Revisando el uso de grupos focalizados en la investigación social

Las reflexiones metodológicas sobre grupos focalizados (GF) de este artículo tienen como punto de partida una investigación con sectores medios del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. El estudio de referencia aborda los discursos y prácticas de cuidado de la salud en el escenario contemporáneo caracterizado por la diversificación de especialistas, la creciente cobertura mediática de recomendaciones sobre la vida sana y el bienestar, la implementación de políticas públicas de promoción de la salud, y el crecimiento de la industria de productos y servicios vinculados con la temática. El objetivo del artículo es reflexionar, a partir de nuestra experiencia de investigación, sobre dos aspectos que han recibido especial atención en la literatura metodológica más reciente: los criterios para componer los grupos y sus consecuencias para la dinámica de las conversaciones grupales, y las estrategias para dar cuenta de la interacción grupal en el análisis de los datos. En este último eje exploramos el potencial de los GF para observar el trabajo identitario vinculado con el cuidado de la salud. Enmarcamos nuestro estudio y las decisiones metodológicas tomadas en los debates actuales sobre la variedad de usos de los GF.

Iniciativa de Fomento de MOOC para el Desarrollo Un estudio del uso de MOOC para el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral y profesional en Colombia, Filipinas y Sudáfrica

El potencial del aprendizaje en línea proporciona desde hace mucho tiempo la esperanza de ofrecer educación de calidad a cualquier persona, en cualquier parte del mundo. El reciente desarrollo de cursos en línea masivos abiertos (MOOC, por sus siglas en inglés) representa un nuevo y emocionante avance, al ofrecer el desarrollo de habilidades profesionales y de enseñanza en los más altos niveles académicos a cualquier persona con los suficientes recursos mínimos para acceder a Internet. La investigación en la Iniciativa de Fomento de MOOC para el Desarrollo se diseñó para analizar el panorama de los MOOC en los países en vías de desarrollo y para comprender mejor las motivaciones de los usuarios de MOOC y proporcionar reflexiones sobre las ventajas y limitaciones de MOOC para los resultados de desarrollo de la fuerza laboral. Los hallazgos clave de este estudio desafían las creencias comunes sobre el uso de MOOC en los países en desarrollo, desafiando las caracterizaciones típicas de cómo las personas en los entornos con recursos limitados utilizan la tecnología para el aprendizaje y el empleo. De hecho, algunos de los hallazgos son tan contrarios a lo que se ha informado en los EE.UU. y otros entornos desarrollados que plantean nuevas preguntas para futuras investigaciones.

Iniciativa de Fomento de MOOC para el Desarrollo Un estudio del uso de MOOC para el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral y profesional en Colombia, Filipinas y Sudáfrica

El potencial del aprendizaje en línea proporciona desde hace mucho tiempo la esperanza de ofrecer educación de calidad a cualquier persona, en cualquier parte del mundo. El reciente desarrollo de cursos en línea masivos abiertos (MOOC, por sus siglas en inglés) representa un nuevo y emocionante avance, al ofrecer el desarrollo de habilidades profesionales y de enseñanza en los más altos niveles académicos a cualquier persona con los suficientes recursos mínimos para acceder a Internet. La investigación en la Iniciativa de Fomento de MOOC para el Desarrollo se diseñó para analizar el panorama de los MOOC en los países en vías de desarrollo y para comprender mejor las motivaciones de los usuarios de MOOC y proporcionar reflexiones sobre las ventajas y limitaciones de MOOC para los resultados de desarrollo de la fuerza laboral. Los hallazgos clave de este estudio desafían las creencias comunes sobre el uso de MOOC en los países en desarrollo, desafiando las caracterizaciones típicas de cómo las personas en los entornos con recursos limitados utilizan la tecnología para el aprendizaje y el empleo. De hecho, algunos de los hallazgos son tan contrarios a lo que se ha informado en los EE.UU. y otros entornos desarrollados que plantean nuevas preguntas para futuras investigaciones.

