Sarah MacCarthy

Policy Researcher; Affiliate Faculty, Pardee RAND Graduate School

Santa Monica Office

Education

Sc.D. in global public health, Harvard School of Public Health; M.Sc. in population and international health, Harvard School of Public Health

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact the RAND Office of Media Relations at (310) 451-6913, or email media@rand.org.

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Overview

Sarah MacCarthy is a policy researcher at the RAND Corporation and an affiliate faculty member at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. Her research focuses on health services utilization among key populations, with special attention to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults.

MacCarthy is trilingual (English, Portuguese, and Spanish), earned her B.A. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and received her M.Sc. in population and international health and Sc.D. in global public health from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Research Focus

Selected Publications

MacCarthy, S., Saunders, CL., Elliott, MN, "Increased Reporting of Sexual Minority Orientation from 2009 to 2017 in England and Implications for Measuring Sexual Minority Health Disparities," LGBT Health, 7(7), 2020

Linnemayr, S., Barreras, JL., Izenberg, M., Brooks, RA., Gonzales, A., MacCarthy, S., , "Longitudinal Assessment of Changes in Mental and Sexual Health Outcomes Due to COVID-19 among Latinx Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women," Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, 15(85), 2020

MacCarthy, S., Agniel, D., Beckett, M., Burkhart, Q., Martino, S., Quigley, D., Ng, J., Guerino, P. Elliott, M., , "An integrated approach to measuring sexual orientation disparities in women’s access to health services: An NHIS application," LGBT Health, 2019 (forthcoming)

MacCarthy, S., Poteat, T., Reisner, S., Xia, Z., Roque, N., Kim, A., Baral, S., , "Current Research Gaps: A Global Systematic Review of HIV and STI Infections among Transgender Populations," Sexual Health, 14(5), 2017

MacCarthy, S., Mena, L., Chan, PA., Rose, J., Simmons, D., Riggins, R., Chamberlin, N., Hoffmann,M., Perez-Bruemer, A., Nunn, A., "Characterizing the sexual network profiles and risk factors for STIs among sexual minorities in the Deep American South," LGBT Health, 2(3), 2015

MacCarthy, S., Hoffmann, M., Ferguson, L., Nunn, A., Irvin, R., Bangsberg, D., Gruskin, S., Dourado, I., "The HIV Care Cascade: Models, measures, and moving forward," Journal of the International AIDS Society, 18(1), 2015

MacCarthy, S., Reisner, S., Nunn, A., & Operario, D, "The time is now: Increasing attention to transgender health but scientific knowledge gaps remain," LGBT Health, 2(4), 2015

MacCarthy, S., Rasanathan, J.K.K.,Crawford, A., Dourado, I. & Gruskin, S., "Contemplating abortion: HIV-positive women’s decision to terminate pregnancy in Brazil," Journal of Culture, Health and Sexuality, 16(2), 2014

Honors & Awards

CFAR Social and Behavioral Science Research Network for Early Career Investigators, Brown University
Global Health and Human Rights Fellow, University of Southern California
HIV/AIDS Substance Abuse and Trauma Training Program, University of California, Los Angeles

