Challenging Aspects to Precise Health Strategies in Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders Using Statins.

Cardiometabolic disorders (CD), including cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and obesity, are the leading cause of health concern in the United States (U.S.), disproportionately affecting indigenous populations such a Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders (NHOPI). Dyslipidemia, a prevalent risk factor for the development and progression of CVD, is more prone to occur in NHOPI than other populations in the U.S. High-intensity statin therapy to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is associated with the prevention of CVD events. However, significant side-effects, such as muscle disorders, have been associated with its use. Different ethnic groups could experience variation in the prevalence of statin side effects due to sociodemographic, behavioral, and/or biological factors. Therefore, identifying the most impactful determinants that can be modified to prevent or reduce statin side effects for individuals from high-risk ethnic minority groups, such as NHOPI, can lead to more effective strategies to reduce health disparities. Thus, our Mini-Review explores the challenging aspects of public health precise strategies in NHOPI taking statins, including a culturally informed additional therapy that could positively impact the NHOPI population.

Amount, Preparation and Type of Formula Consumed and Its Association with Weight Gain in Infants Participating in the WIC Program in Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

The aim of this study was to assess the association between amount (below or above recommendations), preparation (liquid vs. powder), and type (regular vs. hydrolysate) of infant formula consumed and weight in infants participating in the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Program in Hawaii (HI) and Puerto Rico (PR). This was a secondary analysis of 162 caregivers with healthy term 0⁻2-month-old infants. Socio-demographics, infant food frequency questionnaires, and weight and length were assessed at baseline and after four months. Infant feeding practices were associated with weight-for-length z-scores using multivariable logistic regression. In total, 37.7% were exclusively breastfed and 27.2% were exclusively formula-fed. Among formula users, regular (63.6%) and powder (87.0%) formula were the most common; 43.2% consumed formula above recommendations. Most infants had rapid weight gain (61.1%). Infants fed regular formula had higher odds of overweight after four months (adjusted OR = 8.77, 95% CI: 1.81⁻42.6) and higher odds of rapid weight gain (adjusted OR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.12, 8.61). Those exclusively formula fed had higher odds of slow weight gain (adjusted OR = 4.07, 95% CI: 1.17⁻14.2). Formula preparation and amount of formula were not associated with weight. These results could inform the WIC program's nutrition education messages on infant feeding. Studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these results.