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Factors Influencing Self-Reported Health in Puerto Rican Populations: A Systematic Review
1Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Lowell Lowell Massachusetts USA.
Health Science Reports
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Self-reported health in Puerto Rican populations is linked to chronic diseases, socioeconomic factors, and nativity. Addressing these disparities requires culturally sensitive research and care improvements.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Disparities Research
- Sociomedical Sciences
Background:
- Puerto Ricans face significant chronic disease burdens and healthcare access barriers.
- Self-reported health (SRH) is a key indicator of health status but its determinants in this population are not well understood.
- Existing research often overlooks unique factors affecting Puerto Rican health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize factors associated with self-reported health in Puerto Rican populations.
- To identify determinants of SRH in both mainland US and island settings.
- To inform future research and interventions for improving Puerto Rican health.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched nine databases for studies on Puerto Ricans and SRH from 1996-2026.
- Included 33 studies reporting empirical data, analyzed using qualitative synthesis and the Health Belief Model.
Main Results:
- Chronic diseases, functional limitations, depressive symptoms, and allostatic load were linked to poorer SRH.
- Socioeconomic disadvantage, discrimination, and provider knowledge gaps also impacted health perceptions.
- Acculturation and nativity (island birth) influenced SRH reporting and indicated persistent health disadvantages.
Conclusions:
- Poor SRH in Puerto Ricans results from interconnected factors including chronic disease, socioeconomic status, and nativity.
- Need for disaggregated data, culturally validated measures, and longitudinal studies.
- Improving provider education on Puerto Rican health contexts is crucial for better care.
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