Edson Chipalo , PHD

Dr. Edson Chipalo is an Assistant Professor with a PhD in Social Work from the University of Alabama and a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University. Before joining the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Chipalo served as an assistant professor at Lewis University for two years in Romeoville, Illinois. While pursuing his PhD at the University of Alabama, Dr. Chipalo worked as a social work instructor, where he taught several social work courses. Additionally, Dr. Chipalo worked as a children’s mental health clinician for Akeela Inc. in Ketchikan, Alaska. Dr. Chipalo is an ardent quantitative researcher incorporating advanced regression and multilevel modellings on a wide range of primary and secondary datasets. His research primarily focusses on examining the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and social determinants of health (SDH) on mental health and socioeconomic outcomes of vulnerable children, adolescents, young adults, refugees, and immigrants living in the United States and low-income countries. Dr. Chipalo has published 23 peer-reviewed academic articles and 41 peer-reviewed presentations at domestic and international research conferences. Dr. Chipalo was a 2023 to 2024 receipient of Oustanding Dissertation Award from the University of Alabama, where he also previously received three competetive Graduate Council Fellowships (GCF) when his was pursuing his PhD from 2019  to 2023. 

 

Doctor of Philosophy: The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 2023 (Social Work)

Master of Science : Columbia University New York City, NY, 2018 (Social Work)

Bachelor of Science: The College of Saint Rose Albany, NY, 2017 (Social Work)

Associate of Science: Berkshire Community College Pitssfield, MA, 2015 (Human Services)

Adverse childhood experiences, social determinants of health, mental health, and refugee and immigrants

06-01-2018 -06-30-2019 Children's mental health clinician, Akeela Inc, Ketchikan, Alaska

08-30-2019 -05-11-2020 Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Tele-mental Health Clinician, , Childhood Development Center, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Published Abstracts

Chipalo, E., & Malele-Kubanga, K. (2024. ) Medical Male Circumcision (MMC) and HIV Testing Practices Among Men: Evidence from Zambia Demographics & Health Survey. In Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Vol. 51, No. 1, pp. S89-S90).Two Commerce Sq, 2001 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Suntai Z, Chipalo E, Beltran S. (2023. ) Differences in End-of-Life Outcomes Between Immigrant and Nonimmigrants Older Adults. Innovation in Aging, 7(Suppl 1), ,563.https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igad104.1845

Choi, E. Y., Kim, Y., Chipalo, E., & Lee, H. Y. (2020. ) Does Ageism Widen the Digital Divide? And Does It Vary by Gender? .[Abstract]Innovation in Aging, 4(Suppl 1), 315. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1007 ,

Chipalo, E., Malele-Kubanga, K., & Mwima, S. (2023. ) Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Youth Exposed to Violence & Mental Health Outcomes in Zimbabwe. In Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Vol. 51, No. 1, pp. S203-S204). Two Commerce Sq, 2001 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Chipalo, E., Malele-Kubanga, K., & Mwima, S. (2023. ) Adverse Childhood Experiences & Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Youth in Zimbabwe. In Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Vol. 51, No. 1, pp. S202-S203).Two Commerce Sq, 2001 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Peer Reviewed Publications

Odii, I. O., Chipalo, E., Musukuma, V., & Mumba, M. N. (2024. ) Estimating the Association between Alcohol Consumption, Tobacco Smoking, and Sexual Behaviors among Men in Côte d’Ivoire.Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, , 30 (7 ) ,743–757. More Information

Chipalo, E. (2024. ) Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Distress among Adolescents and Youth in Zimbabwe .Journal of Interpersonal Violence, , 0(0) , More Information

Chipalo, E. (2024. ) Parental Involvement in Children’s Education: Evidence from Annual Survey of Refugees.Teacher Educator Journal, , 1–21 More Information

Odii, I.O., & Chipalo, E. (2024. ) The Relationship Between HIV Testing and HIV Transmission Risk Behaviors among Men in Cameroon.Texila International Journal of Public Health , , 12 (1 ) ,71-85 More Information

Odii, I.O.,& Chipalo, E. (2024. ) Prevalence and Association Between HIV PrEP Knowledge and HIV Testing among Sexually Experienced Men in Cote d’Voire .Texila International Journal of Public Health, , 12 (1 ) ,99-110 More Information

Odii, I. O., Byun, J. Y., Vance, D. E., Wise, J., Chipalo, E., & Chapman Lambert, C. (2024. ) Knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of HIV PrEP among Black college students in the United States: A systematic review.Texila International Journal of Public Health , , 12 (1 ) ,144-159 More Information

