpinar-Elci, M. & Grossberg, G. (2019). Toxic environmental risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review. Aging Medicine and Healthcare, 10(1), 4-17.
2018
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Bidaisee, S., Durgampudi, P., Radix, R., Rodriquez-Guzman, J., Nguyen, M. & Elcio, C. (2018). Needlestick injury prevention training among health care workers in the Caribbean. Pan American Journal of Public Health.
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Rose, S. & Kekeh, M. (2018). Marine Technology Society Journal, 52(2), 18-22.
- (†) Alemu, B. T., Beydoun, H., Hoch, M., Van Lunen, B. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2018). Predictors of hospitalization cost in infants with hypoglycemia. Journal of Pediatric and Neonatal Biology, 2(1), 1-6.
- McManus, M. C., Cramer, R., Boshier, M., Akpinar-Elci, M. & Van Lunen, B. (2018). Mental health and drivers of need in emergent and non-emergent emergency department use: Do living location and non-emergent care sources matter? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(1).
- (†) Welsch, L. A., Hoch, J., Poston, R. D., Paradi, V. A. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2018). Interprofessional education involving didactic TeamSTEPPS® and interactive healthcare simulation: A systematic review. Journal of Interprofessional Care.
2017
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Bidaisee, S., Nguyen, M. T. & Elci, O. C. (2017). Occupational exposure and respiratory health problems among nutmeg production workers in Grenada, the Caribbean. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health.
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Randall, M., Nguyen, M., Bidaisee, S., Rodriquez-Guzman, J. & Elci, O. C. (2017). Assessment and evaluation of occupational health and safety legislation in the Caribbean. PAHO Review Pan American Journal of Public Health, 41, 26.
- (†) Alemu, B. T., Cramer, R. J., Carlisle, K. R. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2017). A theoretical analysis of health beliefs of physical activity among women with previous gestational diabetes. American Journal of Health Education, Social Theory & Health.
- (†) Olayinka, O., Kekeh, M., Sheth-Chandra, M. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2017). Annals of Global Health.
2016
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Nguyen, M., Bidaisee, S. & Elci, O. C. (2016). Pesticide exposure in the Caribbean: A case from nutmeg processing. Journal of Environmental Health, 78, 62-64.
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Nguyen, M., Pasquale, D. K., Abrokwah, M. & Elci, O. C. (2016). United airways disease among crop farmers. Journal of Agromedicine.
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Nguyen, M., Tate, D. & Mishoe, S. (2016). Education for Health Journal.
- (†) Alemu, B. T., Troy, S. B., Beydoun, H. A., Akpinar-Elci, M. & Cunningham, T. D. (2016). Determinants of elevated alkaline phosphatase in patients infected with HIV. Southern Medical Journal, 109(8), 487-491.
- Behr, J., Diaz, R. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2016). Health service utilization and poor health reporting in asthma patients. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(7), 645.
- (†) Blando, J., Nguyen, M., Sheth-Chandra, M. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2016). Virginia air quality: Trends, exposure and respiratory health impacts. Virginia Journal of Science, 66(3), 371-388.
- (†) Cramer, R. J. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2016). Journal of Adolescent Health, 59(1), 128.
- (†) Olayinka, O. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2016). Public Health.
- (†) Sharpe, J. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2016). Interprofessional collaboration between dental hygienists and registered nurses. Journal of Dental Hygiene, 90(5).
2015
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Coomansingh, K., Blando, J. & Mark, L. (2015). Household bush burning practice and related respiratory symptoms in Grenada, the Caribbean. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association.
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Martin, F., Behr, J. & Diaz, R. (2015). Saharan dust, climate variability and asthma in Grenada, the Caribbean. International Journal of Biometeorology.
- (†) Allen, M. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2015). Changing discourses in climate health: An anti-disciplinary perspective. EcoHealth.
