Ai Kubo , MPH, PhD

ai.kubo@kp.org

Kaiser Permanente Researcher Profiles

Kubo, Ai

Ai Kubo, MPH, PhD, is a research scientist and epidemiologist at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research. She received her Master’s Degree in Public Health in 2002 from the University of California, Berkeley, and her PhD in Epidemiology in 2007 from Columbia University. Her current research focuses on the developmental origin of health and diseases, particularly adolescent mental health and pubertal development, and mindfulness-based interventions to reduce depression and distress in various populations. She is currently the principal investigator of a large randomized clinical trial investigating whether mindfulness reduces the risk of postpartum depression in Black and Latinx pregnant women (funded by the National Institute of Mental Health) and a large population-based study examining how early life factors influence pubertal timing and mental health outcomes in adolescents (funded by National Institute of Child Health and Human Development).

Current Positions

  • Research Scientist II, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Section Affiliations

Primary Research Interests

  • Cancer epidemiology
  • Behavioral intervention

Studies

mHealth Mindfulness Intervention for Pregnant Black and Latina Women at Risk of Postpartum Depression

This randomized controlled trial of an mHealth mindfulness intervention designed for Black and Latinx pregnant women at risk of developing postpartum depression will compare outcomes (depression, stress, sleep) of participants in the intervention with those in the control arm.

Investigator: Kubo, Ai; Avalos, Lyndsay

Funder: National Institute of Mental Health

Sex and Race/Ethnicity-specific Multilevel Factors Influencing Pubertal Trajectories: A Population-based Study

The goal of this project is to describe the normative distributions of pubertal development among boys and girls by race/ethnicity and to investigate early-life risk factors affecting pubertal onset and tempo (velocity of transition between onset and maturation). We will also examine contextual factors such as the social and built environment as potential risk factors.

Investigator: Kubo, Ai

Funder: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

mHealth Mindfulness Intervention for Women with Perinatal Depression: A Feasibility Study

The primary goal of this project is to assess the feasibility of conducting a mobile-health mindfulness intervention (mHealth) study among pregnant and postpartum women with depressive symptoms. Perinatal depression has numerous adverse health consequences, including preterm delivery, negative maternal-infant interaction, and child behavior problems. We will recruit ~30 women who present symptoms of perinatal depression from the OBGYN clinics at Kaiser Permanente and use a single-arm intervention design to assess the feasibility of conducting a six-week mHealth mindfulness intervention. We will also obtain preliminary efficacy results consisting of patient-reported outcomes on depression, anxiety, perceived stress, health behaviors, mindfulness, and sleep.

Investigator: Kubo, Ai

Funder: Northern California Community Benefit Programs

A Pilot Pragmatic Trial of mHealth Mindfulness Intervention to Improve Quality of Life Among Metastatic Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers

Screening for psychosocial distress is an accreditation requirement of the Commission on Cancer, underscoring the importance of addressing cancer patients’ psychosocial needs. Mindfulness-based training is one strategy that has been shown to help cancer patients reduce distress and improve quality of life. However, logistical requirements of standard in-person mindfulness classes make it impractical for cancer patients to receive benefit. To address this issue, we have conducted a few studies that demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of non-face-to-face mindfulness approaches (e.g., CD, MP3 and mobile app). Building on these studies, this project will pilot test the feasibility of implementing a mobile/online-based mindfulness program for advanced cancer patients and their caregivers in a cluster randomized trial involving six oncology clinics.

Investigator: Kubo, Ai

Funder: The Permanente Medical Group

Being Present: A Feasibility Study of Audio-Based Mindfulness Meditation Intervention for Metastatic Cancer Patients and Caregiver

Based on our previous pilot study of CD-based mindfulness intervention for cancer patients, we propose to develop a mobile application and pilot test its acceptability among cancer patients and their caregivers in order to reduce stress and to improve quality of life. We will hold a focus group to obtain participants feedback regarding the mobile-based intervention, and conduct an 8-week feasibility study using the application.

Investigator: Kubo, Ai

Funder: Kaiser Permanente Institutional Planned Giving

Mobile App-Based Mindfulness Pilot Study for Cancer Patients and Caregivers

This pilot randomized trial will test the feasibility of a mobile-app based mindfulness intervention for cancer patients and their caregivers in order to reduce stress, and to improve quality of life and patient-provider communication.

