The Global Nursing Research Seed Award supports UCSF nurses, advanced practice providers, and the CGN’s Global Nursing Advisory Council members and their global partners in advancing global health. These projects address health disparities through nurse-led research and quality-improvement initiatives. The 2026-2027 awardees exemplify clinical inquiry, global collaboration, and a commitment to integrating research into practice.
Harry Adynski, PhD, RN
Karina Huus, PhD, RN
Health-Risk Behavior Profiles Among Swedish Adolescents in Jönköping County: Identifying Latent Classes and Examining Associations with SGM Status and Minority Stress
PIs: Harry Adynski, PhD, RN; Karina Huus, PhD, RN
The investigators are examining co-occurring health-risk behaviors among sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents in Sweden using population-based survey data from Jönköping County. The research team will use latent class analysis and regression modeling to identify distinct risk behavior profiles and assess associations with minority stress exposures and protective well-being factors. Building on a collaboration between UCSF and Jönköping University, findings will inform equity-focused nursing and public health interventions aimed at improving mental health and reducing behavioral health disparities among SGM adolescents.
Adam Leonard, PhD(c), MPH, PNP
Emmanuel Manirafasha, MPH, BSN, RN
Exploring Patient and Provider Perspectives on Integrating Nurse-Led Mental Health Services into HIV Care in Rural Rwanda
PIs: Adam Leonard, PhD(c), MPH, PNP; Emmanuel Manirafasha, MPH, BSN, RN
The researchers are exploring patient and provider perspectives on integrating nurse-led mental health services into HIV care at Nemba District Hospital in rural Rwanda. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research team is assessing depressive symptoms among people living with HIV and examine barriers, facilitators, feasibility, and acceptability of integrating mental health support into HIV care. The researchers strive to advance more integrated, equitable, and patient-centered HIV care in Rwanda and similar settings by strengthening recognition of mental health as an essential component of overall health and well-being.
Jung Eun E. Kim, PhD, RN
Wen-Wen Li, PhD, MS, RN
Development and Pilot Testing of the Technology-Based Qigong Used for Inadequate Hypertension Intervention for Korean Immigrants
PIs: Jung Eun E. Kim, PhD, RN; Wen-Wen Li, PhD, MS, RN
By conducting a pilot study, the investigators evaluate the QUIT intervention, a culturally tailored, technology-enhanced program designed to improve hypertension management among Korean immigrants. Using a multiple baseline design, the research team is integrating Qigong practice, bilingual nurse-led counseling, LINE-based follow-up, and wearable blood pressure monitoring to assess feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Grounded in a global nursing and health equity framework, the study addresses barriers related to culture, language, and healthcare access. Findings will inform scalable, culturally responsive digital health strategies for immigrant and underserved populations managing hypertension.
Erin Brenner, MSN, RN, RNFA
Nira Matunda, BSN, RN
Impact of Routine Fogging and Ozone Sterilization on Surgical Site Infections at Muhimbili National Hospital
PIs: Erin Brenner, MSN, RN, RNFA; Nira Matunda, BSN, RN
The research team is evaluating whether integrating routine fogging and ozone sterilization into standard operating room cleaning protocols can reduce surgical site infections at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. Using a quasi-experimental design, the research team is comparing infection rates before and after implementation while conducting environmental microbial sampling to assess operating room sterility. The study addresses a critical patient safety challenge in low-resource settings, and the researchers strive to strengthen infection prevention practices, improve surgical outcomes, and generate evidence to inform scalable, cost-effective sterilization strategies in similar healthcare environments.
Josephine Nabulime, MSN, RN
Atwine Fortunate, PhD, RN
Frequent Ward Rotations on Nurse Competence From Critical Care Nurses' Perspectives
PIs: Josephine Nabulime, MSN, RN; Atwine Fortunate, PhD, RN
By conducting a qualitative phenomenographic study, the investigators explore how frequent ward rotation influences nurses’ clinical competence in critical care units at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda. The research team will examine nurses’ perceptions and experiences of rotation and its effects on critical care knowledge, skills, confidence, and preparedness. Through in-depth interviews and a stepwise qualitative content analysis approach, the researchers aim to identify challenges and variations in competence development. Findings will inform workforce management strategies and policies to strengthen specialized nursing care in resource-constrained critical care settings.
Bhawana Regmi, PhD(c), MSc, RN
Sujata Pasachhen, BSN, RN
Enhancing Nursing Competency in Neurocritical Care for Stroke Management in Nepal
PIs: Bhawana Regmi, PhD(c), MSc, RN; Sujata Pasachhen, BSN, RN
The research team strives to strengthen nursing competency in neurocritical stroke care at Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal through a structured, evidence-based educational intervention. Using a pre–post interventional design, the research team will assess baseline nursing knowledge and skills, implement competency-based training, and evaluate improvements in clinical practice related to stroke management. The study addresses critical workforce and training gaps in a low-resource setting where specialized neurocritical care expertise is limited. Findings will support standardized stroke care practices and provide a scalable model for improving neurocritical nursing capacity in Nepal.