ANDREA GONZALEZ

University of Arizona

Andreagon26@arizona.edu

Andrea Gonzalez is a University of Arizona senior studying Neuroscience and Biochemistry. She was born in Dallas, Texas, but spent her childhood in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Her parents were born in and came from Mexico, and she is a first-generation student interested in applying to medical school after finishing her undergraduate studies. Andrea’s goal is to be an endocrinologist. She is especially interested in overcoming linguistic and cultural obstacles in healthcare and serving Arizona’s underprivileged, non-English speaking Hispanic community.

⊲ PROJECT

Breastfeeding Outcomes Among Women With and With out Opioid Use Disorder: Racial and Ethnic Disparities

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as a vital component of early infant health, providing numerous benefits such as optimal nutrition and enhanced bonding. However, women facing opioid use disorder (OUD) experience unique challenges in breastfeeding initiation and duration. Furthermore, healthcare disparities based on race and ethnicity have been well-documented, raising concerns about equitable maternal and infant health outcomes.

In response to these critical issues, our research project was initiated with the primary aim of investigating breastfeeding outcomes among women with OUD from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. By shedding light on potential disparities and identifying contributing factors, we sought to make a positive impact on the lives of mothers and infants affected by OUD.