- (†) Bilgen, O., Kenerson, J., Akpinar-Elci, M., Hattery, R. & Hanson, L. (2015). The search for high impact diagnostic and management tools for low and middle-income countries: A self-powered low-cost blood pressure measurement device powered by a solid-state vibration energy harvester. Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 17(8), 644-650.
- Macpherson, C. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2015). Caribbean heat threatens health, wellbeing and the future of humanity. Public Health Ethics.
- (†) Nakagawa, J. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2015). Reply to letter to the editor, “Response to medical students’ attitudes towards female sex workers.” The International Journal of Medical Students, 3(1), 74-77.
2014
- Akpinar-Elci, M. & Elci, O. C. (2014). Microwave popcorn production workers and smoking. Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 44(7), 638-639.
- Macpherson, C., Chiochankitmun, N. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2014). Hospice and palliation in English-speaking Caribbean. Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics, 23(3), 341-348.
- (†) Nakagawa, J. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2014). Medical students’ knowledge and attitudes toward female sex workers and their occupational risk factors. International Journal of Medical Students, 2(3), 104-108.
- (†) Shah, P., Macpherson, C. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2014). Impact of undertreated sickle cell pain in the Caribbean. West Indian Medical Journal, 1(2), 63-66.
- (†) Stoltzfus, J., Carter, J., Akpinar-Elci, M., Matu, M., Kimotho, V., Giganti, M., Langat, D. & Elci, O. C. (2014). Interaction between climatic, environmental and demographic factors on cholera outbreaks in Kenya. Infectious Diseases of Poverty, 3, 37.
2013
- Akpinar-Elci, M., White, S. K., Siegel, P. D., Park, J. H., Visotcky, A., Kreiss, K. & Cox-Ganser, J. M. (2013). Markers of upper airway inflammation associated with microbial exposure and symptoms in occupants of a water-damaged building. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 56(5), 522-530.
- Pinkerton, K., Rom, W., Bayram, H., Carlsten, C., Jaakkola, J., Bayram, H., Sigsgaard, T., Akpinar-Elci, M. & Costa, D. (2013). Climate change and global public health. Turk Toraks Journal, 14, 115-122.
2012
- Macpherson, C. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2012). Impact of climate change on Caribbean life. American Journal of Public Health.
- Pinkerton, K., Rom, W., Akpinar-Elci, M., Bayram, H., Brandli, O., Hollingsworth, J., Kinney, P., Margolis, H., Martin, W., Smith, K., Takaro, T., Upahyay, D. & Wegman, L. (2012). An official American Thoracic Society workshop report: Climate change and human health. Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society, 9(1), 3-8.
- (†) Solomon, R., Giganti, M., Weiner, A. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2012). Water safety education among primary school children in Grenada. International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion.
2011
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Elci, O. C. & Odabasi, A. (2011). United airways disease among florists. Chest Disease Reports, 1(10), 22-24.
- Elci, O. C. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2011). The concept of public health and its value in medicine. The Grenada Medical Journal, 3(1), 19-21.
2009
- Elci, O. C. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2009). Occupational exposures and laryngeal cancer among nonsmoker, nondrinker men. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 15(4), 370-373.
2008
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Siegel, P. D., Cox-Ganser, J. M., Stemple, K. J., White, S. K., Hilsbos, K. & Weissman, D. N. (2008). The respiratory inflammatory response of occupants in a water-damaged office building. Indoor Air, 18(2), 125-130.
2007
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Yucesoy, B., Elci, O. C. & Weissman, D. N. (2007). The practical application of cytokine in occupational respiratory diseases. Recent Patents in Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery, 1, 100-107. [Invited Review]
- Elci, O. C. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2007). The trend of small cell lung cancer among young men. Lung Cancer, 57, 34-36.
2006
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Fedan, K. & Enright, P. (2006). FEV6 as a surrogate for FVC in detecting airways obstruction and restriction in the workplace. European Respiratory Journal, 27, 374-377.
