Neema M. Langa

Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Houston

Areas of Expertise:

Reproductive Health

Connect with Neema

About Neema

Langa's research uses quantitative methodologies to examine structural forces contributing to heterogeneity in healthcare utilization and health outcomes among African and African American women in underserved communities. She is particularly interested in exploring the role of institutional forces in determining disparities in the utilization of maternal health care and maternal health outcomes in developing and developed countries.

Contributions | No Jargon Podcast | Member Spotlight | In the News | Publications

Contributions

Racial Disparities in Maternal Health, Outcomes and Access to Care for Black Women in Texas

Key Findings Brief, September 2024

Publications

"Intersecting Upstream Factors: Inequities in Cervical Cancer Screening in Malawi" (with Tirth Bhatta and Ann Amuta). Women’s Reproductive Health 11, no. 2 (2023): 255-272.

Examines the rising rates of cervical cancer in Malawi and the importance of screening services for reducing incidence and mortality. Findings show that socioeconomic status and residence significantly impact screening rates, underscoring the need to consider the residential context when addressing socioeconomic disparities in cervical cancer screening to enhance women's health outcomes in the global south.

"Intersectionality and Dependency Lenses in Neonatal Mortality: Evidence of Regional, Residential, and Socioeconomic Inequalities from Post-colonial Tanzania, 1991–2016" Sociological Perspectives 66, no. 4 (2023).

Examines neonatal mortality in Tanzania from 1991 to 2016, focusing on the persistent challenges in reducing these rates. Reveals how factors such as residence, region, and socioeconomic status contribute to disparities in mortality, with rural and low-income women facing higher risks. Findings provide new insights and policy recommendations aimed at addressing these disparities in Tanzania and similar post-colonial contexts.

"Dependency Theory: An Evaluation of the Period-Based Changes in the Utilization of Maternal Health Care and Neonatal Mortality in Tanzania Between 1991 and 2016" International Journal of Social Determinants of Health and Health Services 53, no. 2 (2023): 183-194.

Examines the impact of dependency on maternal health care (MHC) utilization and neonatal mortality in Tanzania from 1991 to 2016. Finds that while neonatal mortality rates have decreased, the odds of neonatal death remained high by 2016. Discusses policy recommendations aimed at addressing these disparities and advancing progress toward Sustainable Development Goals for maternal and neonatal health in Tanzania.

"Racial Differences in Self-Appraisal, Religious Coping, and Psychological Well-being in Later Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic" (with Timothy D. Goler, Tirth R. Bhatta, and Nirmala Lekhak). Journal of Elder Policy 1, no. 3 (2021): 111-130.

Examines the mental health effects of COVID-19 on older adults, focusing on Black individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Finds that greater concerns about the pandemic were linked to poorer mental health outcomes, but factors like religious coping and emotional support contributed to better psychological well-being among Black respondents. Highlights policy implications of coping resources for racial differences in later life psychological well-being.

"Exploring Geographical Distribution of Transportation Research Themes Related to COVID-19 Using Text Network Approach" (with Boniphace Kutela and Norris Novat). Sustainable Cities and Society 67 (2021).

Analyzes the geographical distribution of research themes related to COVID-19 and the transportation sector. Finds that research themes varied significantly by country, reflecting local events. USA-based studies focused on international travel and social distancing, Japanese studies on the princess diamond cruise ship incident, and Chinese research on travel to Wuhan, while UK studies covered a broader range of topics. Findings provide valuable insights for researchers in the transportation sector.

"The Rural-Urban Divide in Tanzania: Residential Context and Socioeconomic Inequalities in Maternal Health Care Utilization" (with Tirth Bhatta). PLOS ONE 15, no. 11 (2020).

Examines the rural-urban divide in maternal health care utilization in Tanzania. Reveals that maternal health care usage is significantly lower in rural areas, with socioeconomic factors like education and wealth strongly influencing access. Findings underscore the need for policies that consider rural-urban contexts to effectively address disparities in maternal health care utilization in Tanzania.