Dale Barnhart, ScD

Professional Titles

• Senior Research Scientist

Recognitions

• Statistical Partnerships Among Academe, Industry, and Government (SPAIG) Award, American Statistical Association (2022)
• Dr. Judy Wasserheit Young Leader Award, Consortium of Universities for Global Health (2022)

Research Interests

I am an epidemiologist with expertise in global health, implementation science, and biostatistics. My research is motivated by a desire to improve health outcomes through effective implementation of existing evidence-based practices. From 2019 to 2024, I lived full-time in East Africa where I led epidemiologic research and large-scale public health evaluations. Complex, real-world data sources are a common feature of my research, and I have over a decade of experience using routinely collected clinical data to conduct research. As a Senior Research Scientist with the Cape-Colorado-Combat (C3) Global Trauma Network, I currently conduct research to improve care for trauma patients in South Africa's Western Cape.

Publications

• Joseph SA, Cubaka VK, Dubique K, Gondwe F, Baganizi E, Belizaire N, Chery MJ, Musafiri T, Chabwera B, Clisbee M, Mugunga JC, Barnhart DA, Hedt-Gauthier B, Munyaneza F. Identifying context-specific community understanding of COVID-19 and mental health in Haiti, Malawi, and Rwanda. Glob Health Action. 2026 Dec;19(1):2627679. PubMed PMID: 41988959
• Dixon JM, Wogu AF, Rodriguez MD, Barnhart D, Patel R, Lategan HJ, Oosthuizen G, Verster J, de Vries S, Wylie C, Erasmus E, Schauer SG, Mould-Millman NK. Mortality Benefit of Tranexamic Acid for Hemorrhage With Concurrent Traumatic Brain Injury: Outcomes From a Prospective Cohort Study in a High-Trauma, Prolonged Care Setting. World J Surg. 2026 Jan;50(1):233-243. PubMed PMID: 41316815
• Ritter A, Rasool T, Finck L, Dixon JM, Verster J, Lategan HJ, Vlok AJ, Oosthuizen G, de Vries S, Stassen W, Steyn E, Wylie C, Barnhart DA, Mould-Millman NK. Epidemiology of traumatic brain injury in a South African major trauma cohort. J Glob Health. 2026 May 15;16:04152. PubMed PMID: 42138254
• Mukasakindi H, Nshimyiryo A, Smith SL, Mukandayisenga V, Ndayisaba A, Mulindabigwi A, Kateera F, Karema N, Mubiligi JM, Cubaka VK, Barnhart DA. Clinical outcomes of a primary care mental health implementation program scale-up in the Eastern Province of Rwanda: a prospective cohort study. BMC Psychiatry. 2025 Nov 20;25(1):1112. PubMed PMID: 41267006
• Aranda Z, Vázquez S, Gopaluni A, Martínez L, Ramírez M, Jiménez A, Bernal D, Rodríguez AL, Chacón S, Vargas B, Fulcher IR, Barnhart DA. Evaluation of the implementation of a community health worker-led COVID-19 contact tracing intervention in Chiapas, Mexico, from March 2020 to December 2021. BMC Health Serv Res. 2024 Jan 18;24(1):97. PubMed PMID: 38233915
• Nshimyiryo A, Barnhart DA, Nemerimana M, Beck K, Wilson K, Mutaganzwa C, Bigirumwami O, Shema E, Uwamahoro A, Itangishaka C, Havugarurema S, Sayinzoga F, Baganizi E, Magge H, Kirk CM. Survive and Thrive: Outcomes of Children Enrolled in a Follow-Up Clinic for Small and Sick Newborns in Rural Rwanda. Healthcare (Basel). 2024 Nov 26;12(23). PubMed PMID: 39684993
• Musafiri T, Kamali I, Kayihura C, de la Paix Gakuru J, Nyirahabihirwe F, Nizeyimana E, Kandamage P, Habinshuti P, Sekagarura R, Makuza JD, Karema N, Serumondo J, Ntakirutimana T, Ndahimana JD, Barnhart DA. Prevalence of hepatitis B and C infection and linkage to care among patients with Non-Communicable Diseases in three rural Rwandan districts: a retrospective cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis. 2024 Feb 23;24(1):247. PubMed PMID: 38388353