Languages

Spanish; Portuguese

Commentary

Public Health Lessons on Intimate Partner Violence Tucked into Tiger King
Substantial work has been done to figure out how best to address intimate partner violence, but with limited attention regarding how best to meet the unique needs of gay, lesbian, and bisexual victims. The popularity of Netflix's Tiger King, and its depiction of intimate partner violence between Joe Exotic and his two husbands, could help to focus attention on a very real, and often hidden, problem.
May 15, 2020 Ms. Magazine
Meghan Markle May Avoid the Spotlight After Giving Birth and Send a Powerful Public Health Message
Meghan Markle plans to break from royal tradition by declining to present her baby to the public on the the steps of the maternity ward, hours after giving birth, with flawless hair and makeup. This could bring attention to many of the postpartum challenges faced by women everywhere.
Apr 11, 2019 USA Today
(Grey's) Anatomy of an Opioid Crisis
More than 130 Americans die every day after overdosing on opioids. So when one of the most popular shows on TV made opioid misuse a major plotline, RAND experts paid attention to how it presented this public health crisis. The show mirrored reality pretty closely, for the narrow slice of the opioid crisis it addressed.
Apr 8, 2019 Scientific American
Public Health Reasons to Tune Into TV's 'Dear White People'
The Netflix series Dear White People shows how sexual decisionmaking can be influenced by race, status, and the power dynamics within a relationship. Public health programs and policies could be better tailored to account for this complexity.
Aug 10, 2018 Scientific American
The Royal Wedding's Bouquet to Public Health
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle asked the public to donate to charities instead of sending wedding gifts. The causes they are passionate about include helping children with HIV, homelessness, hygiene programs for women in the slums of Mumbai, and bringing sport to disadvantaged youth.
May 17, 2018 Fox News Channel
What Mariah Carey's Bipolar Revelation Could Mean for Public Health
Five-time Grammy winner Mariah Carey is being widely applauded for recently revealing she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2001. By openly talking about her mental health struggles, she is helping lift mental illness out of the shadows and bringing attention to how common mental illness can be.
Apr 30, 2018 KevinMD.com
The Season Finale of 'This Is Us' Offers an Important Public Health Lesson
The TV series "This Is Us" shows how health is not only affected by individuals' decisions, but also by the larger contexts in which they live. These social determinants of health include income, quality of housing, and access to health care.
Mar 23, 2018 Scientific American
Revisiting Restrictions on Blood Donations from Gay and Bisexual Men
The FDA does not accept blood from male donors who have had sex with a man in the last 12 months. Is this restriction supported by scientific evidence? Or, is it related to lingering stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS?
Jul 5, 2016 U.S. News & World Report
At the 2016 Oscars, Transgender Health Issues Are in the Spotlight
By inviting 'The Danish Girl' to Hollywood's most prestigious awards party, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is helping to shine a spotlight on transgender issues – and reflecting a larger cultural moment at the same time.
Feb 26, 2016 U.S. News & World Report
Charlie Sheen and the Enduring Stigma Attached to HIV
HIV-related stigma and discrimination remains pervasive despite strides that have been made in fighting the disease. Charlie Sheen reported paying more than $10 million in bribes to keep his HIV status secret before going public recently to put an end to the extortion.
Dec 29, 2015 KevinMD.com