Investigator: Kubo, Ai

Funder: American Cancer Society

Early Life Determinants of Accelerated Pubertal Development in Adolescent Girls

The goal of this research is to identify early life factors which influence the timing of pubertal development among adolescent girls. The first study utilizes data from the Cohort Study of Young Girls Nutrition, Environment and Transitions (CYGNET), which has been collecting detailed data on pubertal development, behavioral, environmental, and anthropometric information among 444 adolescent girls since 2005. The second study is a prospective cohort study of approximately 10,000 adolescent girls (age 8-9) within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California population. We will use Tanner stage information that has been entered into HealthConnect to identify early life risk factors of early pubertal development as well as racial/ethnic differences in the timing of pubertal development.

Investigator: Kubo, Ai

Funder: National Cancer Institute

Publications

Structural Racism and Adolescent Mental Health Disparities in Northern California

Authors: Acker, Julia;Aghaee, Sara;Mujahid, Mahasin;Deardorff, Julianna;Kubo, Ai

JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Aug 01;6(8):e2329825. Epub 2023-08-01.

PubMed abstract

Maternal mental health and offspring brain development: An umbrella review of prenatal interventions

Authors: Lugo-Candelas, Claudia; Talati, Ardesheer; Glickman, Caila; Hernandez, Mariely; Scorza, Pamela; Monk, Catherine; Kubo, Ai; Wei, Chiaying; Sourander, Andre; Duarte, Cristiane S

Biol Psychiatry. 2023 May 15;93(10):934-941. Epub 2023-02-06.

PubMed abstract

A novel smartphone application for the informal caregivers of cancer patients: Usability study

Authors: Oakley-Girvan, Ingrid; Yunis, Reem; Fonda, Stephanie J; Neeman, Elad; Liu, Raymond; Aghaee, Sara; Ramsey, Maya E; Kubo, Ai; Davis, Sharon W

PLOS Digit Health. 2023 Mar;2(3):e0000173. Epub 2023-03-03.

PubMed abstract

Neighborhood Racial and Economic Privilege and Timing of Pubertal Onset in Girls

Authors: Acker, Julia; Mujahid, Mahasin; Aghaee, Sara; Gomez, Scarlett; Shariff-Marco, Salma; Chu, Brandon; Deardorff, Julianna; Kubo, Ai

J Adolesc Health. 2023 Mar;72(3):419-427. Epub 2022-12-15.

PubMed abstract

Usability evaluation of mobile phone technologies for capturing cancer patient-reported outcomes and physical functions

Authors: Oakley-Girvan, Ingrid;Yunis, Reem;Fonda, Stephanie J;Neeman, Elad;Liu, Raymond;Aghaee, Sara;Ramsey, Maya E;Kubo, Ai;Davis, Sharon W

Digit Health. 2023 Jan-Dec;9:20552076231186515. Epub 2023-07-10.

PubMed abstract

Maternal Depression and Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy and Associations with Depressive Symptoms and Suicidality in Adolescent Children

Authors: Beck-Pancer, Devora;Aghaee, Sara;Swint, Alysia;Acker, Julia;Deardorff, Julianna;Kubo, Ai

Clin Epidemiol. 2023;15:613-628. Epub 2023-05-08.

PubMed abstract

Associations between childhood obesity and pubertal timing stratified by sex and race/ethnicity

Authors: Aghaee, Sara; Deardorff, Julianna; Quesenberry, Charles P; Greenspan, Louise C; Kushi, Lawrence H; Kubo, Ai

Am J Epidemiol. 2022 Nov 19;191(12):2026-2036.

PubMed abstract

Associations between infant growth and pubertal onset timing in a multiethnic prospective cohort of girls

Authors: Aghaee, Sara; Quesenberry, Charles P; Deardorff, Julianna; Kushi, Lawrence H; Greenspan, Louise C; Ferrara, Assiamira; Kubo, Ai

BMC Pediatr. 2022 Mar 31;22(1):171. Epub 2022-03-31.

PubMed abstract

Engagement in perinatal depression treatment: a qualitative study of barriers across and within racial/ethnic groups

Authors: Iturralde, Esti; Hsiao, Crystal A; Nkemere, Linda; Kubo, Ai; Sterling, Stacy A; Flanagan, Tracy; Avalos, Lyndsay A

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2021 Jul 16;21(1):512. Epub 2021-07-16.

PubMed abstract

Girls’ Pubertal Timing and Tempo and Mental Health: A Longitudinal Examination in an Ethnically Diverse Sample

Authors: Deardorff, Julianna; Greenspan, Louise C; Hiatt, Robert A; Hiatt, Robert A; et al.

J Adolesc Health. 2021 06;68(6):1197-1203. Epub 2021-02-23.

