It's More Than Language: Cultural Adaptation of a Proven Dementia Care Intervention for Hispanic/Latino Caregivers

Lauren J. Parker, Katherine A. Marx, Manka Nkimbeng, Elma Johnson, Sokha Koeuth, Joseph E. Gaugler, Laura N. Gitlin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Although Hispanic/Latino older adults are at disproportionate and increased risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, few evidence-based supportive care interventions are specifically developed for or adapted for this population. Adapting a supportive care intervention requires more than Spanish language translation; it necessitates an understanding of cultural nuances and care preferences of Hispanic/Latino families and staff who implement the intervention. This article describes the cultural adaptation of the Adult Day Service Plus intervention for delivery by staff to Hispanic/Latino caregivers, which was guided by the cultural adaptation process model. Also, using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced, we discuss (a) when modifications were made, (b) who determined the modifications needed, (c) what aspects of the intervention were modified, (d) the relationship to fidelity and how fidelity was maintained, and (e) reasons for modifications. Modifications to the delivery and content were changed to reflect the values and norms of both the Hispanic/Latino staff and the caregivers they serve. As supportive interventions for caregivers are developed and implemented into real-world settings, inclusion of cultural elements may enhance research participation among Hispanic/Latino provider sites, people living with dementia, and their caregivers. Cultural adaptation is an essential consideration when developing, adapting, and implementing previously tested evidence-based interventions. Cultural adaptation offers an important lens by which to identify contextual factors that influence successful adoption to assure equity in the reach of evidence-based programs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)558-567
Number of pages10
JournalThe Gerontologist
Volume63
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 21 2023

Keywords

  • Caregiving
  • Cultural adaptations
  • Dementia
  • Implementation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Gerontology

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