Publications

Report
2018 Department of Defense Health Related Behaviors Survey (HRBS): Results for the Active Component
In this report, RAND researchers review survey methods, sample demographics, key findings, and policy implications from the 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey of active component service members.
Apr 28, 2021
Report
2018 Department of Defense Health Related Behaviors Survey (HRBS): Results for the Reserve Component
In this report, RAND researchers review survey methods, sample demographics, key findings, and policy implications from the 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey of reserve component service members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Substance Use Among the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for substance use among reserve component members, particularly use of alcohol, tobacco, and medication.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Summary Findings and Policy Implications for the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief summarizes results for broad topics of the survey, such as substance use and mental health, among active component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Mental and Emotional Health Among the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for mental and emotional health among active component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Summary Findings and Policy Implications for the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief summarizes results for broad topics of the survey, such as substance use and mental health, among reserve component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Deployment Experiences and Health Among the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for recent deployment experiences and health among reserve component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Among the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for health promotion and disease prevention among active component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Sexual Behavior and Health Among the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for sexual behavior and health among reserve component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Sexual Orientation and Health Among the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for sexual orientation and health among active component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Sexual Orientation and Health Among the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for sexual orientation and health among reserve component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Comparing the Active and Reserve Components
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief compares results for the active component and the reserve component.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Deployment Experiences and Health Among the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for recent deployment experiences and health among active component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Mental and Emotional Health Among the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for mental and emotional health among reserve component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Physical Health and Functional Limitations Among the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for physical health and functional limitations among active component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Physical Health and Functional Limitations Among the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for physical health and functional limitations among reserve component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Sexual Behavior and Health Among the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for sexual behavior and health among active component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Among the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for health promotion and disease prevention among reserve component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Substance Use Among the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for substance use among active component members, particularly use of alcohol, tobacco, and medication.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Active Component Airmen: Results from Air Force Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for active component members in the Air Force.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Active Component Coast Guardsmen: Results from Coast Guard Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for active component members in the Coast Guard.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Active Component Marines: Results from Marine Corps Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for active component members in the Marine Corps.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Active Component Sailors: Results from Navy Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for active component members in the Navy.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Active Component Soldiers: Results from Army Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for active component members in the Army.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Air Force Reservists: Results from Air Force Reserve Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for reserve component members in the Air Force Reserve.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Air National Guard Members: Results from Air National Guard Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for reserve component members in the Air National Guard.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Army National Guard Members: Results from Army National Guard Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for reserve component members in the Army National Guard.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Army Reservists: Results from Army Reserve Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for reserve component members in the Army Reserve.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Coast Guard Reservists: Results from Coast Guard Reserve Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for reserve component members in the Coast Guard Reserve.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Marine Corps Reservists: Results from Marine Corps Reserve Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for reserve component members in the Marine Corps Reserve.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Navy Reservists: Results from Navy Reserve Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for reserve component members in the Navy Reserve.
Apr 28, 2021
Journal Article
Gender Differences in Patient Experience Across Medicare Advantage Plans
We measured gender differences for six patient experience measures and how gender gaps differ across Medicare plans.
2020
Journal Article
Inter-Group and Intraminority-Group Discrimination Experiences and the Coping Responses of Latino Sexual Minority Men Living With HIV
We conducted 30 qualitative interviews with HIV-positive Latino sexual minority men about recent discrimination events (context, details, perpetrator, type) and how they coped with these events.
Mar 18, 2021
Journal Article
Longitudinal Assessment of Changes in Mental and Sexual Health Outcomes Due to COVID-19 Among Latinx SMM and TGW
This study provides longitudinal information on how COVID-19 is impacting the mental and sexual health of Latinx SMM and TGW across Los Angeles County.
2020
Journal Article
Rapid Mixed-Methods Assessment of COVID-19 Impact on Latinx Sexual Minority Men and Latinx Transgender Women
A rapid, mixed-methods assessment to understand how COVID-19 affected Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM) and transgender women (LTGW).