Chipalo, E. & Odii, I.O (2024. ) Unveiling the Nexus: Vulnerability to Psychological Distress and Childhood Violence among Adolescents in Zimbabwe.Texila International Journal of Academic Research, , 11 (1 ) ,89-101 More Information

Chipalo, E., & Odii, I.O. (2024. ) The Relationship Between Exposure to Digital Sexual Violence & Mental Health Outcomes: Insights from Namibia Violence Against Children and Youth Survey.Texila International Journal of Academic Research, , 11 (1 ) ,29-37 More Information

Chipalo, E., Odii, I.O., Mvula, A., Mwima, S., & Kapupa, L. (2024. ) The Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) & Subsequent Exposure to Violence and Mental Health Outcomes for Adolescent & Youth in Zimbabwe.Texila International Journal of Academic Research , , 11 (1 ) ,119-133 More Information

Odii, I.O., & Chipalo, E (2024. ) Differentials in Male Circumcision Prevalence, HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Behavioral Prevention Practices among Men in Nigeria.Texila International Journal of Academic Research, , 11 (1 ) ,107-118 More Information

Chipalo, E., & Haelim, J. (2023. ) The Prevalence and Association of Adverse Childhood Experiences with Suicide Risk Behaviors among Adolescents and Youth in Zimbabwe.Child and Adolescents Social Work Journal, , More Information

Lee, H. Y., Eyer, J. C., Won, C. R., Sawyer, M., Luo, Y., Wang, K., Chipalo, E., & Thomas-Leblanc, G. (2023. ) A Phenomenological Study of Barriers and Facilitators to Opioid Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery in Rural Alabama.Qualitative Journal, , More Information

Chipalo, E. (2023. ) Endorsement of Spousal Sexual Violence Across Gender: Evidence from Zambia Demographic and Health Survey .Texila International Journal of Public Health, , More Information

Chipalo, E., Odii, I.O., Kapupa, L., Agwu, U.A., Makwalu, T. (2023. ) Medical Male Circumcision and HIV Testing Practices among Men Aged 15 to 59 Years Old: Evidence from Zambia Demographic and Health Survey .Texila International Journal of Public Health , , More Information

Chipalo, E. (2023. ) Adverse Childhood Experiences and Self-Reported Sexually Transmitted Infections among Adolescents and Young Adults in Zimbabwe.Texila International Journal of Public Health , , More Information

Chipalo, E. (2023. ) Predictors of Chronic Debilitating Conditions Among Refugees Resettled in the United States.Texila International Journal of Public Health, , More Information

Suntai, Z., Chipalo, E. (2022. ) Racial/Ethnic Differences in Provider-Engaged Religious Belief Discussions with Older Adults at the End of Life.Journal of Death and Dying, , More Information

Chipalo, E., Suntai, Z. & Mwima, S. (2022. ) Factors Associated with Receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Among Newly Resettled Refugees in the United States .Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, , 49 (135 ) , More Information

Chipalo, E. (2021. ) Is Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Effective in Reducing Trauma Symptoms among Traumatized Refugee Children? A Systematic Review.Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, , 1-14 More Information

Suntai, Z., Smith, N.L., Chipalo, E., Kubanga, K., & Won, C. (2021. ) Effectiveness of support groups for caregivers of traumatic brain injury survivors .Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work , , 18(6), 636-649 , More Information

Choi, E. Y., Kim, Y., Chipalo, E., & Lee, H. Y. (2020. ) Does perceived ageism widen the digital divide? And does it vary by gender? The Gerontologist, 60(7), 1213-1223. More Information

Chipalo, E (2024. ) Association Between Orphanhood and Suicide Risk Behaviors Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Zimbabwe.Current Psychology, , 43 (32 ) ,1-10 More Information

Odii, I.O. & Chipalo, E (2024. ) Multi-Dimensional Predictors of HIV PrEP Knowledge, PrEP Acceptability and HIV Testing among Adolescents and Young Adult Men in Ghana. Open Access Library Journal. 11: e12357 , More Information

Poster Presentations

Mwima, S., Mann, E.J., Small, S., Chipalo, E. & Mukubba, B. (01-14-2024. ) HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Use and Its Effects on the Sexual Health of HIV-Negative Adolescent Girls and Young Women Who Engage in Transactional Sex: A Qualitative Study .Society for Social Work Research Conference, Washington DC. . Conference. .

