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Mary De Vera

Senior Scientist, Pharmacoepidemiology, MSc, PhD

Associate Director of Training

 

Appointments

  • Associate Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia
  • Associate Dean Postdoctoral Fellows, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, University of British Columbia
  • Associate Director Education, Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation
  • Scientist, Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes
  • Canada Research Chair, Medication Adherence, Utilization, and Outcomes

Research Interests

  • Pharmacoepidemiology
  • Health services research
  • Medication adherence
  • Pregnancy in rheumatic diseases

Dr. De Vera is a pharmacoepidemiologist and health services researcher in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia. She completed a BSc degree in Biochemistry at UBC and MSc and PhD degrees in Health Care and Epidemiology from the UBC School of Population and Public Health. She also completed a post-doctoral fellowship in perinatal pharmacoepidemiology at the University of Montreal’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and pharmaceutical outcomes research at UBC’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Learn more

The overarching objective of Dr. De Vera’s research is to support and inform patient journeys in living with, and managing chronic disease. She has a productive research area focusing on two important problems related to medication use – medication adherence and medications in pregnancy, particularly in rheumatology/rheumatic diseases. Approaches and research methods span pragmatic studies in real-world clinical settings and population-based studies using administrative databases in British Columbia (Population Data BC, formerly BC Linked Health Database).

Publications

Rai SK, Howren A, Wilcox ES, Townsend AF, Marra CA, Avina-Zubieta JA, De Vera MA. Exploring strategies to support medication adherence in patients with inflammatory arthritis: A patient-oriented qualitative study using an interactive focus group activity. Patient Preference and Adherence. Accepted 2018 Jul 16.

 

Howren A, Cox SM, Shojania K, Rai SK, Choi HK, De Vera MA. How patients with gout become engaged in disease management: A constructivist grounded theory study. Arthritis Research and Therapy. 2018 Jun 1;20(1):110. doi: 10.1186/s13075-018-1608-x. PMID: 29859127. [SA; IF:4.121]

 

Haag H, Liang T, Avina-Zubieta JA, De Vera MA. How do Patients with Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Perceive the Use of their Medications: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Research. BMC Rheumatology.2018 Dec 1;2:9 doi: 10.1186/s41927-018-0017-8  . [SA; IF:n/a]

 

Tsao NW, Sayre EC, Hanley G, Sadatsafavi M, Lynd LD, Marra CA, De Vera MA. Risk of Preterm Delivery and Small-for-Gestational-Age Births in Women with Autoimmune Disease Using Biologics Before or During Pregnancy: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2018 Jun;77(6):869-74 PMID: 29496718.  [SA; IF:12.384]

 

Kelly A, Tong A, Tymms K, March L, Craig JC, De Vera MA, Evans V, Hassett G, Toupin-April K, vanden Bemt B, Teixeira-Pinto A, Alten R, Bartless SJ, Campbell W, Dawson T, Gill M, Hebing R, Meara A, Nieuwlaat R, Shaw Y, Singh JA, Suarez-Almazor M, Simpton D, Wong P, Christensen R, Beaton D, de Wit M, Tugwell P (OMERACT-Adherence) Core Domain Set for Trials of Interventions for Medication Adherence in Rheuma. Outcome Measures in Rheumatology – Interventions for Medication Adherence tology: 5 Phase Study Protocol. Trials. 2018 Mar 27;19(1):204 PMID: 29587864.  [MC; IF:1.78]

 

Tsao NW, Lynd LD., Sadatsafavi M, Hanley G, De Vera MA. Patterns of Biologics Utilization and Discontinuation Before and During Pregnancy in Women with Autoimmune Diseases: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Arthritis Care Research (Hoboken). 2017 Oct 3; doi: 10.1002/acr.23434. [Epub ahead of print]. PMID 28973840.  [SA; IF: 3.319]

 

Campbell NKJ, Saadeldin K, De Vera MA. The Duality of Economic Issues with Medication Non-Adherence in Patients with Inflammatory Arthritis. Current Rheumatology Reports. 2017 Sep 18;19(10):66. doi: 10.1007/s11926-017-0691-3. PMID: 28921409.  [SA; IF: 2.865]

 

Rai SK, Choi HK, Choi SHJ, Townsend A, Shojania K, De Vera MA. Key Barriers to Gout Care: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies. Rheumatology.  Accepted. 2017 Nov 17.  [SA; IF: 4.475]

 

De Vera MA, Campbell NK, Chhina H, Galo JS, Marra C. Practical Strategies and Perceptions from Community Pharmacists Following their Experiences with Conducting Pharmacy Practice Research: A Qualitative Content Analysis. Revisions submitted to International Journal of Pharmacy Practice. 2017 Oct 26. doi: 10.1111/ijpp.12409. [Epub ahead of print]. PMID: 29071805  [PA; IF:0.57]

 

Estrada A, Tsao NW, Howren A, Esdaile JM, Shojania K, De Vera MA. Utility of Electronic Medical Records in Community Rheumatology Practice for Assessing Quality of Care Indicators for Gout: A Feasibility Study. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology. 2018 Mar;24(2):75-79. PMID 29232325  [SA; IF: 2.042]

 

Aviña-Zubieta JA, To F, Vostretsova K, De Vera M, Sayre EC, Esdaile JM. Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Stroke in Newly Diagnosed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a General Population-Based Study. Arthritis Care Research (Hoboken). 2017 Jun;69(6):849-856. doi: 10.1002/acr.23018. PMID: 28129475.  [CA; IF: 3.319]

 

Raymakers AJ, Sadatsafavi M, Sin DD, De Vera MA, Lynd LD. The Impact of Statin Use on all-Cause Mortality in Patients with COPD: a Population Based Cohort Study. Chest. 2017 Sep;152(3):486-493. PMID: 28202342.  [MC; IF: 7.132]

 

Mehat  P, Atiquzzaman M, Esdaile JM, Avina-Zubieta JA, De Vera MA. Medication Non-Adherence in Systemic  Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review. Arthritis Care Research (Hoboken). 2017 Nov;69(11):1706-1713. PMID: 28086003.  [SA; IF: 3.229]

 

Rai SK, Avina-Zubieta JA, McCormick N, De Vera MA, Shojania K, Sayre E, Choi HK. The Rising Prevalence and Incidence of gout in British Columbia, Canada: population-based trends from 2000–2012. Seminars in Arthritis Rheumatism. 2017 Feb;46(4):451-456. PMID: 28040245.  [CA; IF: 3.946]

 

Rai SK, Aviña-Zubieta JA, McCormick N, De Vera MA, Lacaille D, Sayre E, Choi HK. Trends in Gout and Rheumatoid Arthritis Hospitalizations in Canada from 2000-2011. Arthritis Care Research (Hoboken). 2017 May;69(5):758-762.. PMID: 27565008.  [CA; IF: 3.229]

 

Baldwin C, Avina-Zubieta A, Rai S, Carruthers E, De Vera M.  Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drug Use in Pregnant Women with Rheumatic Diseases:  A Systematic Review of the Risk of Congenital Malformations.  Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. 2016 Mar-Apr;34(2):172-83. PMID:  26940667 [SA; IF:2.973]

 

Amiri N, De Vera MA, Choi HK, Sayre EC, Avina-Zubieta JA.  Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Giant Cell Arteritis:  A General Population-Based Study.  Rheumatology. 2016 Jan;55(1):33-40. PMID: 26248811.  [CA; IF: 4.818]

 

Avina-Zubieta JA, Vostretsova K, De Vera MA, Sayre EC, Choi HK.  The Risk of Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Venous Thrombosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus:  A General Population-Based Study.  Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2015 Oct;45(2):195-201. PMID: 26364556.  [CA; IF:3.925]

 

Rai SK, Burns LC, De Vera MA, Haji A, Giustini D, Choi HK.  The Economic Burden of gout:  A systematic review.  Seminars in Arthritis Rheumatism. 2015 Aug;45(1):75-80. PMID: 25912932.  [CA; IF: 3.629]

 

Galo JS, Mehat P, Rai SK, Avina-Zubieta A, De Vera MA.  What are the Effects of Medication Adherence in Rheumatic Diseases:  A Systematic Review. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2016 Apr;75(4):667-73. PMID: 25667208.  [SA; IF: 9.270]

 

Sadatsafavi M, Lynd LD, De Vera MA, Zafari Z, FitzGerald JM.  One-year Outcomes of Inhaled Controller Therapies Added to Systemic Corticosteroids after Asthma-Related Hospital Discharge.  Respiratory Medicine. 2015 Mar;109(3):320-8.  PMID: 25596136.  [CA; IF: 2.917]

 

De Vera MA, Sadatsafavi M, Tsao NW, Lynd LD, Lester R, Gastonguay L, Galo J, FitzGerald JM, Brasher P, Marra CA.  Empowering Pharmacists in Asthma Management Through Interactive SMS (EmPhAsIS):  Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.  Trials.  2014 Dec 13;15:488.  PMID: 25494702.  [PA; IF: 2.12]

 

De Vera MA, Mailman J, Galo JS.  Economics of Non-Adherence to Biologic Therapies in Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Current Rheumatology Reports.  2014 Nov;16(11):460.  PMID: 25227187.  [PA; IF: 2.454]

 

De Vera MA, Marcotte G, Rai S, Galo J, Bhole V. Medication Adherence in Gout: A Systematic Review. Arthritis Care and Research.  2014 Oct;66(10):1551-9.  PMID: 24692321  [PA; IF: 3.731]

 

De Vera MA, Bhole V, Burns LC, Lacaille D.  Impact of Statin Adherence on Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality Outcomes:  A Systematic Review.  British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.  2014 Oct;78(4):684-98.  PMID: 25364801  [PA; IF: 3.063]

 

Singh C, De Vera MA, Campbell KL. The effect of prospective monitoring and early physiotherapy on arm morbidity following surgery for breast cancer: A pilot Study. Physiotherapy Canada. 2013 Jan;65(2):183-191.  [MC; IF: 0.61]

 

Avina-Zubieta JA, Abrahamowicz M, De Vera MA, Choi HK, Sayre EC, Rahman MM, Sylvestre MP, Wynant W, Esdaile JM, Lacaille D.  Immediate and Past Cumulative Effects of Oral Glucocorticoids on the Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rheumatoid Arthritis:  A Population-Based Study.  Rheumatology (Oxford, England).  2013 Jan;52(1):68-75.  PMID: 23192907  [CA; IF: 4.058]

 

Lung R, O’Brien J, Grebenyuk J, Forster B, De Vera MA, Kopec J, Ratzlaff C, Garbuz D, Esdaile J.  The Prevalence of Radiographic Femoracetabular Impingement in Younger Individuals Undergoing Total Hip Replacement for Osteoarthritis.  Clinical Rheumatology. 2012 Aug;31(8):1239-42.  PMID: 22552857  [CA;IF: 1.687]

 

Kelsall J, Rogers P, Galindo G, De Vera MA.  Safety of Infliximab Treatment in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Real-World Clinical Setting:  Description and Evaluation of Infusion Reactions.  Journal of Rheumatology. 2012 Aug;39(8):1539-45.  PMID: 22589260  [SA; IF: 2.217]

 

De Vera MA, Choi H, Abrahamowicz M, Kopec J, Lacaille D.  Impact of Statin Discontinuation on Mortality in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Arthritis Care and Research. 2012 Jun;64(6):809-16.  PMID: 22467274  [PA; IF: 4.749]

 

De Vera MA, Berard A.  Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy and the Risk of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension.  British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2012 Aug;74(2):362-9.  PMID: 22435711  [PA; IF: 3.063]

 

Berard A, Magali Le Tiec, De Vera MA.  Study of the Costs and Morbidities of Late Preterm Birth.  Archives of Disease in Childhood Fetal Neonatal Edition.  2012 Sep;97(5):F329-34.  PMID: 22933090  [MC; IF: 3.13]

 

De Vera MA, Choi H, Abrahamowicz M, Kopec J, Goycochea M, Lacaille D.  Statin Discontinuation and Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis – A Population-Based Cohort Study.  Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.  2011 Jun;70(6):1020-24.  PMID: 21378405  [PA; IF: 9.082]

 

De Vera MA, Ratzlaff C, Doerfling P, Kopec J.  Reliability and Validity of an Internet-Based Questionnaire Measuring Lifetime Physical Activity.  American Journal of Epidemiology.  2010 Nov 15;172(10):1190-8.  PMID: 20876666  [PA; IF: 5.589]

 

Bhole V, Choi JW, Kim SW, De Vera MA, Choi H.  Serum Uric Acid Levels on the Future Risk of Type 2 Diabetes:  A Prospective Study.  American Journal of Medicine.  2010 Oct;123(10):957-961.  PMID: 20920699  [CA; IF: 5.105]

 

De Vera MA, Rahman M, Bhole V, Kopec J, Choi H.  Independent Impact of Gout on the Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction Among Elderly Women:  A Population-Based Study.  Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.  2010 Jun;69(6):1162-4.  PMID: 20124358  [PA; IF: 9.082]

 

Bhole V, De Vera M, Rahman M, Krishnan E, Choi H.  Epidemiology of gout in women:  52-Year follow-up of a prospective cohort.  Arthritis and Rheumatism.  2010 Apr;62(4):1069-76.  PMID: 20131266  [MC; IF: 7.68]

 

Alvarez C, De Vera MA, Chhina H, Williams L, Durlacher K, Kaga S.  The Use of Botulinum Type A Toxin in the Treatment of Idiopathic Clubfoot:  Five-year Follow-up.  Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics.  2009 Sep;29(6):570-5.  PMID: 19700985  [MC; IF: 1.569]

 

De Vera MA, Rahman M, Rankin J, Kopec J, Gao X, Choi H.  Gout and the Risk of Parkinson’s Disease:  A Cohort Study.  Arthritis and Rheumatism.  2008 Nov 15;59(11):1549-54.  PMID: 18975349  [PA; IF: 7.68]

 

Choi H, De Vera MA, Krishnam E.  Gout and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among Men with a High Cardiovascular Risk Profile.  Rheumatology (Oxford).  2008 Oct;47(10):1567-70.  PMID: 18710901  [MC; IF: 4.136]

 

Kim S, De Vera MA, Choi H.  Gout and Mortality.  Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology.  2008 Sep-Oct;26(5 Suppl 51):S115-9.  PMID: 19022153  [MC; IF: 2.27]

 

Alvarez C, De Vera MA, Chhina H, Black A.  Normative Data for the Dynamic Pedobarographic Profiles of Children.  Gait and Posture.  2008 Aug;28(2):309-315.  PMID: 18417345  [MC; IF: 2.743]

 

Alvarez C, De Vera MA, Varghese R.  Review of Current Methods Used in the Treatment of Clubfoot at Initial Presentation and at Recurrence.  Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances.  2008 Summer;17(2):107-14.  PMID: 18549743  [MC; IF: 1.61]

 

Alvarez C, De Vera MA, Heslip T, Casey B.  Evaluation of the Anatomic Burden of Patients with Hereditary Multiple Exostoses.  Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research.  2007 Sep;462:73-79.  PMID: 17589361  [MC; IF: 1.893]

 

Alvarez C, De Vera MA, Black A, Beauchamp R, Ward V.  Classification of Idiopathic Toe Walking Based on Gait Analysis:  Development and Application of the ITW Severity Classification.  Gait and Posture.  2007 Sep;26(3):428-435.  PMID: 17161602  [MC; IF: 2.743]

 

Alvarez C, De Vera MA, Heslip T.  Alternatives in Management of Idiopathic Clubfoot:  Rationale for the Role of Botulinum Toxin A in Treatment.  Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery India.  2007;22(1):14-26.  [MC]

 

Alvarez C, Tredwell S, De Vera MA, Hayden M.  The Genotype-Phenotype Correlation of Hereditary Multiple Exostoses.  Clinical Genetics.  2006 Aug;70(2):122-130.  PMID: 16879194  [MC; IF: 3.18]

 

Alvarez C, Tredwell S, Keenan S, Beauchamp R, Choit R, Sawatzky B, De Vera MA.  Treatment of Idiopathic Clubfoot Utilizing Botulinum A Toxin:  A New Method and Its Short Term Outcomes.  Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics.  2005 Mar-Apr;25(2):229-235.  PMID: 15718908  [MC; IF: 1.569]

 

Miller A, Klassen A, Johnston C, Fine S, De Vera MA.  Caring for Children and Youth with Behavioral and Emotional Problems:  The Primary Care Physician’s Perspective.  Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health.  2003;8:24B-25B.  [CA; IF: 1.124]