Iniciativa de Fomento de MOOC para el Desarrollo - Un estudio del uso de MOOC para el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral y profesional en Colombia, Filipinas y Sudáfrica

El aprendizaje en línea proporciona desde hace mucho tiempo, la esperanza de acceder a educación de calidad a cualquier persona, en cualquier parte del mundo. El reciente desarrollo de cursos en línea masivos abiertos (MOOC, por sus siglas en inglés) representa un nuevo y emocionante avance en este sentido, al ofrecer el desarrollo de habilidades profesionales y de enseñanza en los más altos niveles académicos. Hoy en día, cualquier persona con los recursos mínimos para acceder a Internet podría tomar un MOOC, a menudo de forma gratuita, impartidos por las principales universidades del mundo. En enero de 2015, se puso en marcha la Iniciativa de Fomento de MOOC para el Desarrollo (AMDI, por sus siglas en inglés) financiada por la Agencia de los Estados Unidos para el Desarrollo Internacional (USAID), en asociación con IREX, el programa TASCHA (Grupo de Tecnología y Cambio Social) de la universidad de Washington y CourseTalk. Los objetivos de la Iniciativa fueron tres: (1) Recopilar datos sobre el uso de cursos en línea masivos abiertos (MOOC) en países en desarrollo para comprender con mayor profundidad su potencial para mejorar las oportunidades de empleo; (2) Concientizar sobre MOOC a dirigentes políticos, empresarios y al público en general; y (3) Determinar los factores que podrían conducir a un mayor uso de MOOC y a tasas más elevadas de finalización de cursos en línea.

Padronização de testes para avaliação do estado de mania e potencial anti-maníaco de um agonista do receptor NOP

Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood impairment, alternating between mania/hypomania and depression, and its exact pathophysiology is already unknown. The treatment of bipolar disorder is based on prevention of the manic and depressive episodes using mood stabilizers. Nociceptin/orfanin FQ (N/OFQ) is an endogenous heptadecapeptide which binds as an agonist to NOP receptor, which is a G-coupled inhibitory receptor. N/OFQ and its receptor modulate a lot of functions in the organism, including emotional processes. It is known that the plasmatic concentration of N/OFQ is altered in patients in both phases depressive and manic of bipolar disorder and it is assumed that this system has a role on the etiology of this disorder. Concerning mania, the animal models used in research tend to focus in an unique aspect of the manic behavior, as hyperactivity or agressivity. In the 60’s, the hole board test was proposed, and it consists of an apparatus with holes where a behavior known as head-dippings is measured. High levels of head-dippings are suggestive of neophilia, while low levels can be characteristic of an anxious-like behavior. As the increase of exploratory and goal-directed behavior are characteristics of manic behavior, this test could help in mania research. Thus, this work was organized in 3 steps and aims to: (1) investigate the induction of a manic-like state promoted by ouabain, a Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor, in the mouse open field test; (2) set up the hole board as a test to measure manic-like behaviors; and (3) investigate the N/OFQ effects in prevention of this kind of behavior on hole board. Male Swiss mice were used in this study, and they take part of only one of the described steps. Depending on the step performed, mice received one or more of the following treatments: (1) ouabain 10-6 , 10-5 , 10-4 , 10-3 or 10-2 M, intracerebroventricular (icv); (2) sodium valproate 300 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (ip); (3) sodium valproate 400 mg/kg, ip; (4) diazepam 1 mg/kg, ip; (5) methylphenidate 10 mg/kg, ip; and (6) N/OFQ 0,1 or 1 nmol, icv. The results suggest that hole board can be used to evaluate a manic state, through analysis of different animal behaviors. However, it was not possible to standard the model of Na+ /K+ -ATPase dysfunction through ouabain administration in mice. Moreover, the data suggest that N/OFQ, at the doses tested, has not affected the methylphenidate-induced mania-like behavior. Taken together, the results point to a new approach of manic research, through the hole board using. However, more studies are necessary in order to verify the role of N/OFQ system on bipolar disorder.

