The role of time perspective and acculturative stress on adaptive and maladaptive stress coping strategies of Puerto Ricans living in the island of Puerto Rico and the state of Connecticut in mainland United States.

We assessed the role of Time Perspective (TP) and acculturative stress on adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies, across healthy and treatment-seeking Puerto Ricans living in the island of Puerto Rico (PR), as well as at the state of Connecticut in mainland United States (US). Participants were comprised of 197 adults from the island of PR, as well as 138 adults from Connecticut. TP was measured through five categories assessed by the Zimbardo TP Inventory (Past Positive, Past Negative, Present Fatalistic, Present Hedonistic, and Future), the Deviation from a Balanced Time Perspective-revisited (DBTPr) coefficient, and the Deviation from the Negative Time Perspective (DNTP) coefficient. Acculturative stress was measured with the Acculturative Distress Scale. Adaptive and maladaptive stress-coping were measured through the Brief COPE Inventory. DNTP predicted adaptive coping, whereas acculturative stress, Present Hedonistic, and DBTPr predicted maladaptive coping. Puerto Ricans living in Connecticut engaged more often in maladaptive coping than those in PR. Acculturative stress partially mediated the influence of DBTPr on maladaptive coping. DNTP mediated the influence of state on adaptive coping. DBTPr and acculturative stress totally mediated the influence of state on maladaptive coping. These findings suggest that assessing TP, levels of acculturative stress, and coping strategies could assist in tailoring evidence-based interventions to the specific needs of Puerto Rican populations. Doing so could be effective in promoting a Balanced Time Perspective, reducing acculturative stress, increasing adaptive coping, and improving mental as well as physical health, on Puerto Ricans living in PR or mainland US.

The birds and the bees: do Puerto Rican mothers and daughters talk about sex?

INTRODUCTION: Effective communication skills that foster responsible sexual decisions are known to have the potential to reduce the risky adolescent sexual behavior. It is well understood that maternal communication is a key element in modifying the adolescent sexual behavior. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore if Puerto Rican mothers of adolescent girls have conversations about sexuality with their daughters and the content of such conversations. METHODS: A total of 22 HIV-seropositive mothers and 22 HIV-seronegative mothers were enrolled. Six focus groups were conducted, sessions were transcribed ad-verbum and coded for specific topics. All qualitative analysis was incorporated into Atlas.ti. RESULTS: Participants in both groups had a similar average age (mean=41 years old); but, the HIV-seropositive mothers were more likely single, less educated and unemployed. Regarding having engaged in conversations about sexuality and the topics covered, however, there were no differences revealed among HIV-seropositive mothers and seronegative mothers. In both groups, mothers understood the importance of these conversations, but most said they were difficult and uncomfortable. CONCLUSION: These findings reinforce the importance of communication between mothers and daughters for the prevention of STIs, HIV/AIDS, and teenage pregnancy in minority populations.Interventions are needed for mother and daughter to improve communication skills, communication about sexuality, and addressing prevention.

[Achondroplasia: a pilot study on the psychosocial and medical features of a sample in Puerto Rico]. / Acondroplasia: Un Estudio Pionero Sobre Las Características Psicosociales Y Médicas De Una Muestra En Puerto Rico.

This study explores the psychological wellbeing of twenty-two (n = 22) adults with achondroplasia. The sample was composed of seven (n = 7) males and fifteen (n = 15) females between the ages of 21 and 75 (mean age = 39.6). Each individual completed four self-administered questionnaires: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-l), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), and Derogatis Symptom Check-list-90-Revisited (SCL-90-R). They also filled out a socio-demographic questionnaire. We found that 31.8% of the sample reported at least one comorbid condition such as, hypertension, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, scoliosis, thyroid problems, neuropathy, psoriasis, gastritis and/or sleep apnea; 32% reported mild to severe depressive symp- toms; 55% reported mild to severe symptoms associated to anxiety and 18% reported mild to severe symptoms associated with hopelessness; 22.7% reported mild to severe symptoms in at least one of the sub-scales in Derogatis Symptom Checklist-90-Revisited (SCL-90-R) particularly the obsessive-compulsive, paranoid and depressive subscales. Chi Square correlations (X2) were made to observe if there was interdependence between the socio-demographic variables and the administered tests. In general, no significant correlations were found between BDI-Il, BAI, BHS, SCL-90-R and civil status, gender, income and age. However, a significant correlation was found between age and the somatization sub-scale of the SCL-90-R (rs = 0.510, p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that this particular sample is at risk for developing psycho-medical conditions. There is a marked lack of research in Puerto Rico associated to achondroplasia. The development of preventive and cultural sensitive interventions is suggested in order to protect and treat individuals with the condition.

Mothers of adolescent girls: comparing HIV positive and HIV negative women.

BACKGROUND: HIV+ mothers of adolescent girls can serve as agents of change, particularly when it comes to preventing patterns of behaviors that are inherently dangerous. In order to do so these women need to be able to communicate with their daughters and educate them about risk behaviors, especially those associated with HIV acquisition. The objective is to describe the sociodemographic and risk profile in a sample of mothers of adolescent girls who are HIV+ or HIV negative and analyze differences between them. METHODS: A convenience sample was recruited from three sites, the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, the UPR School of Medicine, and the Ponce School of Medicine. Six focus groups, two in each institution, were conducted following Krueger's methodology with the objective of developing an educational intervention for mothers of adolescent girls. All participants completed two self-administered questionnaires prior to the focus group. A data analysis was performed--descriptive statistics for the sociodemographic measures included frequencies, percents, mean and SD. We used t test and the Fisher's exact test to analyze differences between groups. RESULTS: A total of 44 participants were enrolled, with 50% being HIV positive mothers and 50% being HIV negative mothers. The mean age for both groups was similar (41 years). Statistically significant differences (P < .05) were observed among HIV diagnosis and for the following variables: education, working status, income, marital status, age at first intercourse, and illicit drug use. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that the sociodemographic characteristics of HIV+ women affect their parenting and communication skills. The same factors that may have led to these women being infected by HIV in the first place might in addition be compromising their roles as effective parents.

Recruitment of HIV positive and negative women in Puerto Rico: the experiences of a research team.

BACKGROUND: Women with HIV positive status are considered a hard to reach population by many. We discuss the experiences of a research team while conducting the recruiting process with both Hispanic Puerto Rican HIV positive and HIV negative populations. OBJECTIVE: To provide strategies and recommendations for conducting research interventions with HIV+ and HIV- women. METHODS: This study explored the communication skills between HIV+ and HIV-mothers and their adolescent daughters regarding disclosure of their status, and the discussion, or lack of, on topics related to sexuality and prevention of HIV/AIDS. This study explored the recruitment, retention and intervention processes of a qualitative research study that used focus groups to understand the communication skills between HIV+ and HIV-mothers and their adolecent daughters regarding disclosure of their status, and the discussion, or lack of, on topics related to sexuality and prevention of HIV/AIDS. The goal of this team was to describe the diverse factors and dynamics that influence the process of recruitment and retention when conducting research. RESULTS: The process of recruitment entails not only the action but the planning of the interventions with both the community and the participants. Minority women and the HIV positive population have many difficulties complying with study procedures such as attendance and transportation, among other issues. We describe the importance of constant communication with the centers' coordinators and prospective participants about the process of planning and recruiting. CONCLUSIONS: The significance of flexibility within the research team and recognizing the particular characteristics of conducting research with minorities and women with and without HIV+ status should be emphasized. Researchers should recognize that many of the HIV+ women have been exposed to previous studies. In addition, the general population should be informed about the importance of participating in research studies.