Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer afflicting Puerto Rican women and accounts for more cancer-related deaths in this population than any other cancer. Methods: Demographic, anthropometric, family history, and lifestyle data, as well as DNA repair capacity (DRC), were compared in 465 BC cases and 661 controls. Crude and multiple...

Previous studies have found a link between a low DNA repair capacity (DRC) level and increased cancer risk. Our aim was to assess the statistical association of DRC level and breast cancer (BC) using a case–control epidemiological study in a Hispanic community.

Anin vivostudy was conducted to assess the effects of the consumption ofAstrocaryum aculeatum Amazon Meyer(tucumã) in the treatment of diet-induced dyslipidemia in sedentary and exercised Wistar rats. With an average weight of 350 grams, 40 male rats were divided into 4 subgroups of 10. The sedentary control group (SCG) was fed with commercial feed, while the sedentary treatment group (STG) was fed with a ration of tucumã. In addition to the sedentary groups, two exercise groups were formed. The Exercised control group (ECG) was fed with commercial food and the exercised treatment group (ETG) was fed with a ration of tucumã. Body weight gain and food intake were monitored during the experiment. Plasma was analyzed for cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL, total protein, glucose, insulin, and leptin concentrations. Our results show that the ECG group tended to consume more food, while the groups that were fed with tucumã pulp (STG and ETG) presented a greater tendency to gain body mass. ECG group showed a tendency towards a higher concentration of cholesterol in plasma, while STG and ETG presented higher absolute values for triglycerides and VLDL. No hypolipiemic effect was observed related to tucuma ingestion.

Background: Qualitative research offers a valuable lens for understanding human experiences, behaviors, and social contexts, drawing upon communication, social interaction, and sociological perspectives. Focus groups are a key method within qualitative research for exploring these complex topics. While traditional focus groups offer valuable insights into group dynamics and shared perspectives, they can be limited by logistical challenges, such as geographic constraints and participant availability. To mitigate these issues, virtual modalities have emerged as a viable alternative, offering greater flexibility and accessibility for diverse populations. However, they also highlight persistent challenges, such as managing group dynamics in online settings and ensuring participant engagement and privacy concerns. Our protocol considers these issues and implements strategies, such as cofacilitators, more engaged research assistants, and the use of important security measures (participant name obfuscation, sharing links only on the day of the session, and password protection) as a way to overcome said issues. Objective: Expanding the methods for data collection in qualitative research is essential for advancing health differences research in hard-to-reach populations and public health emergencies. In this paper, we aim to describe our experience when implementing an adapted protocol for conducting virtual focus groups, the barriers encountered, and how we obtained a participation rate of 86% (63/73) compared to 55% () when done in person. Methods: To achieve this, we adapted and implemented a focus group protocol that approaches undersupported populations (social vulnerability index ≥0.45) who face challenges participating in traditional focus groups and addresses reported barriers in scientific literature using virtual focus groups. Our protocol was implemented in an exploratory qualitative study conducted from 2020 to 2021 to understand the community’s health needs in southern Puerto Rico. This protocol ensures participant and research team interactions in circumstances that require it, including pandemics, geographically displaced populations, and patients who are bedridden. After evaluating the practical and ethical considerations, our research team established this new protocol for collecting qualitative data in a virtual focus group environment and promoting the inclusion of groups experiencing health differences. Results: As a result, we collected quality data and found added benefits. We obtained a participation rate of 86% (63/73) compared to 55% () when done in person. Our findings also reveal further benefits that could impact groups that generally do not have the chance to participate in focus groups. Conclusions: This approach to focus groups could aid researchers who wish to study these hard-to-reach participants and support qualitative health differences research.

The prevalence of chronic medical conditions is associated with biological, behavioral, and social factors. In Puerto Rico (PR), events such as budget cuts to essential services in recent years have contributed to deepening health disparities. This study aimed to explore community perceptions, opinions, and beliefs about chronic health conditions in the southern region of Puerto Rico. Framed by a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach, this qualitative study developed eight focus groups (n = 59) with adults (age of 21 or older) from southern Puerto Rico, in person and remotely, during 2020 and 2021. Eight open-ended questions were used for discussions, which were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via computer analysis. Content analysis revealed four main dimensions: knowledge, vulnerabilities, barriers, and identified resources. Relevant topics included: concerns about mental health—depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide; individual vulnerabilities—risk behaviors, and unhealthy habits; economic factors—health access and commercialization of health. Resource identification was also explored, and participants discussed the importance of alliances between public and private sectors. These topics were addressed across all focus groups, with various recommendations. The results highlight the importance of prioritizing identified community needs, evaluating available resources, and promoting tailored-made interventions to reduce risk factors for chronic health conditions.