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Stemple, K. J., Elci, O. C., Dweik, R. A., Kreiss, K. & Enright, P. (2006). Exhaled nitric oxide measurement in microwave popcorn production plant workers. The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 12, 106-110.
2005
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Stemple, K. J., Enright, P., Fahy, J. V., Bledsoe, T. A., Kreiss, K. & Weissman, D. N. (2005). Induced sputum evaluation in microwave popcorn production workers. Chest, 128, 991-997.
2004
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Elci, O. C. & Odabasi, A. (2004). Work-related asthma-like symptoms among florists. Chest, 125, 2336-2339.
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Travis, W. D., Lynch, D. A. & Kreiss, K. (2004). Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in popcorn production plant workers. European Respiratory Journal, 24, 298-302.
- Elci, O. C. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2004). Occupational exposures, anatomic location and geographic distribution of laryngeal cancer. Cancer Causes and Control, 15, 429-430.
- Elci, O. C., Akpinar-Elci, M., Alavanja, M. & Dosemeci, M. (2004). Occupation and the risk of lung cancer by histologic types and morphologic distribution: A case-control study in Turkey. Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease, 59, 183-188.
2003
- Elci, O. C., Akpinar-Elci, M., Blair, A. & Dosemeci, M. (2003). The risk of laryngeal cancer by occupational chemical exposure in Turkey. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 45, 1100-1106.
2002
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Cimrin, A. H. & Elci, O. C. (2002). Prevalence and risk factors of occupational asthma among hairdressers in Turkey. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 44, 585-590.
- Akpinar-Elci, M. & Elci, O. C. (2002). Importance of work intensity on respiratory problems of hairdressers. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 59, 649-650.
- Deveci, F., Akpinar, M. & Celikten, E. (2002). Efficiency of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory insufficiency due to COPD. Journal of Turkish Tuberculosis and Thorax Society, 50, 286-293.
- Elci, O. C., Akpinar-Elci, M., Blair, A. & Dosemeci, M. (2002). Occupational dust exposure and the risk of laryngeal cancer in Turkey. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 28, 278-284.
2001
- Akpinar, M., Bilaceroglu, S., et al. (2001). Efficiency of cyclic alternating chemotherapy in small cell cancer. Journal of Turkish Tuberculosis and Thorax Society, 49 , 395-400.
- Bilaceroglu, S., Akpinar, M., et al. (2001). Therapeutic efficacy of adjunctive intravenous magnesium sulfate in acute asthma. Journal of Turkish Tuberculosis and Thorax Society, 49, 193-202.
2000
- Cimrin, A., Akpinar, M., et al. (2000). Formaldehyde asthma of a health worker (case report). Journal of Turkish Tuberculosis and Thorax Society, 48, 66-69.
1999
- Akpinar, M., Buyuksirin, M., et al. (1999). A case of bronchogenic carcinoma and concomitant Swyer-James syndrome. Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease, 54(3), 228-230.
- (†) Esin, S. E., Payzin, B., Akpinar, M., et al. (1999). EDTA-induced pseudothrombocytopenia: A case report. The Turkish Journal of Hematology and Oncology, 9(4), 222-225.
- (†) Gayaf Acitas, M., Celikten, E., Bilaceroglu, S., Perim, K., Akpinar, M. & Guldaval, F. (1999). Diagnostic value of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in malignant pleural effusions undiagnosed by conventional methods. Journal of Turkish Tuberculosis and Thorax Society, 47(4), 415-423.
1998
- Buyuksirin, M., Akpinar, M., et al. (1998). Creatine-kinase in exudative pleural effusions. Journal of Izmir Ataturk Training Hospital, 36(2), 29-32.
1997
- Buyuksirin, M., Akpinar, M., et al. (1997). Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy in lung cancer. Journal of Izmir Atatürk Training Hospital, 35, 31-34.
- (†) Guldaval, F., Akpinar, M., Bilaceroglu, S., et al. (1997). Diagnostic value of bronchial aspiration in lung cancer and comparison with endobronchial biopsy. Journal of Izmir Ataturk Training Hospital, 21(2), 10-16.