• Chebet JJ, Akyoo WO, Goymann H, Harling G, Barnhart DA, Mosha IH, Kamori DD, Gandhi M, Mbunda T, Kipeleka J, Sando D, Spiegelman D, Mpembeni R, Bärnighausen T. Demonstrating service delivery models for effective initiation and retention on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among female bar workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A double randomized intervention study protocol. PLoS One. 2024;19(6):e0304077. PubMed PMID: 38935796
• Zaniku HR, Aron MB, Vrkljan K, Tyagi K, Ndambo MK, Banda GM, Nyirongo R, Mphande I, Mailosi B, Talama G, Munyaneza F, Connolly E, Dullie L, Barnhart DA, Ruderman T. COVID-19-Related Testing, Knowledge and Behaviors among Severe and Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Patients in Neno District, Malawi: A Prospective Cohort Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 May 19;20(10). PubMed PMID: 37239604
• Joseph SA, Jerome JG, Boima F, Pognon PR, Fejfar D, Dibba Y, Lavalie D, Barrie MB, Oteju A, Sheku M, Mahmoud M, Mattia J, Barnhart DA. Attitudes toward COVID-19 Vaccination: Staff and Patient Perspectives at Six Health Facilities in Sierra Leone. Vaccines (Basel). 2023 Aug 19;11(8). PubMed PMID: 37631953
• Regan M, Cheng C, Mboggo E, Larson E, Lema IA, Magesa L, Machumi L, Ulenga N, Sando D, Mwanyika-Sando M, Barnhart DA, Hong B, Mungure E, Li N, Siril H, Mujinja P, Naburi H, Kilewo C, Ekström AM, Geldsetzer P, Fawzi W, Bärnighausen T, Sudfeld CR, Spiegelman D. The impact of a community health worker intervention on uptake of antenatal care: a cluster-randomized pragmatic trial in Dar es Salaam. Health Policy Plan. 2023 Mar 16;38(3):279-288. PubMed PMID: 36377764
• Niyigena A, Nyirahabimana N, Cubaka V, Mukandayisenga V, Ngizwenayo E, Niyigena PC, Barnhart D. Knowledge and practices surrounding outbreaks and COVID-19 among community health workers in rural Rwanda: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study. Pan Afr Med J. 2023;45:35. PubMed PMID: 37545611
• Niyigena A, Cubaka VK, Uwamahoro P, Mutsinzi RG, Uwizeye B, Mukamasabo B, Shyirambere C, Bigirimana BJ, Mubiligi J, Barnhart DA. Impact of facilitating continued accessibility to cancer care during COVID-19 lockdown on perceived wellbeing of cancer patients at a rural cancer center in Rwanda. PLOS Glob Public Health. 2023;3(2):e0001534. PubMed PMID: 36963043
• Aron MB, Connolly E, Vrkljan K, Zaniku HR, Nyirongo R, Mailosi B, Ruderman T, Barnhart DA, On Behalf Of The Partners In Health Cross-Site Covid-Cohort Research Network. Attitudes toward COVID-19 Vaccines among Patients with Complex Non-Communicable Disease and Their Caregivers in Rural Malawi. Vaccines (Basel). 2022 May 17;10(5). PubMed PMID: 35632548
• Uwamariya J, Nshunguyabahizi M, Nshimyumuremyi JN, Mukesharurema G, Ndayishimiye E, Kamali I, Ndahimana JD, Hedt-Gauthier B, Cubaka VK, Barnhart DA. Rediscovering life after being diagnosed with HIV: A qualitative analysis of lived experiences of youth living with HIV in rural Rwanda. Front Reprod Health. 2022;4:993916. PubMed PMID: 36406888
• Barnhart DA, Uwamariya J, Nshimyumuremyi JN, Mukesharurema G, Anderson T, Ndahimana JD, Cubaka VK, Hedt-Gauthier B. Receipt of a combined economic and peer support intervention and clinical outcomes among HIV-positive youth in rural Rwanda: A retrospective cohort. PLOS Glob Public Health. 2022;2(6):e0000492. PubMed PMID: 36962346