PubMed abstract

mHealth Mindfulness Intervention for Women with Moderate-to-Moderately-Severe Antenatal Depressive Symptoms: a Pilot Study Within an Integrated Health Care System

Authors: Kubo, Ai; Aghaee, Sara; Kurtovich, Elaine M; Nkemere, Linda; Quesenberry, Charles P; McGinnis, MegAnn K; Avalos, Lyndsay A

Mindfulness (N Y). 2021 Mar 11:1-11.

PubMed abstract

Being Present 2.0: Online Mindfulness-Based Program for Metastatic Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients and Caregivers

Authors: Dragomanovich, Hannah M; Kubo, Ai; Atreya, Chloe E; et al.

Glob Adv Health Med. 2021;10:21649561211044693. Epub 2021-11-03.

PubMed abstract

A Mobile Health Mindfulness Intervention for Women With Moderate to Moderately Severe Postpartum Depressive Symptoms: Feasibility Study

Authors: Avalos, Lyndsay A; Aghaee, Sara; Kurtovich, Elaine; Quesenberry, Charles; Nkemere, Linda; McGinnis, MegAnn K; Kubo, Ai

JMIR Ment Health. 2020 Nov 12;7(11):e17405. Epub 2020-11-12.

PubMed abstract

Early life household intactness and timing of pubertal onset in girls: a prospective cohort study

Authors: Aghaee, Sara; Deardorff, Julianna; Greenspan, Louise C; Quesenberry, Charles P; Kushi, Lawrence H; Kubo, Ai

BMC Pediatr. 2020 10 28;20(1):464. Epub 2020-10-28.

PubMed abstract

Pilot pragmatic randomized trial of mHealth mindfulness-based intervention for advanced cancer patients and their informal caregivers

Authors: Kubo, Ai; Kurtovich, Elaine; McGinnis, MegAnn; Aghaee, Sara; Altschuler, Andrea; Quesenberry, Charles; Kolevska, Tatjana; Liu, Raymond; Greyz-Yusupov, Natalya; Avins, Andrew

Psychooncology. 2020 Sep 26.

PubMed abstract

Childhood Adversity and Pubertal Development Among Puerto Rican Boys and Girls

Authors: Suglia SF; Chen C; Wang S; Cammack AL; April-Sanders AK; McGlinchey EL; Kubo A; Bird H; Canino G; Duarte CS

Psychosom Med. 2020 06;82(5):487-494.

PubMed abstract

Breastfeeding and timing of pubertal onset in girls: a multiethnic population-based prospective cohort study

Authors: Aghaee S; Deardorff J; Greenspan LC; Quesenberry CP; Kushi LH; Kubo A

BMC Pediatr. 2019 08 09;19(1):277. Epub 2019-08-09.

PubMed abstract

Maternal Gestational Weight Gain, Obesity, and the Timing of Pubertal Onset in Daughters

Authors: Aghaee S; Laurent CA; Deardorff J; Ferrara A; Greenspan LC; Quesenberry CP; Kushi LH; Kubo A

Am J Epidemiol. 2019 Mar 15.

PubMed abstract

A Randomized Controlled Trial of mHealth Mindfulness Intervention for Cancer Patients and Informal Cancer Caregivers: A Feasibility Study Within an Integrated Health Care Delivery System

Authors: Kubo A; Kurtovich E; McGinnis M; Aghaee S; Altschuler A; Quesenberry C; Kolevska T; Avins AL

Integr Cancer Ther. 2019 Jan-Dec;18:1534735419850634.

PubMed abstract

Associations Between Maternal Obesity and Pregnancy Hyperglycemia and Timing of Pubertal Onset in Adolescent Girls: A Population-Based Study

Authors: Kubo A; Deardorff J; Laurent CA; Ferrara A; Greenspan LC; Quesenberry CP; Kushi LH

Am J Epidemiol. 2018 07 01;187(7):1362-1369.

PubMed abstract

A Pilot Mobile-based Mindfulness Intervention for Cancer Patients and their Informal Caregivers

Authors: Kubo A; Altschuler A; Kurtovich E; Hendlish S; Laurent CA; Kolevska T; Li Y; Avins A

Mindfulness (N Y). 2018 Dec;9(6):1885-1894. Epub 2018-03-24.

PubMed abstract

Being Present: A single-arm feasibility study of audio-based mindfulness meditation for colorectal cancer patients and caregivers

Authors: Atreya CE; Kubo A; Borno HT; Rosenthal B; Campanella M; Rettger JP; Joseph G; Allen IE; Venook AP; Altschuler A; Dhruva A

PLoS ONE. 2018;13(7):e0199423. Epub 2018-07-23.