Mwima, S., Chipalo, E., Chen, X.Y. (01-14-2024. ) Assessing the Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Sexual Risk Behavior and HIV Testing Engagement Among Adolescents: Evidence from Uganda Violence Against Children Survey. Society for Social Work Research Conference, Washington DC . .

Mwima, S., Chipalo, E. (11-12-2023. ) Assessing the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), sexual risk behavior and HIV testing engagement among adolescents: Evidence from Uganda violence against children survey .APHA's 2023 Annual Meeting & Expo, Atlanta,GA. .

Chipalo, E. (11-01-2023. ) Exposure to Community Violence Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Refugee Youth in Tanzania .Global Mental Health, Research Without Border Conference, Baltimore, MD. .

Chipalo, E & Mwima, S. (10-27-2023. ) Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Distress Among Youth in Zimbabwe . CSWE 69th Annual on Social Work Education, Atlanta, Georgia . .

Chipalo, E & Mwima, S. (10-28-2023. ) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Suicide Risk Behaviors Among Youth in Zimbabwe .CSWE 69th Annual on Social Work Education, Atlanta, Georgia. .

Chipalo, E., & Jeong, H. (10-27-2023. ) The Prevalence and Association of Suicide Risk & Exposure to Violence for Zimbabwean Youth .CSWE 69th Annual on Social Work Education, Atlanta, Georgia. .

Chipalo, E., & Malele-Kubanga, K. (10-28-2023. ) The Association of Psychological Distress & Exposure to Violence Among Youth in Zimbabwe .CSWE 69th Annual on Social Work Education, Atlanta, Georgia. .

Chipalo, E. & Mwima, S. (07-24-2023. ) Adverse Childhood Experiences & Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Among Youth in Zimbabwe .STI & HIV 2023 World Congress, Chicago, IL. .

Chipalo, E., & Kubanga-Malele, K. (07-25-2023. ) Medical Male Circumcision (MMC) and HIV Testing Among Men: Evidence From 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey .STI & HIV 2023 World Congress, Chicago, IL. .

Mwima, S., & Chipalo, E. (05-18-2023. ) Exploring Barriers, and Sources of Social Support for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake Among Women in Uganda who Engage in Sex Work During Post-COVID-19 in Uganda. .International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, Urbana-Champaign, IL . .

Mwima, S., Mann, E., Kibirige, K.S., Chipalo, E., Mukuba, B., Nzomene, A., Small, E., & Okumu, M. (05-11-2023. ) Promoting Psychosocial Interventions in Social Work to Manage Intersectional Stigma Among Sexual Minorities during COVID-19 Pandemic in Uganda .International Conference on Social Work, Paris, France. .

Mwima, S., Mann, E., Kibirige, K.S., Chipalo, E., Mukuba, B., Nzomene, A., Small, E., & Okumu, M. (05-11-2023. ) Social Influences on HIV Services Engagement Among Adolescents Experiencing HIV Stigma and Discrimination in Uganda .International Conference on Social Work, Paris, France . .

Mwima, S., & Chipalo, E. (04-05-2023. ) Peer Relations Influences on HIV Services Engagement Among Adolescents Experiencing Intersectional Stigma in Uganda. Society for Research on Adolescence .Society for Research on Adolescence, San Diego, California. .

Chipalo, E. (01-13-2023. ) The Effectiveness of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Among War-Affected Children with Depressive Symptoms: A systematic Review .Society for Social Work Research, Phoenix, Arizona. .

Chipalo, E. & Mwima, S. (01-12-2023. ) Factors Associated with Living in Public Housing Among Refugees in the U.S. Society for Social Work Research, Phoenix, Arizona. .

Mwima, S, Garthe, R., Chen, X.A., Chipalo, E., Mowry, D., & Katambala, P. (01-13-2023. ) Exploring FactoAssociated with Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Practices Among Adolescents and Young People in Uganda .Society for Social Work Research, Phoenix, Arizona. .

Chipalo, E. & Kubanga, K. (11-11-2022. ) Child Maltreatment Report Rates Among U.S Counties with Higher Immigrant Population .Council on Social Work Education Conference, Anaheim, CA. .

Chipalo, E. & Kubanga, K. (11-11-2022. ) Refugees’ Parents Involvement in Children’s Education: Evidence from the 2018 Annual Survey of Refugees .Council on Social Work Education Conference, Anaheim, CA . .