1996
- Akpinar, M., Perim, K., et al. (1996). The diagnostic value of four tumor markers for diagnosis of lung cancer. Turkish Respiratory Journal, 20, 511-516.
- Apaydin, M., Akpinar, M., et al. (1996). Chest X-ray findings of PCP in AIDS patients. Journal of Diagnostic and Invasive Radiology, 2, 37-40.
- Bozyaka, G., Akpinar, M., et al. (1996). Calcium and vitamin D metabolism in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Medical Journal of Izmir Hospital, 2, 67-70.
1995
- Akpinar, M. & Ari, H. (1995). Passive smoking. Journal of Izmir Ataturk Training Hospital, 23, 544-547.
- Buyuksirin, M., Tasdogen, N., Akpinar, M., et al. (1995). Saber-sheath trachea (case report). Journal of Izmir Ataturk Training Hospital, 9, 36-39.
1994
- Akpinar, M., Celikten, E., et al. (1994). A retrospective review of miliary tuberculosis cases. Journal of Izmir Chest Diseases Hospital, 8, 13-16.
Book chapters
2021
- Akpinar-Elci, M. & Sealy, H. (2021). Climate change and public health in the small island states and Caribbean countries. In K. Pinkerton & W. Rom (Eds.), Climate change and global public health (2nd ed.). Springer.
- Dominguez, V. N. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2021). Coping during COVID-19 public health crises. In R. Akhtar (Ed.), Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks, environment and human behaviour. Springer.
- Kekeh, M. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2021). Public health perspective of racial and ethnic disparities during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In R. Akhtar (Ed.), Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks, environment and human behaviour. Springer.
2019
- Kekeh, M., Akpinar-Elci, M. & Allen, M. J. (2019). Sea level rise and coastal communities. In R. Akhtar (Ed.), Extreme weather events and human health. Springer.
- Olayinka, O. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2019). Impact of hurricanes on mental health. In R. Akhtar (Ed.), Extreme weather events and human health. Springer.
2017
- Akpinar-Elci, M. & Olayinka, O. (2017). The impact of climate change and air pollution on the Caribbean. In R. Akhtar & C. Palagiano (Eds.), Climate change and air pollution. Springer.
2016
- Akpinar-Elci, M., Elci, O. C. & Civaner, M. (2016). Care drain. In H. Have (Ed.), The encyclopedia of global bioethics. Springer.
- Hester, P., Akpinar-Elci, M., Shaeffer, J. & Shaeffer, M. (2016). On complementarity and the need for a transdisciplinary perspective in addressing infectious diseases. In F. Kahlen (Ed.), Trans-disciplinary perspectives on systems complexity. Springer.
2014
- Akpinar-Elci, M. & Sealy, H. (2014). Climate change and public health in the small island states and Caribbean countries. In K. Pinkerton & W. Rom (Eds.), Climate change and global public health. Springer.
2011
- Akpinar-Elci, M. & Elci, O. C. (2011). Noninvasive health assessment methods in sick building syndrome. In S. A. Abdul-Wahab (Ed.), Sick building syndrome in public buildings and workplaces. Springer.
- Elci, O. C., Rodrigo, S. & Akpinar-Elci, M. (2011). Epidemiologic investigation method for sick building syndrome. In S. A. Abdul-Wahab (Ed.), Sick building syndrome in public buildings and workplaces. Springer.
2010
- Akpinar-Elci, M. (2010). Saharan dust and health effects. In C. Karlikaya (Ed.), Climate change and air pollution-related health problems in Turkey. Ministry of Health Publication.
Education
- Occupational Medicine Fellowship, Licensed by Turkish Republic Ministry of Health, Turkey
- Master of Public Health (MPH) in Environmental Health, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA
- Pulmonology and Tuberculosis Residency, Chest Diseases and Surgery Training Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
- Medical Degree (M.D.), Dokuz Eylul University, School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey