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Janis L. France

Research Area:
Health, Intervention Design & Outcome Evaluation

Specializations:
Adult, Health

Contact Information:

Office: 028 Porter Hall

Phone: (740) 593-4557

E-mail: francej@ohio.edu

Laboratories:

Cardiovascular Psychophysiology

Research Interests:

Risk for Hypertension and Pain Regulation

For almost two decades we have known that high blood pressure is associated with decreased sensitivity to pain. Recently, there has been increasing evidence that such factors as a family history of hypertension and increased cardiovascular reactivity to physical and psychological stressors are also related to decreased pain ratings. These findings suggest that an increased nociceptive threshold may serve as a behavioral marker of hypertensive risk, and that the mechanism(s) of this effect may provide insight into the pathophysiology of essential hypertension. Accordingly, we are currently conducting studies to examine: 1) mechanisms of decreased pain perception in hypertensives and offspring of hypertensives, and 2) hypoalgesia as a predictor of longitudinal changes in blood pressure in individuals at high and low risk for hypertension.

Cardiovascular Responses to Blood Donation

A small proportion of volunteer blood donors experience vasovagal reactions (e.g., fainting, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness) that result from sudden, dramatic decreases in blood pressure. In addition to the potential risks and subjective discomfort associated with these reactions, vasovagal syncope is also an impediment to recruitment of novice donors and retention of experienced donors. Our current studies on the psychophysiology of blood donation syncope include efforts to: 1) enhance our understanding of psychological and physiological predictors of vasovagal reactions among novice and experienced donors, and 2) identify and assess brief coping strategies that may be useful in attenuating or preventing vasovagal reactions. The ultimate aim of this work is to support ongoing efforts to sustain an adequate blood supply by enhancing the donation experience.

Recent Publications:

	France, C.R., France, J.L., Roussos, M., & Ditto, B. (2004). Mild reactions to blood donation predict a decreased likelihood of donor return. Transfusion and Apheresis Science, 30, 17-22.
	France, C.R., France, J.L., al'Absi, M., Ring, C., & McIntyre, D. (2002). Catastrophizing is related to pain ratings, but not nociceptive flexion reflex threshold. Pain, 99, 459–463.