Mwima, S., Chipalo, E., Garthe, R., Moz, D., & Katambala, K. (11-09-2022. ) Assessing the factors associated with HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing practices among adolescent persons in Uganda .American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting and Expo, Boston, MA. .

Lee, L. H., Han, S., & Chipalo, E. (01-14-2022. ) Work effects on substance use among formerly detained emerging adults: Findings from panel data. .The 26th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR), Washington, D.C . .

Chipalo, E. (01-15-2022. ) Factors Associated with Justification of Spousal Sexual Violence in Zambia .The 26th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR), Washington, D.C. .

Chipalo, E. (01-14-2022. ) Factors Associated with Receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)Among Resettled Refugees in the U.S .The 26th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR), Washington, D.C . .

Chipalo, E. (04-22-2022. ) Determinants of Male Circumcision Among Men in Zambia .The University of Alabama System Behavioral Health Conference, Tuscaloosa, AL. .

Chipalo, E., ,Okine, J., Jeong, H., Nwatu, U., & Hossain, M. S. (In Press. ) Predictors of chronic debilitating conditions among refugees in the United States. Submitted for poster presentation. .Council of Social Work Education 70th Annual Program Meeting, Kansas City, MO. .

Chipalo, E., Hossain, M. S., Jeong, H., Okine, J., & Nwatu, U. (In Press. ) Childhood adversity and parent-reported homelessness among children in the United States households. Council on Social Work Education 70th Annual Program Meeting .

Chipalo, E., Nwatu, U., Hossain, M. S., Jeong, H., & Okine, J. (In Press. ) Unveiling the nexus: Vulnerability to psychological distress and childhood violence among adolescents in Zimbabwe .Council on Social Work Education 70th Annual Program Meeting, Kansas City, MO. .

Chipalo, E., Okine, J., Nwatu, U., Hossain, M. S., & Jeong, H. (In Press. ) Digital sexual violence and mental health outcomes among boys and girls in Namibia. Council of Social Work Education 70th Annual Program Meeting, Kansas City, MO. .

Mwima, S., Chipalo, E., & Okumu, M. (In Press. ) Adverse Childhood Experiences, Sexual Risk Behavior, and HIV Testing Engagement Among Adolescents in Uganda .CSWE 70th Annual on Social Work Education , Kansas, Missouri. .

Odii, I.O., & Chipalo, E. (In Press. ) Prevalence and Association Between HIV PrEP Knowledge and HIV Testing among Sexually Experienced Men in Cote d’Voire .American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting and Expo, Minneapolis, Minnesota. .

Odii, I.O., & Chipalo, E. (In Press. ) Prevalence and Association Between HIV PrEP Knowledge and HIV Testing among Sexually Experienced Men in Cote d’Voire .American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting and Expo, Minneapolis, Minnesota. .

Odii, I.O., & Chipalo, E. (In Press. ) The Relationship Between HIV Testing and HIV Transmission Risk Behaviors among Men in Cameroon .American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting and Expo, Minneapolis, Minnesota. .

Odii, I. O., & Chipalo, E. (In Press. ) Differentials in Male Circumcision Prevalence, HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Behavioral Prevention Practices Among Men in Nigeria .National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America (NANNNA) 2024 annual scientific conference on global health , Raleigh, North Carolina. .

Chipalo, E. (accepted). The Impact of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Students Exposed to Multiple Forms of Lifetime Violence in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp in Tanzania. Poster presentation at the 29th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work Research (SSWR), Seattle, Washington.

Chipalo, E., Jeong, H., Mwima, S., Nkwanzi, V., & Odii, I.O. (accepted). The Prevalence of Childhood Violence and Psychological Distress among Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV in Zimbabwe. Poster presentation at the 29th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work Research (SSWR), Seattle, Washington.

Chipalo, E., Stahnke, B., Odii, I.O., & Mwima, S. (accepted). The Impact of Childhood Violence Exposure on Suicidality Among Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe. Poster presentation at the 29th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work Research (SSWR), Seattle, Washington.

Chipalo., Boomer, R., Odii, I.O., & Mwima, S. (accepted). Social Ecological Determinants of Cumulative Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Among Children in in Household in the United States. Poster presentation at the 29th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work Research (SSWR), Seattle, Washington.