Efeitos de fungicidas alternativos em folhas de Carthamus tinctorius L. (Asteraceae), potencial espécie para cultivo em agricultura familiar

The currently main development model on global society is driven by an economic rationality that endangers the environment and social justice. More and more, attention to this way of production and consumption is increasing, boosting research for sustainable development, with an environmental rationality that can harmonize nature preservation and welfare of all socioeconomic classes. One of the efforts on this sense is changing the sources supplying the energy demand, replacing fossil fuels for renewable and cleaner sources, such as biofuels. Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) is an oilseed crop with potential for biodiesel production, with good oil yield and chemical profile, allied to good adaptation to climates such like the northeastern semiarid lands of Brazil. With public policies fomentation, the use of this species may be an interesting alternative for family farming. In farming in general, the use of pesticides to prevent and combat diseases and plagues is common, which is not a sustainable practice. Thus, there are researched alternative, less dangerous substances. In this study, it was aimed to assess if neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract (20% m/v) and Bordeaux mixture (copper sulfate) have effects on safflower. It was also aimed to verify acceptance of farmers on safflower crop in Apodi, a municipality in Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil, in view of it being localized in the aimed region for this crop cultivation. Besides that, understanding that the farmers’ knowledge and inclination to adopt the crop is fundamental for the introduction of this species and socioeconomic growth due to its exploration. In addition, a booklet with basic information on safflower was produced. In the field experiment, the fungicides were pulverized on plants cultivated in field experimental plots, with collection of leaf samples for analysis on anatomy, cuticle, and epicuticular wax morphology, the protective layer that interfaces with the surrounding ambient. In Apodi, forty-five farmers from Potiguar Cooperative of Apiculture and Sustainable Rural Development (COOPAPI) underwent semi-structured interviews, which also addressed their assessment on currently cultivated crops and perception of pesticide uses and sustainable alternatives. After comparing using analysis of variance, it was found that there was no difference between treatments in the experiment, as well as no anatomical or morphological modifications. Safflower acceptation among farmers was wide, with 84% of interviewees believing in a perspective of good incomes. The current scenario, comprised of low crop diversity, fragile in face of droughts and plagues, can partially explain this opinion. The booklet was effective in catching people attention for the species potential. There was wide acknowledgement on the importance of alternative pesticides, justified by health security. Based on the assessed parameter in the results of this research, the treatments here utilized may be recommended as fungicides for safflower. Given the crop susceptibility to fungi in heavy rainy period, it is advised that its potential introduction on the region shall be focused on semiarid areas.

Reservatório Tabatinga (Macaíba-RN): qualidade ambiental, conflitos e uso

The reservoirs are water sources built along the fluvial basins, between rivers and dams made by concrete or earth. In Brazil they are built for different purposes, standing out the generation of energy (hydroelectric power station), flowing regulation, water reserves and flooding control, therefore they have played and still play an important role in the modern society.In the Northeastern semiarid region, they are typically used to supply cities and as a source of food.In the state of Rio Grande do Norte, the large reservoirs are intended for the same purpose.The cities settled in the riverbanks, or which have river channels crossing them, face flooding related problems. In the city of Macaíba-RN, flooding occurred systematically during the rainy season, causing great inconvenience to the local population.As product of the collective claim Tabatinga Reservoir in Jundiaí river was built, upstream of the city. Facing this background, this thesis aimed to assess the sócio-environmental quality of this reservoir.To achieve this goal, methodologies pointed to assess water quality along with the aplication of a questionnaire were used aimed to verify the quality of water and to know the perception of the residents from urban and rural área settled near to the reservoir was performed. The results showed the existence of conflicts of residents of rural communities and the presence of the reservoir, while for the city's population, the reservoir is considered not only the right solution to solve flooding in urban areas, but also as economic source for the rural population. Considering the water source assessment, this study concluded that the Tabatinga Reservoir is unfit for human use, due to the presence of metals of toxicological significance with the potential to elicit damage to the genetic material of individuals that use water from this reservoir, leading to cause serious risks to health population.

Polpa de jambolão (Eugenia jambolana Lam.) fresca e desidratada: características físico-químicas, bioativas e funcionais, efeitos biológicos em Caenorhabditis elegans e uso para produção de frozen yogurt caprino probiótico

This work evaluated the fresh, spray dried (with 10 % of Arabic Gum) and freeze dried jambolan pulp (Eugenia jambolana Lam.) in regard to physicochemical (pH, moisture, water activity, average particle diameter, solubility and color), bioactive [total phenolic content (TPC), monomeric anthocyanin, pronathocyanidin (PA), total elagic acid (TEA), myricetin and cyanidin] and in vitro functionality (antioxidant, antienzymatic and antimicrobial activities]. In addition, the in vivo functionality of jambolan pulp was investigated using the Caenorhabditis elegans model for insulin signaling, longevity and induced neurodegeneration (Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease related symptoms). The dried jambolan pulp presented TPC retention (50% to 75%), PA (90% to 98%), TEA (31% to 83%), myricetin (40% to 84%), cyanidin (72% to 84%) and antioxidant activity (15%). The fresh jambolan pulp, the freeze dried pulp and the spray dried jambolan pulp presented high enzymatic inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase (4,4 to 5,8 mg/mL), alpha-glycosidase (10,3 to 13,8 mg/mL) and alpha-amylase (8,9 to 11,2 mg/mL). They also were active inhibitors against the pathogen S. aureus. The dried jambolan experimental samples were able to increase the expression of several genes linked to the insulin signaling pathways (SIR-2.1, PPTR-1, DAF-16, SOD-3, e CTL) and increased the lifespan in C. elegans (18,07 % - 24,34 %), besides decreasing the amyloid AB1-42 aggregation induced paralysis and MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium) induced neurodegeneration. Based on that, the jambolan pulp and the spray dried jambolan pulp were further selected for the production of caprine frozen yogurt with the addition of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BI-07. The final product were evaluated in regard to their physicochemical (pH, acidity, total solids, protein, total reducing sugars, fat, ashes, overrun, melting test), bioactive (TPC and monomeric anthocyanin, antioxidant activity, probiotic viability and sensory analysis (sensory acceptance). The results showed that samples with probiotic had lowest pH and higher acidity, TPC, anthocyanin and antioxidant activity. It was also observed low overrun (14.2% to 22.6%). vi Samples with probiotic had lower flavor scores. Overall, this research presents the jambolan as a highly functional bioactive-rich fruit with the potential to modulate important biological pathways, extend lifespan and retard the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Jambolan is an underexploited exotic fruit with a high colorant potential and this thesis shows for the first time in the literature important technological, biological and scientific data about this fruit that could be used towards the development of health-oriented food products.

Spondias tuberosa Arr. (UMBU): estudo fitoquímico e avaliação do potencial anti-inflamatório

Spondias tuberosa Arruda (Anacardiaceae) is a fruitful tree popularly known as umbuzeiro, tapereba or umbu. It is a native and endemic species from Brazil, widespread in Brazilian Northeast. The species is important in folk medicine of the semi-arid Northeast, where it is mainly used to treat various inflammatory conditions, digestive problems as well as viral and bacterial infections. However, despite the common use in folk medicine, there are scarce pharmacological and phytochemicals studies that afford scientific evidence to its popular use. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the chemical markers in S. tuberosa leaves extract, obtained by maceration ethanol:water (70:30, [v/v]), and evaluate its anti-inflammatory potential in vivo. The phytochemical profile in TLC analysis suggested the occurence of the flavonoids rutin and isoquercitrin. HPLC analysis enabled us to confirm the presence of flavonoids and also, were detected the phenolic acids, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. In addition was developed and validated a HPLC method to evaluate the content of the identified compounds in S. tuberosa leaves extract according to RDC 899/2003 of ANVISA and ICH Guidelines 2005. In order to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of S. tuberosa leaves extract, the peritonitis and paw edema models induced by carrageenan were used, administration i.p. in mice. The results highlighted the anti-inflammatory property in vivo at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg since a decrease in leukocyte influx to the site of inflammation, diameter of the edema and the level of myeloperoxidase were observed when compared to the drug control dexamethasone (2 mg/kg, i.p. route). Taken together, the results pointed out S. tuberosa as a potential species for developing phytotherapic derivatives in according to its popular use. With regard to the characterization markers, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin and isoquercitrin were identified and quantified in Spondias tuberosa leaves extract so they could be used in quality control analyses of the raw material and extracts of this species.