PubMed abstract

Perceived psychosocial stress and gestational weight gain among women with gestational diabetes

Authors: Kubo A; Ferrara A; Brown SD; Ehrlich SF; Tsai AL; Quesenberry CP; Crites Y; Hedderson MM

PLoS ONE. 2017;12(3):e0174290. Epub 2017-03-28.

PubMed abstract

Lifestyle behaviors and ethnic identity among diverse women at high risk for type 2 diabetes

Authors: Brown SD; Ehrlich SF; Kubo A; Tsai AL; Hedderson MM; Quesenberry CP; Ferrara A

Soc Sci Med. 2016 07;160:87-93. Epub 2016-05-14.

PubMed abstract

Associations Between Maternal Pregravid Obesity and Gestational Diabetes and the Timing of Pubarche in Daughters

Authors: Kubo A; Ferrara A; Laurent CA; Windham GC; Greenspan LC; Deardorff J; Hiatt RA; Quesenberry CP; Kushi LH

Am J Epidemiol. 2016 Jul 01;184(1):7-14. Epub 2016-06-07.

PubMed abstract

Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus

Authors: Kubo A; Shlager L; Corley DA

Ann Intern Med. 2014 Nov 18;161(10):763.

PubMed abstract

Maternal Hyperglycemia During Pregnancy Predicts Adiposity of the Offspring

Authors: Kubo A; Ferrara A; Windham GC; Greenspan LC; Deardorff J; Hiatt RA; Quesenberry CP; Laurent C; Mirabedi AS; Kushi LH

Diabetes Care. 2014 Nov;37(11):2996-3002. Epub 2014-08-22.

PubMed abstract

Prevention of Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B: An Observational Study

Authors: Kubo A; Shlager L; Marks AR; Lakritz D; Beaumont C; Gabellini K; Corley DA

Ann Intern Med. 2014 Jun 17;160(12):828-35.

PubMed abstract

Dietary guideline adherence for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Authors: Kubo A; Block G; Quesenberry CP; Buffler P; Corley DA

BMC Gastroenterol. 2014;14:144. Epub 2014-08-14.

PubMed abstract

Sex-specific associations between body mass index, waist circumference and the risk of Barrett’s oesophagus: a pooled analysis from the international BEACON consortium

Authors: Kubo A; Cook MB; Shaheen NJ; Vaughan TL; Whiteman DC; Murray L; Corley DA

Gut. 2013 Dec;62(12):1684-91.

PubMed abstract

Dietary fiber and the risk of precancerous lesions and cancer of the esophagus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Coleman HG; Murray LJ; Hicks B; Bhat SK; Kubo A; Corley DA; Cardwell CR; Cantwell MM

Nutr Rev. 2013 Jul;71(7):474-82. Epub 2013 Apr 24.

PubMed abstract

Yoga for heart failure patients: a feasibility pilot study with a multiethnic population

Authors: Kubo A; Hung YY; Ritterman J

Int J Yoga Therap. 2011;(21):77-83.

PubMed abstract

Dietary factors and the risks of oesophageal adenocarcinoma and Barrett’s oesophagus

Authors: Kubo A; Corley DA; Jensen CD; Kaur R

Nutr Res Rev. 2010 Dec;23(2):230-46. Epub 2010 Jul 13.

PubMed abstract

Proton pump inhibitors and histamine-2 receptor antagonists are associated with hip fractures among at-risk patients

Authors: Corley DA; Kubo A; Zhao W; Quesenberry C

Gastroenterology. 2010 Jul;139(1):93-101. Epub 2010 Mar 27.

PubMed abstract

Diagnosing Barrett’s esophagus: reliability of clinical and pathologic diagnoses

Authors: Corley DA; Kubo A; DeBoer J; Rumore GJ

Gastrointest Endosc. 2009 May;69(6):1004-10. Epub 2009 Jan 18.

PubMed abstract

Cigarette smoking and the risk of Barrett’s esophagus

Authors: Kubo A; Levin TR; Block G; Rumore G; Quesenberry CP Jr; Buffler P; Corley DA

Cancer Causes Control. 2009 Apr;20(3):303-11. Epub 2008 Oct 14.

PubMed abstract

Alcohol types and sociodemographic characteristics as risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus

Authors: Kubo A; Levin TR; Block G; Rumore GJ; Quesenberry CP Jr; Buffler P; Corley DA

Gastroenterology. 2009 Mar;136(3):806-15. Epub 2008 Nov 27.

PubMed abstract

Race, ethnicity, sex and temporal differences in Barrett’s oesophagus diagnosis: a large community-based study, 1994-2006

Authors: Corley DA; Kubo A; Levin TR; Block G; Habel L; Rumore G; Quesenberry C; Buffler P

Gut. 2009 Feb;58(2):182-8. Epub 2008 Oct 31.

