Roberto Torres-Zeno, PhD, Ralph Rivera-Gutiérrez, PhD, José Conde, MD, Ruth Rios, PhD, Jose Capriles, MD, MHSA, Mario H. Rodriguez, PhD, MPH, Carmen Albizu-Garcia, MD, Heriberto A. Marin, PhD, Angela Pattatucci, PhD, and Roberto Ramirez, PhD. University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, Puerto Rico Health Services Research Institute, PO Box 365067, U.P.R. Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, 787-758-2525 Ext. 1488, retorres@rcm.upr.edu

Health disparities exist between Puerto Ricans and other Latino and Non-Latino subgroups, and among Puerto Rican subgroups. Puerto Ricans living in the island experience health problems and issues of great concern from a public health standpoint. Chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease as well as infectious conditions are exacerbated by environmental, structural, sociopolitical and economic factors. In addition, the impact of health care reform interventions implemented in the island since 1993 has not been scientifically studied and is, therefore, unknown. The nature and magnitude of these health disparities and problems in regard to the health care delivery system are not well understood and must be scientifically studied to illuminate health policy decision-making processes. This poster presents the findings of a health needs assessment based on secondary data sources and expert opinion on Puerto Ricans living in the island, which served as the foundation for the creation of a research infrastructure program to advance health services research. The infrastructure supports research projects on three priority pediatric topic areas: asthma, mental health and infant mortality. The poster also describes the objectives, organizational design and implementation aspects of the research support infrastructure model.

Learning Objectives:

• Know and understand the demographic profile of Puerto Ricans in the island in relation to their most important public health concerns.
• Identify and discuss the top five health services delivery system issues affecting Puerto Ricans in the island in comparison to Puerto Ricans living in U.S.
• Know the objectives, organizational design and implementation aspects of the research infrastructure model implemented since October, 2003 at the University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health.

Keywords: Health Disparities, Child/Adolescent

Related Web page: rcmi.rcm.upr.edu

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.