Uso do índice de pobreza hídrica (WPI) através da análise de componentes principais

To contribute in the performance of policies and strategies formulated by development agencies, indexes have been created in anticipation of expressing the multiple dimensions of water resources in an easily interpretable form. Use of Hydro Poverty Index ( WPI) is spreading worldwide , with the same formed by the combination of sub - indices Resource, access, capacity , use and environment. S ome critics a s to its formation have emerged, a mong them stands out the allo cation of weights of sub - indexes , made by an arbitrary process attributing subjectivity to the selection criteria. By involving statistical analysis, when considering the characteristics of the variables generated by the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), it turns out that it is able to solve this problem. The objective of this study is to compare the results of the original WPI with content generated by Principal Com ponent Analysis (PCA) for the indicati on of the weights of sub - indec es applicable in the Seridó River hydrographic Basin . We conclude that the use of Principal Component Analysis in the allocation of weights of Water Poverty Index has identified the sub - indices Resources, Access and Environment are the most representative for the river basin Seridó , and that this new index, WPI' , presented the most comprehensive ranges of values , allowing more easily identify disparities among municipalities. In addition, t he evaluation of the sub - indec es in the study area has great potential to inform the decision - maker in the management of water resources, the most critical locations and deserve greater investments in the aspects analyzed, as the index itself can not cap ture this information.

Desenvolvimento biotecnológico de uma emulsão de uso tópico a base de óleo de rã-touro Rana catesbeiana Shaw

The skin is one of the largest organs of the human body and accounts for about 16% of body weight. The body protection against the external environment microorganisms is one of its most important functions, however is necessary that the skin remain intact for this function be exercised, so that when there is an injury on the skin, the process of restructuring needs to be starts, however this restructuration may also be compromised due to some diseases, justifying even more the need for the development of topical products that promote or accelerate the skin healing. Thus the aim of this study was to extract bullfrog oil and to develop a suitable topical emulsion. Two different oil samples were extracted by hot or organic solvent process. Titration techniques and gas chromatography- mass spectrometry were used to characterize the bullfrog oil. The required hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLBr) of bullfrog oil was determined and a pseudo-ternary phase diagram was constructed. The stability of the topical emulsion was evaluated. Then, cellular viability was determined by MTT assay using normal fibroblasts (3T3) and melanoma (B16F10) cells lines. The hot extraction yield was 60.6%. The major polyunsaturated compounds found were Eicosapentaenoic acid (17.6%) and Arachidonic acid (8.4%). HLBr study demonstrated the presence of stable systems with HLB ranging from 12.1 to 13.5 and the pseudo-ternary phase diagram showed mainly emulsion systems (62%). Topical emulsion showed 390 nm, polydispersity 0.05, zeta potential -25 mV and remained stable for ninety days. The bullfrog oil and topical emulsion did not showed citotoxicity in normal fibroblasts cells. However, these systems showed significantly inhibition of melanoma cells growth. In conclusion, the bullfrog oil presented desirable chemical characteristics required to be used for the development of a pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

Indicadores e fatores preditivos de uso abusivo de álcool em adultos jovens

The abusive use of alcohol is closely related to dependence and to social and work damages. The main focus of this thesis is to create an instrument about alcohol abuse, in order to differentiate the degree of commitment of the symptomatology, considering its psychosocial factors of prediction. As specific goals: I) characterize the state of the art about assessment related to the abuse and dependence to alcohol; II) investigate and systematize aspects related to the predictive psychosocial factors for alcohol dependence; III) build an instrument for the assessment of alcohol abuse and protection and risk factors for the development of an alcohol dependence; and IV) verify validity evidence of the instrument built for the Brazilian population. In Study I, it was possible to observe the prevalence of articles related to the use of alcohol in a problematic way, without a classification dependence, it is lower than the one of articles that investigate the disease when it is already manifested, not to mention a few systematic studies about the theme of alcohol abuse in the scientific environment. In Study II, focus groups (FGs) were conducted, the analysis about the discourses of the focus groups were made through the ALCESTE software and it was possible to observe a response pattern that existed among the participants in different groups, with the generation of five classes. In Study III, we developed an instrument that contemplated aspects of the Alcohol Dependence Syndrome of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III, in addition to the characteristics defined in Study I and in Study II. The final version of the instrument had 59 items assessed through the likert scale of five points. In Study IV, the administration of the instrument was performed in an online format with university students ranging from 18 to 24 years old, residents in Brazilian metropolitan cities. The results evidenced that the internal consistency of the instrument is considered satisfactory (α = 0,882) and in what it refers to classes, the most significant data was the one related to financial loss and criteria for the diagnosis of alcohol abuse. It is important to consider the evaluative potential of risk and protective factors for the development of alcohol dependence of the instrument as a whole. Once the indicators of abuse and the profile of the abusers has been modified, the patient may have his/her treatment/intervention focused on the trouble and/or specific syndrome, thus having a clear and fast improvement.