2020
Journal Article
A Pilot Test of Game Changers, a Social Network Intervention to Empower People with HIV to Be Prevention Advocates in Uganda
We developed and conducted a pilot test of Game Changers, a 6-session group-based intervention that aims to empower people with HIV to be agents for HIV prevention by initiating conversations about HIV with social network members.
Aug 7, 2020
Journal Article
Mixed-methods Study of Integration of Housing and Medical Data Systems for Enhanced Service Coordination of People with HIV
Improving service coordination through integrated data systems requires a number of complex steps at the organizational, technical, end user, and educational levels. Successful integration includes extensive need for human engagement, training, and buy-in, as well as allowing for sufficient time to complete all steps.
Apr 21, 2020
Journal Article
Using Ancillary Sociodemographic Data to Identify Sexual Minority Adults Among Those Responding "Something Else" or "Don't Know" to Sexual Orientation Questions
Using National Health Interview Survey data, this article compares three analytic strategies for using "something else" and "don't know" responses to estimate health disparities for sexual minorities.
Sep 19, 2019
Journal Article
"How Am I Going to Live?": Exploring Barriers to ART Adherence Among Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV in Uganda
Our results highlight special needs for future public health programs and policies meant to address barriers to ART adherence among older adolescents.
Oct 16, 2018
Journal Article
Gender-Based Discrimination and Unprotected Receptive Anal Intercourse Among Transgender Women in Brazil: A Mixed Methods Study
Among a population of transgender women in Brazil, constant experience with gender-based discrimination contributed to a sense of trust with their stable partners, diminishing the desire to use condoms, and also contributed to poor mental health overall.
May 2, 2018
Journal Article
Current Research Gaps: A Global Systematic Review of HIV and Sexually Transmissible Infections Among Transgender Populations
Mounting evidence indicates that transgender populations are heavily burdened by HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs); in particular, transgender women who have sex with men and transgender sex workers.
2017
Journal Article
Barriers to HIV Testing, Linkage to Care, and Treatment Adherence: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Large Urban Center of Brazil
To comprehensively address the needs of people infected with HIV/AIDS, it is important to understand how risk factors for delays or interruptions in care are similar or different across the treatment continuum.
2016
Journal Article
From Pill to Condom, or Nothing at All: HIV Diagnosis and Discontinuation of Highly Effective Contraceptives Among Women in Northeast Brazil
HIV care providers have an opportunity to increase HEC coverage among HIV-positive women by preventing HEC discontinuation or encouraging HEC resumption among discontinuers.
Jul 26, 2017
Journal Article
Engaging Human Rights in the Response to the Evolving Zika Virus Epidemic
Public health responses to the Zika virus that incorporate a human rights perspective have the potential to be more equitable, effective, and sustainable interventions.
Mar 16, 2017
Journal Article
Individual and Partner-Level Factors Associated with Condom Non-Use Among African American STI Clinic Attendees in the Deep South: An Event-Level Analysis
The US HIV/AIDS epidemic is concentrated in the Deep South, yet factors contributing to HIV transmission are not fully understood. We examined relationships between substance use, sexual partnership characteristics, and condom non-use in an African American sample of STI clinic attendees in Jackson, Mississippi.
2016
Journal Article
Construindo Pontes: a Prática Da Interdisciplinaridade. Estudo PopTrans: Um Estudo Com Travestis E Mulheres Transexuais Em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. : Building Bridges: Interdisciplinarity in Practice. PopTrans Study: a Study with Transvestites and Transsexual Women in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil.
This article describes researchers' experience with the implementation and development of an ethno-epidemiological study of trans persons in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil.
2016
Journal Article
Barriers to Routine HIV Testing in Healthcare Settings and Potential Solutions from the Get Tested Coachella Valley Campaign
Letter to the editor in Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (JAIDS).
2016
Journal Article
Mind the Gap: Implementation Challenges Break the Link Between HIV/AIDS Research and Practice
Case studies of the implementation of two sampling strategies suggest how future research may increase reach and uptake of HIV services among key populations.
Nov 30, 2016
Journal Article
Late Presentation to HIV/AIDS Care in Brazil Among Men Who Self-Identify as Heterosexual
Provider-based HIV testing that focuses only on high-risk populations increases the chances that HIV+ heterosexual men will not be diagnosed until they already present symptoms of AIDS.
Sep 14, 2016
Report
Resources and Capabilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs to Provide Timely and Accessible Care to Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs health care system, with broad resources and capabilities, provides timely and high-quality care to most, but not all, patients. Meeting veterans' needs over the next five years will require additional capacity.
Dec 31, 2015
Journal Article
Revisiting the Use of Condoms in Brazil
In this article, we aim to investigate the use of condoms in Brazil, draw critical reflections, and understand how they can once again be highlighted in Brazil's prevention strategy going forward.
Dec 1, 2015
Journal Article
Barriers Along the Care Cascade of HIV-infected Men in a Large Urban Center of Brazil
Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2011 with HIV-infected men receiving care at the only HIV/AIDS state reference center in Salvador, Brazil. Researchers identified barriers to services along the care cascade.
2016
Journal Article
It Is Complicated: Sexual Partner Characteristic Profiles and Sexually Transmitted Infection Rates Within a Predominantly African American Population in Mississippi
Understanding sexual networks can provide insight into risk factors for transmission and guide prevention interventions.
Apr 24, 2015
Journal Article
The Time Is Now: Attention Increases to Transgender Health in the United States but Scientific Knowledge Gaps Remain
We conducted a search using PubMed and PsycINFO to identify gaps in empirical, peer-reviewed publications related to adult transgender health in the U.S. between 1981 and 2013.
Mar 17, 2015
Journal Article
Sexual Network Profiles and Risk Factors for STIs Among African American Sexual Minorities in Mississippi: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
This cross-sectional study assessed sexually transmitted infection prevalence, socio-demographic characteristics, substance use, sexual behaviors, and sexual network profiles among African American sexual minorities in Jackson, Mississippi.
Mar 17, 2015
Journal Article
The HIV Care Cascade: Models, Measures and Moving Forward
This article seeks to identify where delays occur along the adult HIV care cascade, to improve understanding of what constitutes ''delay'' at each stage and how this can be measured across settings and to inform service delivery efforts.
Mar 10, 2015
Journal Article
Making the Invisible, Visible: A Cross-Sectional Study of Late Presentation to HIV/AIDS Services Among Men Who Have Sex with Men from a Large Urban Center of Brazil
Late presentation to testing, treatment and continued care has detrimental impacts on the health of HIV-positive individuals as well as their sexual partners' health.
2014