Mwima, S., Chipalo, E., & Abura-Meredink, G. (accepted). A Systematic Review of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Intervention Studies Implemented Targeting Adolescents and Young Adults Aged 15-29 in Sub-Saharan Africa: RE-AIM-Ing 4 PrEP. Accepted for Poster presentation at the 29th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work Research (SSWR), Seattle, Washington.

Paper Presentations

Chipalo, E., Carlson, C. & Mwima, S. (01-12-2024. ) A Multilevel Analysis of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Social Support, and Connectedness Among Students in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp, Tanzania .Washington DC. Level:National

Chipalo, E., Kubanga-Malele, K., Mwima, S. (07-25-2023. ) Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Among Youth Exposed to Violence and Mental Health Outcomes in Zimbabwe. .Chicago, IL. DC . Conference. Level:International

Chipalo, E. (05-31-2023. ) Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for Refugee Youth in Tanzania: Use of Social Determinants of Health Framework. .Winnipeg, Canada . Level:International

Chipalo, E. (06-02-2023. ) The Prevalence and Association of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Students Exposed to Community Violence in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp in Tanzania .Winnipeg, Canada . Conference. Level:International

Chipalo, E. (05-24-2023. ) School Violence and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Students in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp, Tanzania: A Multilevel Modeling Approach. .Kampala, Uganda . Conference. Level:International

Chipalo, E. (05-25-2023. ) Mental Distress and Suicide Risk Among Orphaned Adolescents and Youth in Zimbabwe .Kampala, Uganda. Conference.

Chipalo, E., (2021). (01-19-2021. ) Is Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy effective in reducing trauma symptoms for traumatized refugee children? A systematic review. Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) held virtually January 19-22, 2021. .Washington DC. Conference.

Chipalo., E, Boomer, R., Odii, I.O., & Mwima, S. (accepted). The Role of Cumulative Adverse Childhood Experiences on Utilization of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Children in U.S Households. Oral presentation at the 29th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work Research (SSWR), Seattle, Washington.

2023 -2024 Outstanding Dissertation Award Received a monetary award of $1,200 The University of Alabama

2023 Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Doctoral Student Travel Award ($500)

2023 STI and HIV World Congress Scholarship ($1,100)

2022 – 2023 Graduate Council Fellowship (Dissertation Completion Award), The University of Alabama ($52,960)

2022 Social Work Board of Friends Summer Scholarships ($1,500), The University of Alabama

2022 Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Doctoral Student Travel Award ($500)

2021 Board of Friends Summer Scholarship ($2,500), The University of Alabama

2021 Ben Avis Adams Orcutt Endowed Doctoral Student Fellowship Fund ($1,500), The University of Alabama

2020 – 2021 Graduate Council Fellowship (Outstanding Current Student Award;$59,450), The University of Alabama

2017 – 2018 Merit-Based Scholarship, Columbia University, Columbia School of Social Work ($76,000)

2015 – 2017 Academic Scholarship, The College of Saint Rose ($37,000)

2016 Marylyn Douglas Scholarship for International Students, The College of Saint Rose ($5,000)

2015 Phi Theta Honors Society Transfer Scholarship ($1,500), Berkshire Community College

2015 Student Government Transfer Scholarship, Berkshire Community College ($3,000)

2014 – 2015 New World Fund Scholarship, Berkshire Taconic Foundation ($7,500)

2015 Kimsook & Emory Scholarship for International Students, Berkshire Community College ($3,500)

2013 BCC Foundation Scholarship, Berkshire Community College ($1,500)

2016 – 2017 The Class of 2017 Academic Excellence Award, The College of Saint Rose

2016 – 2017 Male Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year, The College of Saint Rose

2014 – 2015 Academic Excellence in Collegiate Studies, Berkshire Community College

2014 –2015 Student Leadership Appreciation Award, Massachusetts Community College Associations

SW 3040 Understanding Human Behavior in the Social Environment I & II

SCWK 501 Foundation Practice with Individuals and Families

SCWK 630 Substance Use Disorders, Diagnosis & Treatment

SCWK 609 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

SCWK508 Social Work Research Methods

SCWK506 Foundation Practice with Grps/ Org/Comm

SCWK604 Evaluation Research

SCWK251 Psychopathology

SCWK312 Loss and Mourning

SW200 History of Social Welfare

SW532 Models & Methods of Social Work Practice with Adults in Mental Health

SW532 Mental Health Skills Lab

Academic - Health Sciences Building
Room # 168
Cincinnati  Ohio, 45220-2872
Phone: 5135587051
chipalen@ucmail.uc.edu