Os impactos na qualidade da água e do solo de um manancial tropical do semiárido devido ao uso e ocupação e evento de seca extrema

Human activities alter soil features, causing the deterioration of its quality. Land use and occupation in drainage basins of water supply reservoirs can change the environmental soil quality and, thus, lead to the expansion of the soil potential of being a diffuse pollution source. In the Brazilian semiarid region, the soils are generally shallow with high susceptibility to erosion, favoring the sediment and nutrients input into the superficial waterbodies, contributing to the eutrophication process. Moreover, this region has high temperatures and high evapotranspiration rates, that are generally higher than the precipitation rates, causing a negative hydric balance and big volume losses by evaporation. The water volume reduction increases the nutrients’ concentration and, therefore, exacerbates the eutrophication process, deteriorating the water quality. Thereby, we hypothesized that the eutrophication process of semiarid reservoirs is intensified both by the extreme climatic events of prolonged drought, and by the diffuse pollution due to the basin land use and occupation. The study aimed to test whether the land use and occupation activities of the basin and the severe drought events intensify the eutrophication process of a semiarid tropical reservoir. To verify the influence of human activities carried out in the water supply of drainage basin on the soil quality and the eutrophication process, we conducted the mapping of the kind of use and occupation, as well the calculation of erosion for each activity and the soil quality evaluation of the riparian zone and water quality of the water supply. For the water analyses, the samplings were carried out monthly in the deeper point, near dam. For the soil, deformed composite samples were taken for the physical and chemical attributes analysis, according to the identified land use and occupation classes. The results showed that extreme droughts drastically reduces the water volume and elevates the nutrients concentration, contributing, thus, to a bigger degradation of water quality. Furthermore, we verified that human activities in the drainage basin promote the diffuse pollution, by increasing the soil susceptibility to erosion and nutrients contents. Summarizing, our results support the investigated hypothesis that activities of land use and occupation and extreme drought generate a combined effect that provide the intensification of eutrophication process of semiarid reservoirs.

Estudo de tensoativos na organofilização de argila bentonítica para uso em fluido de perfuração à base de óleo

Due to the great challenges encountered in drilling wells, there is a need to develop fluids with appropriated properties and able to meet all the requirements of drilling operations. The physicochemical and rheological properties must be carefully controlled so that a fluid can exercise all its functions. In perforations sensitive to contact with water and "offshore", it becomes necessary the use of oil based drilling fluids, but the bentonite clay cannot be used without a previous surface modification so that their surfaces become hydrophobic. Lately, the oil companies in Brazil use imported organoclays in the preparation of oil-based drilling fluids. The study aimed to modify a calcium clay to increase the affinity of the same organic phase of oil-based drilling fluids, applying three surfactants (OCS, CTAB and UTM 150) at different concentrations. The results indicated that the surfactants UTM 150 and CTAB showed better results compared to OCS. Considering the type of surfactant and concentration as variables used in the statistical analysis, the results indicated that only the surface tension and concentration of calcium oxide in response to organophilization process showed statistically significant effects. The organophilizated clay has potential for application in oil-based drilling fluids.

Revisando el uso de grupos focalizados en la investigación social

Las reflexiones metodológicas sobre grupos focalizados (GF) de este artículo tienen como punto de partida una investigación con sectores medios del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. El estudio de referencia aborda los discursos y prácticas de cuidado de la salud en el escenario contemporáneo caracterizado por la diversificación de especialistas, la creciente cobertura mediática de recomendaciones sobre la vida sana y el bienestar, la implementación de políticas públicas de promoción de la salud, y el crecimiento de la industria de productos y servicios vinculados con la temática. El objetivo del artículo es reflexionar, a partir de nuestra experiencia de investigación, sobre dos aspectos que han recibido especial atención en la literatura metodológica más reciente: los criterios para componer los grupos y sus consecuencias para la dinámica de las conversaciones grupales, y las estrategias para dar cuenta de la interacción grupal en el análisis de los datos. En este último eje exploramos el potencial de los GF para observar el trabajo identitario vinculado con el cuidado de la salud. Enmarcamos nuestro estudio y las decisiones metodológicas tomadas en los debates actuales sobre la variedad de usos de los GF.