• Nshimyumuremyi JN, Mukesharurema G, Uwamariya J, Mutunge E, Goodman AS, Ndahimana JD, Barnhart DA. Implementation and Adaptation of a Combined Economic Empowerment and Peer Support Program Among Youth Living With HIV in Rural Rwanda. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care. 2022 Jan-Dec;21:23259582211064038. PubMed PMID: 34985358
• Nyirahabihirwe F, Kamali I, Barnhart DA, Gakuru JP, Musafiri T, Rwamuhinda DD, Mutabazi P, Mukayirabuka S, Makuza JD, Kassim N, Mubiligi JM, Ndahimana JD, Kateera F. Implementation of Refugees' Inclusion in National Viral Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Screening Campaign in Mahama Refugee Camp, Rwanda. Glob Health Sci Pract. 2022 Apr 28;10(2). PubMed PMID: 35487545
• Musengimana G, Umugisha JP, Habinshuti P, Anderson T, Mukesharurema G, Remera E, Ndahimana JD, Barnhart DA. Characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients presenting with advanced HIV disease in the "treat all" era: a retrospective cohort study from rural Rwanda. BMC Infect Dis. 2022 Aug 25;22(1):706. PubMed PMID: 36008786
• Umutoniwase S, Nshimyiryo A, Barnhart DA, Dusabeyezu S, Mpanumusingo E, Nahimana E, Mubiligi JM, Cubaka VK. Food insecurity and level of depression among patients with chronic diseases, and associated factors during the COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study in rural Rwanda. BMJ Open. 2022 Oct 10;12(10):e054137. PubMed PMID: 36216428
• Niyigena A, Girukubonye I, Barnhart DA, Cubaka VK, Niyigena PC, Nshunguyabahizi M, Mukamana B, Kateera F, Bitalabeho FA. Rwanda's community health workers at the front line: a mixed-method study on perceived needs and challenges for community-based healthcare delivery during COVID-19 pandemic. BMJ Open. 2022 Apr 29;12(4):e055119. PubMed PMID: 35487742
• Kamali I, Shumbusho F, Barnhart DA, Nyirahabihirwe F, Gakuru JP, Dusingizimana W, Nizeyumuremyi E, Habinshuti P, Walker S, Makuza JD, Serumondo J, Nshogoza Rwibasira G, Ndahimana JD. Time to complete hepatitis C cascade of care among patients identified during mass screening campaigns in rural Rwanda: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Infect Dis. 2022 Mar 21;22(1):272. PubMed PMID: 35313817
• Habinshuti P, Nshimyiryo A, Fejfar DL, Niyigena A, Cubaka VK, Karema N, Bigirimana JB, Shyirambere C, Barnhart DA, Kateera F, Fulcher I. Impact of COVID-19 on access to cancer care in Rwanda: a retrospective time-series study using electronic medical records data. BMJ Open. 2022 Dec 19;12(12):e065398. PubMed PMID: 36535717
• Kamali I, Barnhart DA, Nyirahabihirwe F, de la Paix Gakuru J, Uwase M, Nizeyumuremyi E, Walker S, Mazimpaka C, de Dieu Gatete J, Makuza JD, Serumondo J, Kateera F, d'Amour Ndahimana J. Initiation of hepatitis C treatment in two rural Rwandan districts: a mobile clinic approach. BMC Infect Dis. 2021 Feb 25;21(1):220. PubMed PMID: 33632165
• Barnhart DA, Kamali I, Nyirahabihirwe F, Mugabo C, Gakuru JP, Uwase M, Nizeyumuremyi E, Musafiri T, Gatete JD, Makuza JD, Kateera F, Hedt-Gauthier B, Ndahimana JD. Knowledge among patients with Hepatitis C initiating on direct-acting antiviral treatment in rural Rwanda: A prospective cohort study. Glob Health Action. 2021 Jan 1;14(1):1953250. PubMed PMID: 34347569
• Nemerimana M, Karambizi AC, Umutoniwase S, Barnhart DA, Beck K, Bihibindi VK, Wilson K, Nshimyiryo A, Bradford J, Havugarurema S, Uwamahoro A, Nsabyamahoro E, Kirk CM. Evaluation of an mHealth tool to improve nutritional assessment among infants under 6 months in paediatric development clinics in rural Rwanda: Quasi-experimental study. Matern Child Nutr. 2021 Oct;17(4):e13201. PubMed PMID: 33960693