PubMed abstract

Effects of dietary fiber, fats, and meat intakes on the risk of Barrett’s esophagus

Authors: Kubo A; Block G; Quesenberry CP Jr; Buffler P; Corley DA

Nutr Cancer. 2009;61(5):607-16.

PubMed abstract

Iron intake and body iron stores as risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus: a community-based study

Authors: Corley DA; Kubo A; Levin TR; Habel L; Zhao W; Leighton P; Rumore G; Quesenberry C; Buffler P; Block G

Am J Gastroenterol. 2008 Dec;103(12):2997-3004. Epub 2008 Oct 1.

PubMed abstract

Hemochromatosis gene status as a risk factor for Barrett’s esophagus

Authors: Corley DA; Kubo A; Levin TR; Block G; Habel L; Rumore GJ; Quesenberry C; Buffler P

Dig Dis Sci. 2008 Dec;53(12):3095-102. Epub 2008 May 10.

PubMed abstract

Helicobacter pylori and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a case-control study

Authors: Corley DA; Kubo A; Levin TR; Block G; Habel L; Rumore G; Quesenberry C; Buffler P; Parsonnet J

Helicobacter. 2008 Oct;13(5):352-60.

PubMed abstract

Dietary antioxidants, fruits, and vegetables and the risk of Barrett’s esophagus

Authors: Kubo A; Levin TR; Block G; Rumore GJ; Quesenberry CP Jr; Buffler P; Corley DA

Am J Gastroenterol. 2008 Jul;103(7):1614-23; quiz 1624.

PubMed abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of Barrett’s oesophagus: a community-based study

Authors: Corley DA; Kubo A; Levin TR; Block G; Habel L; Zhao W; Leighton P; Rumore G; Quesenberry C; Buffler P; Parsonnet J

Gut. 2008 Jun;57(6):727-33. Epub 2007 Sep 25.

PubMed abstract

Dietary patterns and the risk of Barrett’s esophagus

Authors: Kubo A; Levin TR; Block G; Rumore GJ; Quesenberry CP Jr; Buffler P; Corley DA

Am J Epidemiol. 2008 Apr 1;167(7):839-46. Epub 2008 Jan 23.

PubMed abstract

Abdominal obesity and the risk of esophageal and gastric cardia carcinomas

Authors: Corley DA; Kubo A; Zhao W

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2008 Feb;17(2):352-8.

PubMed abstract

Meta-analysis of antioxidant intake and the risk of esophageal and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma

Authors: Kubo A; Corley DA

Am J Gastroenterol. 2007 Oct;102(10):2323-30; quiz 2331. Epub 2007 Jun 20.

PubMed abstract

Abdominal obesity and body mass index as risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus

Authors: Corley DA; Kubo A; Levin TR; Block G; Habel L; Zhao W; Leighton P; Quesenberry C; Rumore GJ; Buffler PA

Gastroenterology. 2007 Jul;133(1):34-41; quiz 311. Epub 2007 Apr 25.

PubMed abstract

Abdominal obesity, ethnicity and gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms

Authors: Corley DA; Kubo A; Zhao W

Gut. 2007 Jun;56(6):756-62. Epub 2006 Oct 17.

PubMed abstract

Body mass index and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Corley DA; Kubo A

Am J Gastroenterol. 2006 Nov;101(11):2619-28. Epub 2006 Sep 4.

PubMed abstract

Body mass index and adenocarcinomas of the esophagus or gastric cardia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Kubo A; Corley DA

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2006 May;15(5):872-8.

PubMed abstract

Risk of hemorrhagic stroke in Asian American ethnic groups

Authors: Klatsky AL; Friedman GD; Sidney S; Kipp H; Kubo A; Armstrong MA

Neuroepidemiology. 2005;25(1):26-31. Epub 2005 Apr 25.

PubMed abstract

Influence of site classification on cancer incidence rates: an analysis of gastric cardia carcinomas

Authors: Corley DA; Kubo A

J Natl Cancer Inst. 2004 Sep 15;96(18):1383-7.

PubMed abstract

Marked multi-ethnic variation of esophageal and gastric cardia carcinomas within the United States

Authors: Kubo A; Corley DA

Am J Gastroenterol. 2004 Apr;99(4):582-8.

PubMed abstract

Marked regional variation in adenocarcinomas of the esophagus and the gastric cardia in the United States

Authors: Kubo A; Corley DA

Cancer. 2002 Nov 15;95(10):2096-102.

PubMed abstract

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