• Fulcher IR, Boley EJ, Gopaluni A, Varney PF, Barnhart DA, Kulikowski N, Mugunga JC, Murray M, Law MR, Hedt-Gauthier B. Syndromic surveillance using monthly aggregate health systems information data: methods with application to COVID-19 in Liberia. Int J Epidemiol. 2021 Aug 30;50(4):1091-1102. PubMed PMID: 34058004
• Kamali I, Barnhart DA, Ndahimana JD, Noor K, Mumporeze J, Nyirahabihirwe F, Gakuru JP, Musafiri T, Urusaro S, Makuza JD, Serumondo J, Rwamuhinda DD, Nkundibiza M, Kateera F, Nshogoza GR, Mubiligi JM. Prevalence and associated risk factors for hepatitis B and C viruses among refugee populations living in Mahama, Rwanda: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One. 2021;16(10):e0257917. PubMed PMID: 34634039
• Barnhart DA, Spiegelman D, Zigler CM, Kara N, Delaney MM, Kalita T, Maji P, Hirschhorn LR, Semrau KEA. Coaching Intensity, Adherence to Essential Birth Practices, and Health Outcomes in the BetterBirth Trial in Uttar Pradesh, India. Glob Health Sci Pract. 2020 Mar 30;8(1):38-54. PubMed PMID: 32127359
• Barnhart DA, Semrau KEA, Zigler CM, Molina RL, Delaney MM, Hirschhorn LR, Spiegelman D. Optimizing the development and evaluation of complex interventions: lessons learned from the BetterBirth Program and associated trial. Implement Sci Commun. 2020;1:29. PubMed PMID: 32885188
• Dambach P, Mahenge B, Mashasi I, Muya A, Barnhart DA, Bärnighausen TW, Spiegelman D, Harling G. Socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors for HIV transmission in female bar workers in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic literature review. BMC Public Health. 2020 May 15;20(1):697. PubMed PMID: 32414352
• Isanaka S, Barnhart DA, McDonald CM, Ackatia-Armah RS, Kupka R, Doumbia S, Brown KH, Menzies NA. Cost-effectiveness of community-based screening and treatment of moderate acute malnutrition in Mali. BMJ Glob Health. 2019;4(2):e001227. PubMed PMID: 31139441
• Barnhart DA, Tsikhutsu I, Kirui D, Sawe F, Muli J, Sugut W, Abboud N, Birx D, Hamm T, Coakley P, Hickey PW, Wolfman V, Lee E, Spiegelman D. Association of the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief's Funding With Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Kenya. JAMA Netw Open. 2019 Sep 4;2(9):e1911318. PubMed PMID: 31517966
• Barnhart DA, Harling G, Muya A, Ortblad KF, Mashasi I, Dambach P, Ulenga N, Mboggo E, Oldenburg CE, Bärnighausen TW, Spiegelman D. Structural, interpersonal, psychosocial, and behavioral risk factors for HIV acquisition among female bar workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. AIDS Care. 2019 Sep;31(9):1096-1105. PubMed PMID: 31079476
• Harling G, Muya A, Ortblad KF, Mashasi I, Dambach P, Ulenga N, Barnhart D, Mboggo E, Oldenburg CE, Bärnighausen T, Spiegelman D. HIV risk and pre-exposure prophylaxis interest among female bar workers in Dar es Salaam: cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open. 2019 Mar 20;9(3):e023272. PubMed PMID: 30898799
• Barnhart D, Hertzmark E, Liu E, Mungure E, Muya AN, Sando D, Chalamilla G, Ulenga N, Bärnighausen T, Fawzi W, Spiegelman D. Intra-Cluster Correlation Estimates for HIV-related Outcomes from Care and Treatment Clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Contemp Clin Trials Commun. 2016 Dec 15;4:161-169. PubMed PMID: 27766318